Director of Development

St John's College, Oxford
OX1 3JP
c.£100,000 per annum
Hackney

Founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, St John’s College, Oxford is one of the University’s largest and most intellectually wide-ranging colleges, with a long tradition of academic excellence across the humanities, sciences and social sciences. The College teaches one of the broadest ranges of subjects in Oxford, with more than 30 disciplines currently represented, and remains deeply committed to sustaining this breadth as a core strength.

Academically ambitious, financially strong and outward-looking, St John’s benefits from a significant endowment and long-term stability. This enables the College to focus not on short-term financial pressures, but on thoughtful investment in excellence: in teaching, research, access and people. Particular priority is given to supporting early-career academics and graduate students, maintaining strength in the arts and humanities alongside scientific disciplines, and ensuring that talent can flourish regardless of background.

THE ROLE

This is a pivotal moment for St John’s College. The appointment of a new Director of Development coincides with the development and launch of a new strategic plan and the College’s ambition to embark on a step-change in its philanthropic activity, including a £100m fundraising campaign.

Historically, St John’s has not relied heavily on fundraising. The College has operated in a stable cost environment and has not previously built a fully developed, professionalised development and alumni relations function. That context makes this opportunity distinctive: the incoming Director is not simply being asked to run a campaign, but to build a modern development and alumni relations operation that reflects the College’s values, scale and ambitions.

At the heart of this opportunity is a clear philosophical shift. Fundraising at St John’s is not conceived as transactional or purely financial. The College’s leadership is explicit that philanthropy should flow from belonging, allegiance and engagement. Alumni are seen first as members of a lifelong community – individuals whose networks, mentoring, advocacy and intellectual connection to the College matter as much as their financial support.

INFORMATION

Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.

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Timeline

Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026

Preliminary interviews: Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th March 2026

First stage Final Panel interviews: Friday 13th March 2026

Second stage Final Panel interviews: Tuesday 17th March 2026

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than two sides).
  • A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Apply