"Development Director"

St Hugh’s is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, and the second-largest college in the University by student numbers, with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and widening access. The College supports a diverse and active academic environment across a wide range of disciplines, bringing together students, academic staff and professional services colleagues in support of its core academic mission. Situated on a beautiful site near the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, the College is made up of 70 academics, 130 professional services staff and 900 students. The College offers a unique and vibrant environment in which to work.

As the College looks ahead to celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2036, we are seeking an exceptional Development Director to play an important role in the College’s future. This is a pivotal role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College’s fundraising activity, and for building deep, last relationships with alumni, supporters and friends of the College. Working in close collaboration with Fellows and colleagues across St Hugh’s, they will shape and deliver an ambitious new fundraising campaign to be launched ahead of the College’s 150th anniversary.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising. The Development Director will cultivate and secure principal gifts and steward key donors. They will lead the Development Office, developing and motivating a small, highly capable team of five. Reporting to the Principal, the postholder will be put forward to the College’s Governing Body for election as a Fellow by Resolution, reflecting the importance of close relationships between the Development Director and the Fellowship as a whole.

We are looking for an outstanding collegial individual, with a successful track-record of setting and delivering ambitious fundraising targets and personally securing principal gifts. Experience of leading or contributing to a major capital campaign would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and diplomat, with natural influencing skills, who will be able to engage effectively with all College members, including Fellows and alumni. They will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, respect the traditions of the College, and combine this with a forward-thinking approach. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support that will sustain the College’s academic mission for future generations.

To apply for this vacancy, please send a covering letter and CV to sthughsdev@minervasearch.com.

The closing date for this role is midday on 24th March 2026.

See more information here: https://www.minervasearch.com/current-opportunities/sthughsdev/