Head of Development (Major Gifts)

King Edward’s School (KES) and King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS), two of the best independent day schools in the country, seek an experienced fundraiser with a demonstrable track record of securing five and six figure gifts. This new role presents an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the team, as part of an award-winning office. This role would suit a candidate with a background in major gifts and individual giving.

The Head of Development will secure and cultivate major donor relationships, growing our existing giving programmes and helping to deliver our overall fundraising strategy. With the Director of Development, they will revive our prospect pipeline to support forthcoming campaigns at each school. Fundraising will be focused on Assisted Places (bursaries), with a small number of other discrete projects both for the two charitable trusts and for the wider schools.  

Community is a vital part of our schools’ ethos and the Head of Development will play their part. Many of our major donors will support the schools in other ways, including through our vibrant careers network. The Head of Development will also embed themselves in school life by playing a key role in our annual telethons, working alongside the Development Director.

The Head of Development will be an experienced and highly motivated fundraiser with a passion for growing and cultivating our supporter base. They will be a firm believer in the aims of our Assisted Places programme and in independent education. The role would suit an articulate, tenacious and persuasive fundraiser, with a strong track-record of forging and cultivating long-term relationships. They will have up-to-date knowledge of charity legislation and best practice. 

Terms and conditions 

Job title: Head of Development

Reporting to: Development Director

Salary: Grade 10 (£34,531 - £36,645 FTE), actual salary £29,396 - £31,196 depending on experience

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Type of position: Term-time plus 15 days in July, permanent.

Holidays: 22 days holiday a year, 8 bank holidays and 4 concessionary days

Benefits: School fee discount, defined contribution pension, lunch in term time, complimentary access to gym facilities and parking

Start date: ASAP