Chief Development Officer

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on

Job Description - Chief Development Officer ()

Job Description

Chief Development Officer ( Job Number: )

Development and Alumni Relations

SMT1 : - Competitive

Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date : 28-Sep-2025, 10:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

Job Description

Post Title:

Chief Development Officer

Terms of Appointment:

This post is permanent and full time.

Grade:

10, SMT 1

The salary will be commensurate with the seniority of the post and negotiable within the senior management range.

Location:

The post is based in Durham, UK, but travel within the UK and overseas will be required.

Responsible to:

Vice-Chancellor (for Campaign 200) and Executive Director, Communications & External Relations (line-management)

Responsible for:

Development and Alumni Relations

The next 200 years of Durham's story start here. Lead the campaign that will write history.

Durham University is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chief Development Officerat a defining moment in our history. This pivotal senior leadership role will spearhead our global philanthropic strategy and alumni engagement, driving forward Campaign 200 - our bold ambition to raise £200m by our bicentenary in 2032.

Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor for Campaign 200, and to the Executive Director, Communications & External Relations for line management, you will lead efforts to significantly increase philanthropic giving from around the world. Building on strong foundations, you will refine priorities, identify new funding opportunities, and cultivate transformational seven to eight-figure gifts that will shape Durham's future for generations.

In this role, you will:

• Work directly with the Vice-Chancellor to lead a landmark £200m campaign.
• Design and deliver a global principal gifts strategy aligned with Durham's mission and priorities.
• Personally secure seven and eight-figure gifts from principal donors, philanthropists, corporate partners, and trusts worldwide.
• Lead and evolve our alumni engagement strategy, fostering a vibrant, two-way relationship with our global community.
• Partner closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Campaign Board, and senior stakeholders to unlock new philanthropic opportunities.
• Inspire and lead the Development & Alumni Relations team, embedding a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Demonstrate a track record of securing principal or major gifts at the highest level.
• Combine strategic vision with operational delivery in complex, global environments.
• Influence with credibility and diplomacy at the most senior levels.
• Inspire and mentor high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results.

This is more than a leadership role - it is a chance to shape the next chapter of one of the world's great universities, leaving a lasting legacy.

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

For further information about the role and the Person Specification, please view our Candidate Brochure .

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV: and
• A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the essential criteria within the Person Specification detailed in the Candidate Brochure .

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on