Description
Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global
Job number
PRS00490
Faculties
President’s Team
Departments
Advancement
Salary or Salary range
Competitive
Location/campus
South Kensington Campus - Hybrid
Contract type work pattern
Full time - Open ended
Posting End Date
15 Sept 2025
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s leading universities and drive its principal gifts, global fundraising and foundation, corporates and trusts strategy. One of the most exciting leadership positions in the sector, the newly created role of Director of Development: Principal & Global, will be pivotal in helping Imperial scale its ambition and impact, at a moment of extraordinary momentum.
Founded in 1907, Imperial has long been recognised for its strengths in research, education and innovation. Throughout our history we have sought not only to be a world-leading university, but a world-changing one, with real-world impact at our core.
Earlier this year we launched our new strategy, Science for Humanity, which is bold and ambitious, and reflects the purpose of our global community. It is an actionable plan across all areas of our activity, a template for greater impact.
A strategy this ambitious requires us to think boldly, and we are in the planning stages of a comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement campaign. Philanthropy already plays a significant role at the university, and we have a strong track record of securing principal gifts of £5m-£40m.
What you would be doing
The Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global sits at the heart of Imperial’s future. Reporting to the Vice President (Advancement), and sitting on their senior leadership team, the Director will steer high-level philanthropic engagement worldwide. Working closely with senior academic leaders and institutional stakeholders, you will lead a team that delivers gifts that are truly transformational. You will build and deepen relationships with some of the most influential philanthropists globally and help to shape and drive Imperial’s next campaign.
With a track record of securing principal gifts and success in managing complex relationships, you will thrive in a collaborative and high-performing environment. You will be a values-driven strategic leader, energised by challenge, motivated by impact, and eager to inspire teams and donors alike.
What we are looking for
You will be a values-driven leader, entrepreneurially minded, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders. With a track record of securing philanthropic principal gifts, you will have a demonstrable record of building relationships and engaging with philanthropists and high net-worth individuals
What we can offer you
The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
Imperial College is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.
For more information, please download the candidate pack. Please contact Constellate on [email protected] for further information or a confidential discussion about the role.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected]. This role will remain live on our website until it is filled, therefore please complete and submit your application at the earliest possible opportunity to avoid potential disappointment.
This role is based at Imperial’s White City campus. This role is a hybrid role, and the post holder will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite or out on university business.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
download: Director of Development- Principal Gifts and Global Job Description.pdf
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected]. We're here to help.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.
Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
