Development Director

Local Government Chronicle; Oxford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished educational institution near Oxford is seeking a Development Director to lead its fundraising and alumni relations activities. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in fundraising at a strategic level, a strong track record of securing major gifts, and effective communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the school's ambitious future plans while working collaboratively across the institution. Interested individuals should submit their CV and covering letter by 09.00 UK Friday 5 December.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in fundraising at a strategic level.
• Strong track record of securing major gifts and leading successful campaigns.
• Strong financial acumen and research capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and delivery of all fundraising and alumni relations activity.
• Support the development team and foster a culture of philanthropy.
• Build meaningful relationships with major donors and stakeholders.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication

Collaboration

Financial acumen

Creative income generation

Job description

Overview

Radley College is one of the UK's leading independent boarding school for boys, set in a magnificent 800 acre estate just outside Oxford. Known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and vibrant co curricular life, Radley nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and character in every pupil.

The Radley Foundation is the College's fundraising arm, dedicated to supporting the long term vision of the school through philanthropic partnerships and strategic development.

Current Growth Initiative – This is a particularly exciting time to join Radley. The College is embarking on a bold new phase of growth and transformation, with a major development campaign underway to enhance facilities, widen access through Funded Places, and secure Radley's position at the forefront of British education. The Foundation plays a central role in this vision, galvanising support from a loyal and engaged community of Old Radleians, parents, and friends of the College.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Warden and serving as a member of the College Management Team, the Development Director will lead the strategic direction and day to day delivery of all fundraising and alumni relations activity. The Development Director will lead and support the development team, foster a culture of philanthropy across the College, and build meaningful relationships with major donors and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and day to day delivery of all fundraising and alumni relations activity.
• Lead and support the development team.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the College.
• Build meaningful relationships with major donors and stakeholders.

Required Experience

Candidates will be expected to bring significant experience in fundraising at a strategic level, with a strong track record of securing major gifts and leading successful campaigns, ideally within an educational or charitable setting. Strong financial acumen, research capability and a creative approach to income generation will be important, alongside confident and effective communication skills. The ability to engage donors, motivate a team and work collaboratively across the College will be key.

Skills and Attributes

• Understanding of and alignment with Radley's ethos, values and culture.
• Strong financial acumen and research capability.
• Creative approach to income generation.
• Confident and effective communication.
• Ability to engage donors, motivate a team and collaborate across the College.

Application Details

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a school with a proud heritage and clear ambitions for the future. Expressions of interest are welcomed from individuals who are committed to the value of education and the potential of philanthropy to support its long term impact.

Further information on Radley College can be found via the College's website. A candidate brief can be downloaded below. A CV and covering letter should be submitted by 09.00 UK Friday 5 December.

Radley College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Permanent. Published on 1 Dec 2025.