Emily Winstanley

What were you doing before you joined the Development Office?

I initially worked at Oxford – and stayed for several years – after a brief career in recruitment in Paris. I then worked for a couple of years in a small Oxford-based company that was partnering with the Department for International Development (DFID) to deliver a programme setting up social enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa. My role was investor relations and recruitment manager. It was fundraising of a kind but we would call ‘impact investing’ or ‘venture philanthropy’. I then returned to the University to a fundraising role in Social Sciences and recently moved to my new role at the Bodleian.

Why did you move into higher education fundraising?

I first moved into fundraising at the University when I applied for a role as a development officer at my old college as I remembered really enjoying working on a telethon there. I stayed for four and a half years – it was a really great introduction to higher education fundraising.

What does a typical day look like, in brief?

It can be quite varied. I might be checking in with my team, conducting one-on-ones, tracking performance and advising. There’s a big strategic element to the role: planning and forecasting for the financial year ahead. I work very closely with Bodley’s Librarian, Richard Ovenden, and, at times, travel is involved, for example I might travel to New York to meet with prospects and donors. I also advise on events, mailings, and have general oversight of the direction of the fundraising campaign.

What’s the best thing about working here?

What I love about the Bodleian is that it is literally and metaphorically the very heart of the University. I love the fact that the Bodleian’s aim is to be a repository of knowledge and to create a historical record for centuries to come. I think the Library’s work of making treasures available to inspire the public and scholars around the world is incredible.

What has surprised you the most?

When I was set my targets as a major gifts fundraiser I found them daunting. But I’ve been surprised by how many people respond to meeting requests. Having the Oxford name has been helpful. And it’s been encouraging to see how quickly it’s possible to secure a big gift if there’s a good match between the donor and the project.

What is the biggest challenge?

When you’re fundraising, it would be quite easy to be pulled in all kinds of different directions and fundraise for lots of little things but you have to be very focused on what the priority projects are. We’re only a small team and we can’t make everyone happy.

What has been the most special gift, and why?

In a previous role, a donor we worked with endowed a Chair which would focus on research in education and children in care. That was the first Chair to be endowed in the Department of Education. It was a very historic day for Education at Oxford and for the donor too - she was very moved by it.

Describe working in Development Office in three words or short phrases

What would your super power be?

I’d love to be able to apparate. It would save so much time!