Head of Philanthropy

The Head of Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in fostering strong connections between the school and our alumni and parent community. We are entering the early stages of a new major philanthropic campaign, which will significantly scale the ambition for the school’s fundraising and engagement activity. As a team, we have a major role to play in shaping the future of the school’s bursary ambitions. Our success will widen access and support the futures and aspirations of disadvantaged young people within our local community, and beyond.

This position involves strategic planning, relationship-building, and effective communication to help deliver the school’s philanthropic and fundraising strategic objectives. This is a senior fundraising role, reporting into the Director of Development. You will be required to manage and develop a portfolio of high-level funders (both from the UK and international), securing philanthropic donations, whilst also stewarding our donors effectively, creating innovative and compelling ways to demonstrate the impact of their philanthropic support.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will need to: 

• Be able to demonstrate a track record of securing, administering, and stewarding significant gifts from donors, or significant experience in leading income generation activity through regular giving programmes within the charitable sector.
• Work with the Head, Bursar, Director of Development, Foundation Trustees, and other senior colleagues and volunteers to research, plan and undertake donor cultivation and solicitation meetings.
• Maintain positive working relationships with all constituents in the King’s community, including alumni, parents, and pupils to encourage lifelong engagement through participation, advocacy, and support.
• Be a great problem solver with the ability to work laterally to identify opportunities and provide solutions to fundraising challenges.
• Research, engage and effectively steward potential supporters through careful management of the donor pipeline.
• Work with the Director of Development on developing a methodical fundraising programme, ranging from regular contributions, through to major gifts and legacies. Implementing the development fundraising strategy to support the school’s vision and bursary ambitions.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and understand how to bring others with them to collectively make a contribution to our wider social aims.
• Work systematically and maintain the strong support ecosystem that is in place, including the identification, research, and management of supporters, donor stewardship and acknowledgement, gift administration and due diligence procedures.
• Have a high level of written and oral communication and confident presentation skills.
• Be passionate about philanthropy and the need to make giving more effective for donors by demonstrating increased impact across fundraising initiatives.
• Be able to work independently and effectively, is comfortable with ambiguity and has a proven ability to manage competing priorities both operational and strategic in nature.
• Be experienced in using donor and potential donor relationship management systems, for example Raiser’s Edge or ToucanTech.
• Be a flexible and supportive team player, who is willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever is required.
• Make certain that all activities by the development department are performed to the highest standards and adhere to best practice as recognised by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Fundraising Regulator, and the Institute of Development Professionals in Education.
• Be enthused by the ethos and values of King’s College School and our strategic objectives, in particular our ambition around widening access and increasing our bursary provision in the school.

King’s is an extremely sought-after school with outstanding academic results and a vibrant co-curriculum. It strives to appoint able, committed and compassionate colleagues to help ensure every child at the school achieves their best. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities. We provide excellent benefits including healthcare provision, contributory pension scheme, gym membership and lunch during term time.

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please visit our website to find out more and apply.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 30th April 2024 

Interview date: Wednesday 8th May 2024

Interviews may be staged and we may choose to appoint at any time during the application process.

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.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.