Development Director

Watford Grammar School for Boys; Watford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Strong team

Reputable school

Good transport links

Sports facilities

Arts culture

Job summary

Watford Grammar School for Boys seeks a Development Director to build on a solid philanthropy foundation. The role focuses on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and governance, with responsibility for alumni relations and communications across the school community.

The post involves on-site work predominantly, with some home-working opportunities, and requires leadership in campaigns, legacygiving and regular giving. Remote work is limited and term-time hours apply.

Qualifications

• Experience leading fundraising programmes and campaigns.
• Strong ability to engage donors, supporters and alumni.
• Proven track record in managing fundraising projects and data.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of fundraising strategy with school leadership and stakeholders.
• Govern fundraising governance, reporting and data integrity.
• Oversee marketing and communications including website and newsletters and alumni communications.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Excellent communications

Project management

Digital tools usage

Tools

Databases

Publishing software

Digital communication tools

Job description

We are seeking to appoint a new Development Director to build upon a successful foundation for developing philanthropy at Watford Grammar School for Boys.

4 days per week, 38 weeks per year (term time) + 10 additional days during holiday periods.

There will be occasional requirements to attend / host evening events and at weekends - on such occasions time off in lieu will be agreed.

It is expected that the successful candidate will spend most of their working hours on site to fully understand and represent the school’s character, community and estate, although there may be occasions when there will be opportunities to work from home.

Remuneration: Scale M2 (£48,226 - £51,356 FTE). Actual salary: £36,787 - £41,971. The role qualifies for membership of the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.

The role

• The postholder will lead the development and delivery of the School’s fundraising strategy, working closely with the Headmaster, Governors, the Watford Fuller Foundation (WFF), the Old Fullerians’ Association (OFA), Friends of the School (FoS) and other key stakeholders. The role will identify and develop fundraising opportunities, build strong relationships with donors, alumni, parents, trusts and corporate partners, and deliver targeted fundraising campaigns, including regular giving, capital campaigns and legacy giving.
• The postholder will also provide effective fundraising governance and reporting, maintain accurate and compliant fundraising data, and monitor and analyse fundraising activity and its impact. A key element of the role will be developing meaningful engagement with alumni and the wider school community to encourage long‑term philanthropic support.
• Alongside fundraising, the postholder will have responsibility for the School’s marketing and communications activity, including maintaining website content, managing social media, producing prospectuses and newsletters, and coordinating alumni communications through Fuller News. The role will also support the OFA and FoS, helping to strengthen stakeholder engagement and coordinating communications and logistics for key school and community events.

The ideal candidate

• A confident communicator with strong interpersonal and writing skills who can engage a range of stakeholders
• Innovative and capable of initiating and implementing new approaches to fundraising and relationship management
• Experienced in relationship management, fundraising or engagement
• Skilled in using databases, publishing software and other digital communication tools or be willing to learn
• Organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Passionate about education and community building
• A team player with a proactive and positive approach

What we offer

• A supportive environment with access to professional development and training.
• Talented and experienced colleagues
• An excellent reputation, making your experience at the school a strong basis for your future career
• Good transport links and a site close to Watford town centre
• Extensive sports facilities available to staff including a state‑of‑the‑art gym and sports hall
• A strong tradition in the arts with regular exhibitions, plays and concerts
• An admissions policy which prioritises children of staff

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory right to work and enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient numbers of applications have been received.

If you would like to visit the school or discuss the role further, please contact [e-mail].