Director of Development and Alumni

Exeter School is the leading co-educational day school in the Southwest, educating over 930 pupils aged 7-18. An HMC and IAPS school, situated on a 25-acre site near the city centre, our strong links to the local community, well-established pastoral care systems and fantastic teaching enable us to challenge, inspire and deliver the very best learning to our pupils. 

 We are looking to appoint a Director of Development and Alumni as soon as possible.

Reporting to the Bursar, the Director of Development and Alumni (DDA) will work closely with the Head and Chair of the Foundation committee of the governors.  The post holder will lead on the school’s fundraising and alumni relations, including major capital projects, regular giving and legacy programmes and a bursary fund, as well as managing and expanding a well-established programme of alumni events. 

The principal aims of the role are:

• To create and implement a long-term fundraising and alumni relations strategy that will help build a sustainable culture of giving and in doing so generate the necessary additional income to fund the school’s ambitious capital development plans and bursary programme. 

• Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni, locally, nationally and internationally and facilitate their involvement in curricular and co-curricular activities including careers events, Sixth Form programmes, workshops and other activities

• To increase engagement with existing supporters and identify and win the support of potential new donors, sponsors, benefactors, legators, trusts and foundations.

• To cultivate excellent relationships with all members of the Exonian community, parents, staff and other groups in order to secure a robust and continuous body of support for the school’s fundraising efforts.

The post-holder needs to be highly motivated and target driven; have credibility to represent the school in interactions with prospects and donors; be committed, driven and determined in setting up ad successfully undertaking regular face to face meetings for fundraising purposes; have experience of and commitment to independent education; be willing to travel in the UK and overseas (current restrictions permitting); and, have a keen interest in and support for the ethos of Exeter School.

This is a permanent, full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.  Some weekend and evening work is required for which time off in lieu will be given.

The role will attract a competitive salary depending on experience as well as generous benefits including a free school lunch during term time, free on-site parking (if space available) and an 8% employer contribution to the school’s approved pension scheme. 

Interviews will be held on Friday 27 August.  The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 20 August.

Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.  Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references.