Head of Development

Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and one of Europe’s most distinctive and research intensive institutions. The University is consistently ranked among the very best in the UK for teaching quality, research excellence, and student satisfaction.

The University of St Andrews is now seeking a dynamic and experienced fundraiser to lead a US based team and help drive the success of our £300 million Making Waves Campaign.

The Head of Development (US) will lead the University’s fundraising efforts across the United States, managing a portfolio of principal gift prospects and overseeing an established team of regional fundraisers. Operating independently from a home office, with the support of a highly experienced development team in St Andrews, the postholder will cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate donors, develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives, and support senior university leadership and volunteers in donor engagement.

They will contribute to the planning and operation of cultivation and stewardship events, donor communications, and ensure effective collaboration across development teams in both the US and UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-performing international team, contributing to the success of the Making Waves Campaign, which has already raised over 50% of the £300 million goal, and will enable landmark initiatives like ‘New College’ and the Digital Nexus building.

We seek a strategic thinker with a passion for higher education and a track record in transformational gift fundraising.

The Head of Development (US) will have proven experience of managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals in a highly tailored way, and a track record of soliciting seven-and- eight-figure gifts for a range of projects (at least five years’ experience), preferably in support of higher education.

The postholder will be expected to exercise a high level of creativity, resourcefulness, and decision-making with the objective of securing philanthropic support capable of making a significant impact.

This post will be a remote position based in the Eastern United States.

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification, and how to apply, please visit  quoting reference 8204.

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm GMT on Monday 16th February 2026.

Candidates will be invited to a first-round interview in New York during week commencing 6th April 2026.

Candidates will be invited to St Andrews for a final interview on Friday 1st May 2026.