Development Manager

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

Job summary

The King’s School Canterbury is seeking a Development Manager to join the Development Office during an ambitious fundraising campaign. You will strengthen donor relationships, secure major gifts, and shape the school’s fundraising strategy.

You will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects, develop tailored stewardship plans, and grow the legacy giving programme, with occasional travel and some evening/weekend work.

Qualifications

• Significant fundraising experience with donor relationships.
• Experience securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Ability to develop tailored fundraising and stewardship plans.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and existing supporters.
• Develop and deliver fundraising strategy and legacy giving programme.
• Produce donor communications highlighting impact.
• Collaborate with colleagues and line-manage the Development Officer.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.

Job description

£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.