Foundation Manager

What’s the most rewarding part of building meaningful, long‑term relationships that transform opportunities for future generations?

In this impactful Foundation Manager role, you will play a central part in strengthening Wycombe Abbey’s culture of philanthropy. Working within the Foundation Office and in close collaboration with colleagues across the School, you will engage alumnae, donors and supporters, deliver high‑quality events and communications, and help secure philanthropic support that directly enhances pupils’ education and life chances. If you are motivated by relationship‑building, strategic thinking and making a measurable difference, this role offers scope, responsibility and purpose.

The Wycombe Abbey Foundation, formally established last year, has a clear strategy focused on deepening engagement and growing philanthropic support for the School. Working as part of a small, collaborative team of four, the Foundation Manager will play a key role in helping to shape and deliver this work. You will be part of a team at a formative stage, building systems, relationships and momentum, with the opportunity to contribute ideas, take responsibility and gain valuable experience in establishing a successful development operation within a leading independent school.

Wycombe Abbey is a world‑class full‑boarding school for girls, located on a beautiful site in the centre of High Wycombe. With its distinctive heritage, magnificent 170‑acre campus and impressive resources, the School provides an outstanding education for 650 pupils aged 11–18.

For over 125 years, Wycombe Abbey has been at the forefront of girls’ boarding education. Superb academic outcomes are the School’s hallmark, and pupils regularly secure places at the most prestigious universities worldwide. Known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, service and leadership, the School encourages curiosity, confidence and ambition in all that it does.

The School benefits from excellent transport links, including fast access to London (24 minutes to Marylebone), proximity to the Chiltern Hills and attractive nearby towns such as Marlow, Henley‑on‑Thames and Beaconsfield. Heathrow is approximately 20 miles away, with good connections to other London airports.

Wycombe Abbey offers a generous benefits package, including:

• Enrolment in the School’s attractive pension scheme

• Fee remission at Wycombe Abbey and selected preparatory schools

• A generous CPD training and development programme

• Free parking

• Free meals during term time

• Free use of the Sports Centre

• Free eye tests

• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme

How to apply

Please refer to the job description for full details of this role. To apply, please complete an application form and submit this, together with a covering letter to the Headmistress, Mrs Duncan. If you have any questions, please contact the HR Team on 01494 895575 or email hr@wycombeabbey.com.

Wycombe Abbey reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

Wycombe Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.

Wycombe Abbey is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Registered Charity No. 310638.