Head of Major Gifts

Kingston Business School

Location: Penrhyn Road, Kingston University, UK
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,996 - £70,239 per annum
Actual hours: 37 per week
Posted date: 30/10/2025
Closing date: 19/11/2025

Role Overview

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team at Kingston University seeks a Head of Major Gifts to lead a 5 person team and deliver a strategic fundraising programme. The goal is to increase annual major gift income from £450,000 to more than £1 million within three years, using corporate and individual philanthropy. This leadership role focuses on major and transformative gifts, collaborating with senior university stakeholders to champion philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing major gifts team.
• Strategise and execute a three year major gift programme to grow income to >£1 m.
• Build and sustain relationships with individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
• Influence and collaborate with university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Represent the university in fundraising events and key meetings, including occasional non office day commitments.
• Monitor performance against targets and report outcomes to the Director of DARE.

Qualifications and Experience

• Track record of securing 6 figure gifts in a complex or education charity, ideally higher education.
• Experience leading and developing a successful team.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and self awareness skills.
• Strategic mindset with ability to align fundraising activities to university priorities.
• Ability to build relationships across stakeholders and foster collaboration.

Benefits

• Full time, permanent position.
• Part time (0.8 FTE) considered for an exceptional candidate.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Eligibility

Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with immigration legislation. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

Application

Interviews are expected to be held in person on Wednesday 3 December 2025. For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Philippa Randle. To apply, click 'Apply Now'. If you require an alternative format, email or call the HR Shared Services team on .

We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities. The university is committed to inclusive hiring and belonging as central to our culture.