Director of Development

Cranleigh School; Westcott; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent co-educational school in the UK seeks a Director of Development to establish and lead the Development Office. This role involves creating and implementing a Development Strategy aimed at enhancing philanthropy and engagement. The ideal candidate possesses a strong track record in fundraising and relationship building within complex organisations. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence the school's growth and outreach efforts, enhancing its fundraising capabilities and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in major gifts solicitation and fundraising programmes.
• Experience in complex organisations building effective programmes.
• Extensive knowledge of broad fundraising programmes.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a Development Strategy focused on philanthropy.
• Lead and coordinate major gifts solicitation and fundraising programmes.
• Build effective teams and programmes across the organisation.

Skills

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About Cranleigh

Founded in 1865, Cranleigh is a highly successful independent co‑educational day and boarding school educating 1,000 pupils aged 5‑18 years. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Surrey Hills, within easy reach of London, the school benefits from an extensive and very well‑equipped campus with a blend of historic buildings and new, purpose‑built facilities. Cranleigh celebrates academic ambition, hard work and enterprise and teaches pupils to think for themselves through independent learning and critical thinking.

Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.

This is a particularly exciting time to join Cranleigh as it celebrates its 160th anniversary and with the recent opening of a new Sixth Form Centre. In an uncertain sector, the school is energised, buoyant and growing; both in the UK (with the introduction of pre‑prep and nursery) and internationally with plans to add to the existing portfolio of four schools.

About the role

Cranleigh is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Development to establish and lead the Development Office. As the Head, Sam Price, enters her second year in post, she is keen to develop a partnership with the Director of Development, who will bring with them a successful track record of fundraising, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting to the Head, the Director of Development will create and implement an ambitious Development Strategy for philanthropy and engagement, with a focus on immediate capital priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and experienced fundraiser to shape a new office in a dynamic and growing school.

Building effective professional relationships with key internal stakeholders is a critical aspect of this role and the Director of Development will work across the school, preparatory school and international schools to raise the profile and understanding of philanthropy and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a Development Strategy focused on philanthropy, engagement and immediate capital priorities.
• Lead and coordinate major gifts solicitation and fundraising programmes.
• Build and develop effective teams and programmes within a complex organisational environment.
• Work across school, preparatory and international schools to raise the profile and understanding of philanthropy and engagement.
• Build professional relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications

• Track record in major gifts solicitation and fundraising programmes, gained from within or outside the education sector.
• Experience working in complex organisations and building effective programmes and teams.
• Extensive knowledge of broad fundraising programmes and sensitivity to the history and culture of the Cranleigh community worldwide.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the post.

Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant

Closing date: 10:00 am (UK time) on Monday 8th December 2025

Cranleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

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

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