The Director of Development's main focus is to increase engagement from Downsides alumni and parental community, supporting the strategic aims of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Governors. To foster relationships with all those who have an interest in sustaining Downside Schools principles and securing its future. This is broadly achieved through being responsible for a number of key areas: alumni relations, positive engagement with the wider community, communications, and fundraising, leading to a sustainable voluntary income stream for development at the School.
More specifically the Director of Development will also oversee the administration of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Raisers Edge NXT, updating the wider community section of the website, and alumni social media, coordinating external events, and generating reports and newsletters.
Key Responsibilities:
* To lead the process of generating regular voluntary income for the School to an agreed target.
* Construct and implement a long-term legacy programme for the School.
* Create an annual budget for Development and produce timely, accurate management reports as required.
* Undertake both national and international travel to establish effective friends and alumni networks throughout the world and to solicit gifts from these networks in due course.
* Work to develop funding sources from within the corporate and trust sectors where appropriate.
* Identify, approach, cultivate, and solicit funds from major individual prospects, ensuring at all times the long-term relationship with the same.
* Establish effective working relationships with SLT and the School Governing body and any Development Board or similar body which may be established, keeping them fully informed and maximising their involvement in both planning and soliciting processes.
* Establish good communication links amongst alumni, parents, past parents, and staff to foster interest in the development of Downside.
* Maintain all relevant office management and compliance procedures for the Development Office, including compliance with GDPR.
* Oversee the management of the database and ensure records are kept up to date including all confidential financial information, past pupil data, and news.
* Oversee the Old Gregorian (OG) alumni section of the website.
* In liaison with the Head of Careers, provide introductions for staff and pupils of people willing to provide career talks, mentoring, and work experience - encourage OGs to provide career advice/work experience placements.
* Co-ordinate and manage a successful programme of alumni events and Downside Association events working with volunteers where possible to support and encourage attendance.
* Liaise with the Marketing Department to feed in potential parent leads and to furnish them with any information on visiting alumni OGs.
* Oversee mailshots and campaigns in line with Downsides fundraising strategy.
* Produce and distribute the monthly e-newsletter to all OGs and other subscribers.
* Deal with heritage queries from family members of OGs.
* Design and produce the annual Raven publication and Development Annual Report.
* Undertake any other duties as the Head might reasonably request to support the post holders role in developing new opportunities.
Qualifications:
* Relevant qualification (or equivalent professional experience) specialising in either fundraising, communications or event management
* Member of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education.
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
* Proven track record of success in securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
* Experience in strategic planning, team leadership, and working with a senior leadership team.
* Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, eg: Word, Excel and Outlook including the ability to mail merge using Word and Excel.
* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
* Strong ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, and partners.
* High level of professionalism, integrity, and a passion for the Schools mission.
We can offer the successful candidate:
* An experienced, supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
* Excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
* Free on-site parking.
* Employee Assistance Program and Cycle to Work Scheme.
* Complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym, and squash courts.
How to Apply:
CVs are not accepted; applications must be completed in full to include your full employment and education history. Please provide contact details for referees to cover the last 5 years, this must include your current and/or most recent employer if you have worked.
Following this, shortlisted candidates will then be invited to visit Downside School for a practical lesson, a tour of the School and sports facilities, and a discussion about whether you are interested in a House Assistant role. There will also be an opportunity to meet pupils, the sports team, and other colleagues.
Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18 and one of Englands oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The school is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath. This is an exciting prospect for someone who is a graduate with an interest in entering the teaching profession or who is looking for professional experience before following a career outside education.
Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer.By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.
Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700