Head of Major Gifts

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team at Kingston University plays a vital role in delivering the ambitions of Kingston University. The major gifts team will be central to growing philanthropic income from individuals, trusts and foundations and laying the foundation for corporate giving.

Reporting to the Director of DARE, the Head of Major Gifts will lead a team of five and a strategic fundraising programme to grow annual major gift income from £450,000 to more than £1 million over three years. We have a three-year plan, loyal base of major gift support as well as University leadership endorsement upon which to launch our ambitious growth plans. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on major and transformative gifts, working across the University and with senior stakeholders to champion philanthropy.  Due to the dynamic nature of this position, some work outside normal working hours and participation in meetings on non-office days will be required.

The Person

You will be a driven and highly-motivating, fundraising leader looking for the next step in your career. You will have a track record of securing 6+ figure gifts, ideally in a complex or education charity or the higher education sector, alongside leading a successful team. You’ll be passionate about the power of fundraising in higher education. 

To be successful, the postholder will have outstanding communication, influencing and self-awareness skills as well as demonstrable experience building relationships across stakeholders and fostering collaboration.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate success in leading high-performing teams and nurturing growth in individual team members to achieve targets; they will also be strategically minded ensuring fundraising activities and outcomes align with the University priorities.  

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 £60,996 per annum. Part-time working (0.8fte) will be considered for an exceptional candidate. 

Interviews are expected to be held in person on Wednesday 3 December 2025. 

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.