Director of Development

Guardian Jobs; Mayfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Mayfield is seeking an experienced Director of Development to spearhead fundraising initiatives and enhance alumnae relations. This senior role emphasizes strategic leadership and relationship building to support the school’s ambitious Development Plan. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in major gift fundraising and possess exceptional interpersonal skills. This role provides significant opportunities to positively impact the school's future.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in major gift fundraising.
• Ability to lead and develop a team.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School’s fundraising and alumnae relations strategies.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team in support of the Development Plan.
• Strengthen engagement with alumnae and the wider community.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Job description

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Mayfield School

Director of Development

Mayfield is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school of 360 girls aged 11-18. The School is set in 75 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, conveniently located just outside Royal Tunbridge Wells, within an hour of Central London by train. The Catholic ethos of the school is a core factor in creating a culture of kindness and generosity, an environment where every girl is given an opportunity to be the best version of herself, to maximise her potential both inside and outside the classroom.

Mayfield is now seeking to appoint an outstanding Director of Development to take the lead in shaping and delivering the School’s future fundraising and alumnae relations strategies. The Headmistress, Deborah Bligh, is keen to develop a partnership with a highly skilled fundraiser who will work with and advise colleagues across the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body in support of the School’s ambitious Development Plan and the creation of a bursary endowment fund.

This is a significant opportunity for the Director of Development to build on the structures and relationships already in place, leading the Development & Alumnae Office to deliver future fundraising and stakeholder relations programmes that will strengthen engagement between the School and its alumnae and wider community.

This is a new, senior post reporting to the Headmistress and the Director of Development will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role presents an exciting opportunity for a strategic and experienced major gift fundraiser, with a successful track record of establishing and growing impactful fundraising and engagement programmes. The Director of Development will play a vital role in supporting the School in the next stage of its journey.

The successful candidate will be an engaging, collaborative and highly motivated fundraiser with exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to lead and develop a team to release the potential for philanthropy at Mayfield.

Experience of working in a UK school environment is not essential, but candidates will be supportive of independent education in general and the Mayfield ethos in particular.

Further information about the role and details of how to apply can be found at our website via the button below.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the post: Susannah Thompson: [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Wednesday 27th August 2025

Mayfield School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage/civil partnerships.

Mayfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Advertising Services

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