Development Director

Please click here for a detailed recruitment pack

Portsmouth Grammar School is seeking to appoint a dynamic and motivated individual to lead the work of the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

This is an extremely exciting time to join the School, with a new Head and Bursar who, together with the Governing Body, have ambitious plans for the School as it approaches its 300th anniversary in 2032. This is a key milestone in the School’s history, and the successful applicant will be instrumental in shaping these plans.

Reporting directly to the Head, and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Development Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of a forward thinking, ambitious and innovative Development and Alumni Relations strategy. The school has ambitious targets to ensure that by its 300th anniversary, it is able to offer bursarial support to 1 in 4 pupils, and the continuation of our successful Bursary Fund will be a priority for the Development Office. However, the Development Director will also work closely with the Head develop a culture of philanthropy across all stakeholders; in particular with regard to major donor fundraising to support an ambitious estates and curriculum transformation plan. Another key element of this role will also be to build upon and develop a creative and sector leading alumni and community engagement strategy.

The successful applicant will be responsible for a small team, including a Development Manager and an Alumni Relations and Events Manager, but will also work closely with other key individuals and integrate fully with all members of School staff.

We welcome applications from individuals from both within and outside of the education sector, however it is essential that the successful applicant has a thorough understanding of the unique nature of the independent school sector, along with an outstanding track record of fundraising and significant experience of major donor giving. They will have experience of operating at a senior level, and have an excellent understanding of relationship building and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. This position holds endless opportunity and potential for impact for the successful candidate.

Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth and is deeply rooted in the local community, being a Cathedral School, part of the ‘Shaping Portsmouth’ initiative, and enjoying excellent relationships with local schools, community groups and Portsmouth University.

Benefits:

The position is a permanent, full-time role with an excellent salary and benefits package.

The salary offered will be up to £75,000 per annum, depending on experience, and with potential performance related benefits for the right candidate.

The school will consider some hybrid working to reflect the nature of the role with the option of working remotely, initially for two days a week.

Some relocation assistance and interim accommodation may also be available. Due to the nature of the role, some evening and weekend work will be expected, and a flexible attitude is required to meet the demands of the position.