Development and Engagement Coordinator (Placement)

FELSTED SCHOOL; Felsted; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

FELSTED SCHOOL seeks a Development & Engagement Officer on a temporary basis in Essex. The role focuses on supporting fundraising and engagement across a broad portfolio, reporting to the Development & Engagement Manager in a collaborative, high-standards environment.

The role involves coordinating communications, events, and stewardship activities to promote philanthropy and strong relationships with alumni, parents, staff, and supporters. Closing date details and safeguarding policies apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations or sales.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support engagement and fundraising programmes.
• Contribute to events, communications, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager and stakeholders.

Skills

Fundraising

Marketing

Public relations

Sales

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Creativity

Job description

Temporary Placement from 1 September 2027 to 30 June 2028
Full Time | £24,000 per annum (pro-rata for the term indicated)

Felsted School is a leading co-educational independent day and boarding school in Essex, educating pupils aged 3-18. Founded in 1564, the school combines a strong sense of heritage with a forward-looking, global outlook. Felsted is known for its broad and balanced education, where academic rigour is matched by a rich co-curricular programme spanning sport, music, drama, service, and adventurous activities. In 2023, Felsted was named ‘Boarding School of the Year’ at the TES Schools Awards. With pupils and staff from around the world, Felsted fosters a diverse and inclusive community built on these Seven Foundations: Academic Aspiration, Community, Wellbeing, Sport, Enrichment, Global Education, and the Championing of Neuroinclusivity.

The Development & Alumni Relations Department is responsible for nurturing strong links with our Felsted community which includes alumni (Old Felstedians), current and former parents, current and former staff, and other well-wishers. It delivers an integrated and varied programme of communications, events, fundraising activities, and stewardship.

In 2024, Felsted won ‘The Development Award for an Outstanding Fundraising Achievement’ (Independent School Parent) for the team’s work in building a ‘culture of philanthropy’ for the school’s first ever Giving Day campaign.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop valuable professional skills within an ambitious department, gaining experience across a diverse portfolio of communications, events, and fundraising activity.

The Development and Engagement Officer will support the school’s engagement and fundraising programme, contributing to Felsted’s strategic aim of building strong relationships and promoting a culture of philanthropy. The postholder will report to, and work closely with, the Development and Engagement Manager, adopting a collaborative and agile approach to projects and campaigns. The role carries ownership of key engagement channels.

This role would suit someone with experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations or sales, who enjoys working in a high-standards environment, building meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who combine strong interpersonal skills with excellent communication and creativity.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 20 October at 9:00am. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.

Felsted is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all pupils and a ‘culture of vigilance’ to safeguard and protect all in its care, and to all aspects of its ‘Safeguarding (Child Protection and Staff Behaviour) Policy’. Please note, it is an offence to apply for this position if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All employees are subject to pre-employment checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.