Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and alumnae relations strategies at a prestigious independent school.
- Company: St Helen’s is a top independent day school for girls, focused on academic excellence.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while building strong community relationships and enhancing philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gift fundraising and team leadership; passion for independent education is key.
- Other info: This is a senior role reporting to the Head, with a focus on strategic development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
St Helen’s is a leading independent day school for over 1,100 girls aged 3–18. The School is set in 21 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of Northwood in North London, just 30 minutes by underground from Central London. St Helen’s is committed to academic excellence and is dedicated to equipping pupils with the skills which will enable them to take their places as leaders in a rapidly changing world.
St Helen’s is now seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Development to take the lead in creating and delivering its future fundraising and alumnae relations strategies. The new Head, Bridget Ward, who joined the School at the start of the academic year, is keen to partner with a highly skilled fundraiser who will work with colleagues and the governing body to elevate the role philanthropy plays at the School.
This is a significant opportunity for the Director of Development to create and implement a philanthropy and engagement strategy – aligned with the School’s new strategic plan – which supports the development of the School’s bursary programme to ensure the provision and support are the very best they can be. The Director of Development will build on the existing communications and events programme to strengthen engagement between the School and its alumnae and parental communities.
This is a new, senior post reporting to the Head, and the Director of Development will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role presents an exciting opportunity for an 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 a champion for effective philanthropy and engagement, fostering trusted relationships both internally and externally. They will have a proven track record in securing and sustaining support from individuals at the five- and six-figure level and will understand the importance of outstanding alumni and stakeholder relations. The ability to lead, develop and grow a team to realise the potential for philanthropy at the School will be essential.
Experience of working in a UK school environment is not essential, but candidates will be supportive of independent education in general and the St Helen’s ethos in particular.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the post:
- Susannah Thompson:
Further information about the role and details of how to apply can be found at
Closing date: 10am on Monday 17th February 2025.
St Helen’s 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.
St Helen’s 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 brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Director of Development employer: St Helen's School
Contact Detail:
St Helen's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with St Helen’s ethos and values. Understanding the school's commitment to academic excellence and its focus on developing future leaders will help you align your vision for philanthropy and engagement with their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former staff, as well as alumnae, to gain insights into the school's culture and community. Building these relationships can provide valuable context for your approach to fundraising and engagement strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in major gift fundraising. Highlight specific examples where you've secured significant donations and how those contributions made a lasting impact on the organizations you worked with.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your vision for enhancing alumnae relations and community engagement. Consider innovative ideas that could strengthen ties between the school and its stakeholders, showcasing your ability to think strategically.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Development position. Understand the key responsibilities, such as creating fundraising strategies and engaging with alumnae, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in major gift fundraising and any successful fundraising campaigns you've led. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to secure support at the five- and six-figure level.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you have developed and grown teams in previous roles, and how you plan to foster relationships within the School community.
Express Commitment to Education: Convey your support for independent education and the ethos of St Helen’s in your application. This will show that you align with the School's values and are genuinely interested in contributing to its mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helen's School
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarize yourself with St Helen’s commitment to academic excellence and its ethos. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the school's mission and how you can contribute to fostering a positive environment for students.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Highlight your successful track record in major gift fundraising. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've secured five- and six-figure donations and the strategies you employed to build lasting relationships with donors.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've developed and motivated teams to achieve fundraising goals and enhance engagement programs.
✨Engagement Strategies
Discuss your ideas for enhancing alumnae and parental engagement. Think about innovative communication and event strategies that could strengthen these relationships and align with the school's strategic plan.
