Graduate Associate in Development

1 FURTHER PARTICULARS GRADUATE ASSOCIATE IN DEVELOPMENT This post is open to 2024 or 2025 University graduates Job Title: Graduate Associate in Development Department: Development Office Contract type: Fixed term, 9-month contract commencing December 2025/January 2026 Responsible to: Development Director and Deputy Development Director Merton College Merton College is one of the oldest Colleges in the University of Oxford. Founded in 1264, Merton marked its 750thanniversary in 2014. It is a self-governing institution and a registered charity in which the ultimate authority for all decisions rests with the current Acting Warden and Fellows who are its trustees and form the Governing Body. Merton has in the region of 600 students, comprising of undergraduates and graduates. To find out more about the community at Merton College visit the website: purpose of the role The position of the Graduate Associate in Development is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate interested in learning more about the varied elements of a successful Development Office. The successful candidate will be exposed to a spectrum of fundraising activities, event delivery, alumni relations and stewardship as well as key administrative functions. The role will provide opportunities for creativity and will require an open and flexible approach to suit the ever-changing demands and priorities of a busy office within an ancient and friendly Oxford college. The role is envisaged to provide a career platform for anyone seeking further opportunities within the realm of development, fundraising and external relations. In order to create opportunities for future graduates it is an essential feature that this post is limited in duration.2 Main duties and responsibilities: Providing administrative support for the Development Office including support with key office mailings and responding to general enquiries via email, telephone and letter; Managing and organising the office environment; Supporting the Annual Fund and telethon campaigns and appeals, including elements of copywriting, data analysis, content generation and project management; Researching trusts and foundations whose support criteria cover the aspirations of the college and, in liaison with senior Development Office colleagues, developing grant proposals for submission; Working with volunteers and managinga programme of student involvement in development activities; Conducting desk research to find ‘lost’ alumni and improving the quality of the data held by the College. Reconnecting with ‘lost’ alumni, alerting them to events, publications and networks; In liaison with the Database Manager and fundraisers, taking the lead on gift processing and helping to prepare gift receipts and acknowledgement letters for donations; Supporting the administration of Graduate Scholarships, Choral Scholarships, College prizes and other awards – as this relates to donor stewardship; Helping with the acquisition and sale of merchandise and stock management; Working with the alumni relations and events team on Development Office communications; Undertaking research in accordance with office priorities; Supporting the delivery of college events and assisting guests at events as required; Undertaking training as a College tour guide and leading tours to returning alumni and occasional guests. Person Specification Essential The following personal qualities, skills, knowledge and experience will be sought: Educated to degree level; Some experience managing information on a database; Excellent written and spoken English with an appreciation of different audiences; Numerate and confident in handling financial data; Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel; High standards of personal presentation, and a confident and polished manner; Personal motivation, ambition and drive; The ability to work well as part of a team;3 Creative abilities combined with common sense and good judgment; Punctuality and good timekeeping; Professionalism, tact and discretion in handling confidential information; Innovative and logical approach to work, with the ability to take the initiative, be proactive, prioritise and work accurately under pressure; An interest in fundraising and alumni relations, and sympathy with the aims of the college. Desirable Working knowledge of Merton College; Experience with social media, mailing lists and website management; Experience of raising funds, producing communications and/or running events a distinct advantage. Salary and Benefits The salary for full-time appointment is £25,000 per annum. Weekly hours of work are 35 hours normally between 9am and 5pm. However, the post holder will need to have a flexible approach to working hours in order to manage workload during busy periods. In such cases, where overtime has been approved in advance, time off in lieu may be taken. The post holder is eligible for membership of the University of Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS), which is a contributory scheme, free medical insurance (which is assessable as a taxable benefit),30 days holiday per year, (excluding bank holidays and pro rata for part year service), free car parking, cycle to work and electric car schemes and loans for the purchase of seasonal travel passes. The College has a gym, which is free to use for staff and there are a number of organised activities such as yoga and circuit training that are also free for staff. Meals in College are provided free of charge when on duty. Training The College will encourage the Graduate Development Associate to undertake relevant training, conference attendance etc. to enhance their work performance. Application Process Those wishing to apply for this post should complete the online application at and upload the following documents, as a single PDF document, in the named format ‘Last Name First Name Application’ by 9.00am on Tuesday, 4thNovember 2025. A detailed cover letter outlining their motivation for applying and how their skills and experience equip them to undertake the role. A CV. The name of one Academic referee who should be their Tutor or Supervisor. Please putyour last name and ‘Graduate Associate in Development’ in the email subject line.We anticipate holding interviews during the week commencing 10thNovember 2025.4 Candidates are encouraged to complete an Equal Opportunities Recruitment Monitoring form at the end of the Application form. The information collected on the equal opportunities recruitment monitoring form does not form part of the selection process and will not be circulated to the selection panel. It will be used solely to monitor the effectiveness of the College’s Single Equality Scheme which is published at Reference Applicants should send their referee a copy of these further particulars and ask them to send the reference direct [email protected] the closing date.Please ask your referee to putyour last name and ‘Graduate Associate in Development Reference’ in the email subject line.Applicants are responsible for requesting references from their referee and for ensuring that the reference arrive by 9.00am on the closing date of4thNovember 2025; they should therefore give their referee enough time to write in their support. The College will not request references directly from the referees. Applicants are also requested to inform their referee that, under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, the reference they provide will be regarded as disclosable to the subject of the reference unless it is clear that the reference has been given in confidence. The College asks that a reference given in confidence should be marked “strictly confidential” on the letter of reference itself. The referee should also be asked to note that even where a reference is marked “strictly confidential” it could still be disclosed to the subject of the reference if that subject so requested and the College’s Data Protection Officer deemed it appropriate. The position may be discussed furtherwith Mark Coote, via email at [email protected] Opportunities This appointment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the duties of the post. No applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of their sex, gender re-assignment, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, racial group, disability, age, religion and beliefs or sexual orientation. The College is committed to promoting diversity and would therefore welcome applications from under-represented groups. Merton College is an equal opportunities employer October 2025