Development Officer - Major Gifts

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team at Kingston University plays a vital role in delivering the ambitions of Kingston University. Major gifts are central to successfully delivering the fundraising growth strategy at Kingston University.  We are an ambitious team and we have seen significant success in major gift fundraising over the last several years. 

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, the Development Officer (Major Gifts) is a crucial role in the pipeline development of major gift fundraising. The postholder sits within in the major gifts team but also links into the work undertaken by the individual giving team to cultivate and upgrade high end regular donors. 

Managing a mid-level portfolio of prospective donors, this role will personally solicit and secure gifts at the four and five figure level as well as support the pipeline of UHNV prospects to make transformative gifts. This role is integral in the development of major gift strategy, supporting the major gift team with cultivation and solicitation events and initiatives and assisting with the production of fundraising collateral.

The post holder will have a creative approach to spot or manufacture opportunities, be passionate about the impact of higher education, and have demonstrable experience securing philanthropic gifts.  

DARE works closely across the University and with external facing teams to embed alumni engagement into the University’s growth and innovation. This position reflects the University’s commitment to leveraging philanthropy as a driver in our ambitious Town House strategy.

The Person

You will be a driven and highly-motivating fundraiser. You will have a track record of securing and successfully stewarding donations, ideally in a charity or higher education, alongside achieving ambitious personal KPIs and income targets. You’ll be passionate about the power of fundraising in higher education.

To be successful, the postholder will have outstanding communication skills including interpersonal, written, speaking and presentation skills – you will also have demonstrable experience building relationships across stakeholders and fostering collaboration.

Directorate/Function

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Brand, Communications and Public Affairs and Development, Alumni Relations & Engagement (DARE). Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University’s governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.

As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University.

Further information

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary of £39,407 per annum. 

The interviews are expected to be held in person on Monday 9 February 2026. 

For informal enquires about the role, please contact Philippa Randle.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.