Director of Development

Scottish Council of Independent Schools; Scotland; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Scotland, located in St Andrews, seeks an exceptional fundraising professional to drive its ambitious initiatives. With a target of generating over £500k in revenue, the successful candidate will utilize exceptional relationship-building skills and technical expertise. This role offers the freedom to innovate and engage with a supportive alumni community, essential for securing the future of the school. Educated to degree level, the candidate should have a proven track record in implementing successful fundraising strategies.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop multi-year fundraising strategies.
• Experience securing 5-6 figure gifts from various sources.
• Knowledge of OSCR regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Generate £500k+ in revenue through fundraising.
• Conduct due diligence on donors for compliance.
• Work with Executive Team and Board of Governors.

Skills

Relationship building skills

Technical fundraising expertise

Demonstrable track record in fundraising

Knowledge of financial and legal structuring

Education

Degree level education

Job description

Package Description

Located in the historic town of St Andrews, St Leonards is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, recently named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Sunday Times. It is a vibrant, co-educational boarding and day community with a true international outlook.

Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come.

Reporting directly to the Head, this post will target generating £500k+ of revenue and will demand both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will have freedom to innovate and make a tangible difference and be able to engage prospective donors and the wider highly supportive Seniors (Alumni) community. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.

You will be responsible for the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives supported by the Alumni and Development Officer and will work with the supportive, mission-driven Executive Team and Board of Governors to develop and implement these.

To be successful you will be educated to degree level and have knowledge and experience in previous roles where you have developed a demonstrable track record of devising and implementing multi-year fundraising strategies which have allowed you to personally secure 5 and 6 figure gifts from individuals, trusts or foundations. You will possess the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion.

More information on the responsibilities of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required of candidates can be found in the Candidate Pack.

St Leonards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory PVG check.

Closing time and date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 16th January 2026. Early applications are encouraged as St Leonards reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time.

Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26th January 2026.

Any questions may be directed to Simon Brian, Head at [e-mail].