Development Director

Kingswood; Bath; On-site; GBP 125,000 - GBP 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Bath is seeking a Development Director to lead philanthropic growth and enhance community engagement. This strategic role requires an ambitious professional with a successful track record in major gifts fundraising and a passion for improving educational access. The successful candidate will work closely with the school's leadership to build a culture of giving and implement transformational initiatives. Applications should be made by noon on Monday, 23 February.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing substantial donations.
• Experience in leading high-impact fundraising campaigns.
• Ability to inspire and engage a diverse range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development Office and set strategic direction.
• Drive philanthropic growth and engage the community.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and governors.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Effective communication

Project management

Job description

Overview

Kingswood is a remarkable place. Founded by John Wesley in 1748 with a mission of service, it is now a thriving co-educational boarding and day school in the heart of beautiful Bath. Our distinctive ethos combines academic excellence with a profound commitment to care, inclusion and the individual potential of every pupil and member of staff. You will find here a school that is both aspirational and grounded, where generosity of spirit is matched by a determination to make a meaningful difference.

As our new Development Director, you will play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of Kingswood’s story. Building on a proud history and strong foundations, you will help us to realise an ambitious vision for the future, one that expands opportunity through bursaries, enhances our facilities, and deepens the lifelong sense of belonging across our community.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious, visionary and strategic Development Director to help shape the future of one of the South West’s leading independent schools. At a pivotal moment in Kingswood’s journey, you will lead an ambitious programme of philanthropic growth that widens access through expanded bursary provision and delivers a new era of transformational capital development across our historic site, reimagining how our community learns, lives and grows.

An experienced and credible development professional, you will bring a strong track record of securing major gifts and delivering high-impact fundraising campaigns within an educational or charitable setting. Strategic in outlook yet highly effective in execution, you will be confident working at senior level, adept at inspiring others and skilled at engaging a wide range of stakeholders. You will be a compelling communicator, motivated by the power of philanthropy to transform lives and passionate about widening access to a Kingswood education.

Working closely with the Principal and Governors, and as a member of the Foundation Leadership Team, you will lead the Development Office and act as a senior ambassador for the School. With major projects on the horizon, including significant new facilities designed to serve Kingswood for the rest of this century, you will build a confident culture of giving, build lasting relationships across our community and enable Kingswood to realise its boldest ambitions. This is a rare opportunity to lead work that will touch the lives of generations to come.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Kingswood School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference TBXPA. Alternatively email Sian Wild at [e-mail]. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 23 February. Early declarations of interest are encouraged.

Kingswood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to complete relevant safeguarding and enhanced DBS checks, including a check of the children’s barred list.