New Head of Philanthropy at University of Exeter

Jonathan studied in the United States and at Oxford, where he completed his Doctorate, conducting research on political identity and nationalism. He was a Tutor in Politics, before becoming Director of Development at Exeter College, Oxford. Subsequently, he became Fellow for Development at his undergraduate alma mater, St John’s College. More recently he has been a strategic consultant, including working as interim CEO of the Dublin City University Educational Trust, and senior counsel to the Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute in London.

Jonathan’s passion for educational philanthropy began whilst working as an academic and he has since managed extensive major gift fundraising and created long-term and sustainable philanthropic revenue programmes.

Jonathan says: “The University of Exeter is a dynamic, fast moving institution. Exeter is not only growing, it is also extending its ambit with new institutes, like the Living Systems Institute, aiming to work in a cross-disciplinary way to make exciting discoveries, and bridging traditional silos across disciplines.

“While I was working as an academic, funding for university teaching was declining and I became interested in how philanthropy can support higher education, and in promoting the identity of Universities as charities with a public purpose.

“I’ve joined the University at an exciting time and there are a number of challenges we are facing which I believe can be at least partially addressed through excellent supporter engagement and philanthropy.

“I enjoy bringing people together to support a common cause and being able to help young people to achieve their potential. Whilst education and philanthropy have formed the major themes of my career, I have tried to have a variety of experiences at work and elsewhere. I have, for example, been involved in Fintech, overseen an iconic pub where the profits were directed towards graduate scholarships; I still play cricket, and, relatively recently, have been trekking in South America and New Zealand.

“Exeter has a great Philanthropy team and a wonderful alumni community, and we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. I’m looking forward to getting to work!”