Development Manager

The King's Summer School; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The King’s School, Canterbury is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising strategy, manage a portfolio of major donor prospects, and deliver tailored plans to grow philanthropy. You will help secure significant gifts and contribute to a thriving development office.

Reporting to the Director of Development, you will line manage the Development Officer, collaborate across the School, and support growth through engaging donor communications.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen donor relationships with major donors and supporters.
• Secure five and six-figure gifts for the philanthropic campaign.
• Develop tailored fundraising and stewardship plans for priority projects.
• Oversee the growth of the legacy giving programme and report impact.
• Produce engaging donor communications highlighting philanthropy impact.
• Line manage the Development Officer and contribute to a high-performing team.
• Occasional evening and weekend work; some national and international travel.

Job description

Development Manager

The King’s School, Canterbury

Basis Full Time

Job category/type Marketing

Date posted 21/10/2026

Job reference VAC00756

Attachments: Development Manager Information Pack.pdf

£45,000 per annum

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and ambitious Development Office at The King’s School, Canterbury, at a pivotal moment in its philanthropic journey. With a major fundraising campaign underway and a supportive global community of alumni, parents and supporters, we are seeking an enthusiastic Development Manager to help drive the next phase of our growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening donor relationships, securing five and six-figure gifts, and delivering the School’s fundraising strategy. You will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and existing supporters, develop tailored fundraising and stewardship plans, and identify new opportunities for philanthropic giving.

You will also oversee the continued growth of the School’s legacy giving programme, produce engaging donor communications highlighting the impact of philanthropy, and maintain accurate fundraising records. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the School, you will help develop compelling stories that inspire long-term support.

Reporting to the Director of Development, you will line manage the Development Officer and contribute to a high-performing, forward-thinking team. The role may involve occasional evening and weekend work, as well as some national and international travel.

If you are an ambitious fundraising professional with excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for making a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 15 November 2026 with interviews taking place the following week.

The King’s School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates.

All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.