Development Manager (Fundraising) NEW

Hays Specialist Recruitment

• £46,000 + Benefits
• Central London
• Fully on-site – flexible hours – Term Time 09:00 -16:30 School holidays 09:00 -16:00
• Interviews to be held on the 3rd or the 5th of February
• Closing date for applications – Thursday the 5th of February 2026.
• Interview date: Monday 9th February 2026
• Job reff

You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.

As Development Manager, you will:

• Lead the Fundraising Strategy – Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
• Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
• Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
• Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
• Line manage the Development Assistant
• Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
• Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
• Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
• Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
• Support & Empower Volunteers
• Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
• Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
• Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
• Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
• Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
• Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
• Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets

About You

• Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
• Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
• Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
• Experience leading or mentoring staff
• A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
• Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
• Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
• Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.

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