Peter O’Connor

Peter is an experienced fundraising strategist and major gift specialist, with 15 years of success in higher education advancement. He has worked across leading UK institutions including the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, where he served as Fellow and Development Director. Peter brings deep expertise in securing major and principal gifts internationally, and in developing data-led fundraising strategies that help clients achieve step-change in income and engagement.

At Philanthropy Company, recent clients have included the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, where Peter served as Interim Deputy Director of Advancement, and St. Peter’s School, York, and Cheltenham Ladies College.

Peter began his fundraising career as a student caller at St Peter’s College, Oxford, later supervising campaigns for nine Oxford Colleges and Permanent Private Halls. At Merton College, Oxford, he supported the 750th Anniversary Campaign, Sustaining Excellence, before moving to Imperial College London becoming Head of Development (Asia). There, he worked across STEM faculties to secure philanthropic support, led Covid-19 research fundraising, and supported entrepreneurship and alumni engagement. At Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Peter oversaw a period of record-breaking income and led fundraising for scholarships, academic posts, and capital priorities. As a Fellow and trustee of the College, he played a key role in shaping its development strategy.

Peter is committed to causes that promote creativity, education, and opportunity. He is a Trustee of the Outcry Ensemble, a London-based orchestra supporting young professional musicians, and Foundation Director at Salvatorian College, a secondary academy in North-West London. He co-founded and led Fitzelerate, Fitzwilliam College’s student entrepreneurship programme.