Interim Deputy Development Director

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth.

From its foundation in 1732, the school has a long tradition of philanthropic support from many benefactors whose generosity is commemorated at the Founder’s Day service held in St Thomas’ Cathedral each July. 

The Development Office is well established within the school and enjoys strong support from the Head and Governors. Its role is to foster and maintain relationships with alumni, parents, pupils, staff and others who share an interest in the school’s development and to raise funds in support of the school’s strategic objectives.

In 2015 the school launched The William Smith Fund as a major fundraising initiative with the primary objective of creating more means-tested bursaries to enable promising boys and girls from the local area join the school, whatever their financial background. 

This March, the school held its first online Giving Day for this cause, which attracted over 400 first-time donors and raised over £250,000 in 36 hours. The next major appeal will be the fourth biennial telephone campaign this July.

The purpose of this role is to work closely with the Development Director to deliver the school’s development and fundraising plan within the school’s broader strategic vision. 

This interim vacancy is offered as a one year fixed term contract and represents an exciting role for any individual seeking to develop their career in educational fundraising within an experienced team and offers the opportunity to take ownership for delivering a major fundraising campaign.

The successful candidate will have proven success either in fundraising or in client management in a creative environment or similar. He or she will be adept at managing information and scrutinising data and will have demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills. The role would ideally suit someone aspiring to lead their own team in the future.

The post of interim Deputy Development Director is part-time for 30 hours per week over four full days, with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch each day and operates throughout the year. 

The pro-rata salary for this role is based on 30 hours per week and a contract of 52 weeks per year. The salary will be offered in a range between £30,458 and £32,344 for a full time equivalent role which will be paid pro-rata equating to a range of £24,366 to £25,875 for the part-time role of 30 hours per week. 

A flexible approach regarding working pattern is essential to support fundraising campaigns and also the programme of evening and weekend events which are organised by the Development Office.

It is a requirement of the role that the Interim Deputy Development Director is able to work throughout the timeframe of the biennial telephone campaign. The next telephone campaign is scheduled in July 2021. 

In addition, there is an expectation that support staff attend all Personal Development Days (PDD training days) which take place throughout the school year, usually at the beginning or end of school terms. Should an PDD day fall on a non-working day the post holder will be paid via timesheet to attend any essential staff training sessions, for example on safeguarding or compliance matters.

Annual leave should be taken during PGS school holiday periods and not during term times or during any campaign which operates in the holidays.

The start date will be as soon as is possible.

The interim Deputy Development Director will report to the Development Director.

The main responsibilities of this role are to:

i. work alongside the Development Director to deliver the school’s development and fundraising plan within the school’s broader strategic vision and take responsibility for the school’s fourth biennial summer telephone fundraising appeal in July 2021

ii. further develop and deliver an ongoing regular giving strategy to build widespread support throughout the PGS community;

iii. help develop the department’s new combined database, alumni portal and website, Toucan Tech;

iv. support the Development Director in major donor work; and

v. create an exceptional culture of donor care that celebrates and inspires existing and potential supporters.

Benefits:

The school is a strong supporter of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and support staff wishing to undertake appropriate professional training can apply for financial support towards any associated costs.

Key financial benefits of employment at PGS include a generous salary structure and leave allowance. The leave year operates from 1st September to 31st August each year and the annual leave allowance is 25 days for a full time role. The annual leave allowance for this part-time role will be offered on a pro-rata basis.   

 The school will auto-enrol eligible support staff into the NEST pension scheme and also offers an alternative pension scheme with Scottish Widows whereby if the employee contributes 6.5% of salary the school will contribute 8.5%.  We also have a non-contributory death-in-service policy. 

A two course lunch is provided to staff during term time, where staff work a full day.

The school is an approved operator of the Cycle to Work Scheme. All staff have free use of the school’s Sports facilities which include a well-equipped Fitness Centre.   

The school is always looking for innovative ways to improve the working conditions and remuneration of its employees and welcomes suggestions from all staff.

How to apply:

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check. 

Further information is available on the website at www.pgs.org.uk under the ‘About Us’ section and any queries regarding the vacancy should be emailed to HR@pgs.org.uk. 

An electronic application would be preferable, submitted to HR@pgs.org.uk.  All applicants should complete a support staff application form, with a full curriculum vitae and a covering letter addressed to the Head, Dr Anne Cotton. Please include email addresses whenever available.  All applications should be accompanied by the names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of two referees.

The closing date for receipt of applications is noon 13th May 2021. Interviews will take place during w/c 17th May 2021 with a provisional date of 18th May 2021. 

Thank you for your interest in our vacancy, we look forward to hearing from you.