You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.
As Development Manager, you will:
Lead the Fundraising Strategy - Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
Line manage the Development Assistant
Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
Support & Empower Volunteers
Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets
Travel is required one day a week to their other site in surrey
About You
Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
Experience leading or mentoring staff
A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving
If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.
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