Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come. The focus of the Development Office is now shifting towards high-impact fundraising for strategic priorities: transformational bursaries to widen access, and vital estate development to enhance the historic campus. Reporting directly to the Head, this is a revenue generating position that demands both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise in order to meet the annual revenue target of £500k+. The successful candidate will be able to engage prospective donors and the wider seniors (alumni) community, while possessing the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.
Job Purpose
To devise and execute a dynamic, forward-looking annual strategic business plan for the development and delivery of fundraising at St Leonards.
Main Areas of Responsibility
* Lead the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives, overseeing the identification and solicitation of lead gifts prior to the public launch of any major campaign.
* Work with the Head and the Executive team to create compelling Cases for Support regarding the School estate and widening access programmes.
* Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Operations to develop a fully costed financial model for the campaign, establishing clear gift tables, pledge payment schedules, and cash flow forecasts.
* Work with the Director of External Relations to ensure philanthropy is central to the School’s long term vision and that campaign messaging reinforces the School’s market positioning.
* Personally manage a portfolio of high net worth prospects, taking the lead in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts to meet the £500k+ annual target.
* Approach potential donors to make the ask for significant support identifying where additional input is required to lead or close a solicitation.
* Structure complex donations (for example multi year pledges, gifts of shares/securities, and cross border giving, including US/UK dual-qualified giving) in the most tax efficient manner.
* Build a comprehensive programme covering the Annual Fund, Legacies, and Major Gifts, ensuring donors at all levels are stewarded effectively and connected to the impact of their contributions.
* Ensure all donors are stewarded effectively and at an appropriate level for their support.
Compliance, Operations and Data
* Ensure all strategy and activity is fully compliant with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), GDPR, and the Code of Fundraising Practice. Act as the guardian of donor data rights.
* Conduct thorough financial and reputational due diligence (KYD/AML) on all major prospects before solicitation.
* Oversee the CRM as an engagement and financial audit tool, ensuring data integrity, accurate reporting of cash in hand vs. pledged income, and precise Gift Aid management.
* Draft and finalise formal Gift Agreements and Deeds of Covenant in liaison with legal advisors to ensure donor intent is legally binding.
Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
* Provide line management to the Alumni and Development Officer, fostering a high performing culture focused on operational precision.
* Operate strictly within the brand and communication framework established by the Director of External Relations, ensuring that all fundraising messaging supports the School’s wider reputation.
* Coordinate all fundraising events and major communications with the External Relations teams to ensure they complement, rather than conflict with, student recruitment activity.
* Cultivate excellent relationships with seniors, parents, and former parents, ensuring a lifelong connection to St Leonards.
Person Specification
As an inspiring, resourceful and visible leader, you possess a natural approachability and collaborative spirit, embodying our vibrant and inclusive community. You will likely have excellent relevant experience, whether in an educational or business environment. Your business acumen, communication skills, and incisive insights make you a strategic thinker who thrives in an ambitious environment. Your attention to detail, organisation and focus all ensure efficient operations in all your responsibilities. You are committed to bringing out the very best in the people in a community.
Experience & Knowledge
* Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience
* A demonstrable track record of personally securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individuals, trusts, or foundations.
* Experience in devising and implementing multi year fundraising strategies, ideally including capital campaigns.
* Expert understanding of the financial mechanics of giving, including Gift Aid, tax efficient mechanisms, and cross border donations (for example US 501(c)(3)).
* Expert knowledge of the regulatory landscape (OSCR, GDPR, PECR) and experience conducting Anti Money Laundering checks.
* Proven experience mentoring and developing fundraising professionals.
* Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Institute of Development Professionals in Education, or Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
* Experience within the independent school sector or higher education, and familiarity with HubSpot or similar CRMs.
* Ability to analyse data to calculate ROI and Lifetime Value, using these metrics to drive strategy.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills with the gravitas to engage credibly with high net worth individuals and Trustees.
* Excellent written communication skills including presentation material
* Ability to draft robust gift agreements and high quality board reports.
* A proactive mentality with the drive to meet stringent financial targets.
* Demonstrate the professional judgement to know when to bring in the Head, or other key influencers to lead or close a solicitation.
Personal Attributes
* A genuine passion for education and commitment to the ethos of St Leonards.
* High levels of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
* Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings/weekends, and UK and overseas travel as required.
Other
* Current driving licence.
* Prepared to travel within the UK and overseas.
* Willing to attend a wide range of school events.
* Willing to work out of hours as and when school functions occur.
Application Process
St Leonards is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, where all members of the community - colleagues, pupils and families - are seen and valued. This culture ensures that St Leonards delivers an outstanding global education in a multi-cultural living, learning and working environment.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to a PVG (Disclosure Scotland) membership and two satisfactory references, one of which must be the current employer.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Applications should be made via St Leonards Teacheroo portal (https://jobsearch.teacheroo.io/st-leonards).
Closing time and date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 16th January 2026.
Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26 January 2026.
Early applications are encouraged as St Leonards reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time.
Any questions may be directed to Simon Brian, Head at head@stleonards-fife.org in the first instance
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Other
Industries
* Primary and Secondary Education
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