Project Officer

We are recruiting for a Project Officer, an exciting and impactful role in the Development and Alumni Engagement department at the University of Oxford.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference and deliver tangible results within a globally renowned institution.

Location: Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD

Salary: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum with a possible extension to £45,212, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730.

Contract: Full Time, Permanent Contract

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

DAE is led by Liesl Elder who, as Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford, reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. DAE's mission is to help secure philanthropic support for the University, and build an engaged, informed and active alumni community. Through working in partnership with academic, development, and alumni colleagues throughout the collegiate University, DAE builds enduring relationships with external constituencies – including alumni, non-alumni, corporate and foundation donors – and increases financial support for agreed academic priorities.

The office is one of the central administrative departments of the University, collectively known as University Administration and Services. Due to the nature of its work, DAE collaborates closely with a number of other units and teams, particularly Public Affairs, Finance, Research and Legal.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

The Project Officer will play a key role in supporting the University of Oxford's advancement activities, with a focus on strengthening alumni relations and driving fundraising initiatives. Working within the Development and Alumni Engagement team, the postholder will provide project management, administrative, and communications support to a variety of fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives supporting the divisions strategic priorities. This includes managing and coordinating discreet projects, liaising with stakeholders across the collegiate University, supporting fundraising and alumni engagement activities, and ensuring the accurate use of alumni and donor data.

The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels. A proactive, professional approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment are essential.

The successful candidate will be managed by the Head of Administration and Finance and will support other key stakeholders with the co-ordination and delivery of their strategic aims.

About You

• You have experience of providing a high-level of project support in a fast-paced, complex organisation, ideally in a higher education or fundraising environment.
• You enjoy managing and developing diverse relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including academic colleagues, volunteers, donors, and prospects.
• You have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including a good command of the English language; the ability to be highly creative in producing materials and to understand how to articulate projects, with a high standard of literacy, including the ability to draft correspondence on behalf of senior members of staff.
• You are able to act independently and decisively when the situation demands it, have good judgement and the ability to acquire the knowledge necessary to support the task in hand in a timely manner.
• You will have experience of managing systems and tools for tracking workflows, resources, activities, and responsibilities.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12:00pm (GMT) on Tuesday 2 December 2025.

Interviews will take place on 10 December 2025 and will be held in-person.