Head of Development in Dundee

High School of Dundee is a values-led school with a strong commitment to opportunity, inclusion and community. Its core values of Compassion, Challenge and Collaboration shape both its culture and its approach to learning. The school is committed to ensuring that pupils feel known, supported and inspired to fulfil their potential. While academic achievement is important, the school places equal value on confidence, self-worth, curiosity, creativity and social responsibility.

Founded in 1239, High School of Dundee combines a proud heritage with a modern, forward-looking outlook. It aims to equip young people to contribute positively to the world around them and to make thoughtful, values-based decisions throughout their lives. At the heart of this mission is the High School of Dundee Charitable Foundation, established in 2000 as a registered charity. The Foundation exists to widen access to a High School education by supporting talented young people who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial circumstances.

The Foundation’s key objectives are:

• To raise funds for children who need financial assistance to take up their place at the school
• To raise funds to support the school in providing the best possible learning environment

Through its bursary programme, the Foundation promotes social mobility, inclusion and fairness, while enriching the school community through greater diversity of background and experience. The school and Foundation also contribute more widely through community partnerships, fundraising activity and outreach work that encourages empathy, responsibility and a culture of giving back.

This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to lead the next phase of philanthropic growth for High School of Dundee and its Charitable Foundation. The role sits within the school but works closely with the Foundation, which is a separate entity with its own Board of Trustees and lay members. All funds raised are received by the Foundation and distributed to support agreed priorities, most notably bursaries for talented young people from families who would otherwise be unable to afford school fees, as well as selected capital projects that improve the school’s infrastructure and facilities.

The school has not had a dedicated fundraiser in post since before COVID. In recent years, fundraising has been absorbed within other teams, with activity focused more on maintaining relationships than generating significant new income. Legacy giving has remained strong and has helped sustain the Foundation, while events such as the annual Gala Ball have continued to attract support. However, there is substantial untapped potential across alumni, parents, donors and the wider school community.

At a time when independent schools are facing increased financial pressure, including the impact of VAT on tuition fees and rising delivery costs, the school has taken the strategic decision to invest in dedicated fundraising leadership. The new Head of Development will work closely with the Executive Rector, Foundation Chair and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a new fundraising strategy for the future.

The role will focus on:

• Growing philanthropic income across a range of streams
• Strengthening alumni and supporter engagement
• Increasing annual bursary funding from £150,000 to £500,000 over five years
• Delivering a first-year target of an additional £50,000

This is a standalone role, so the successful candidate will need to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. It will suit someone who is comfortable building relationships, shaping a clear plan, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering fundraising activity directly.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising strategy and income generation
• Grow fundraised income from alumni, individuals, trusts and foundations, corporates and other friends of the school
• Develop a multi-income fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Rector, Foundation Committee and Trustees
• Create segmentation, cultivation, stewardship and solicitation plans for existing and prospective supporters
• Ensure fundraising priorities remain aligned to the school’s wider strategic goals

Donor and stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, with a particular emphasis on the UK and Europe
• Engage alumni as ambassadors, volunteers and supporters of school priorities
• Work closely with groups connected to the school, including alumni committees and related networks
• Support senior staff, Board members and Foundation representatives in approaches to high-level donors
• Help identify, cultivate and steward major donor relationships

Events and development activity

• Lead collaboration with senior staff and volunteer leaders to plan and deliver cultivation and fundraising events
• Support events such as lunches, dinners, personal visits and other donor engagement opportunities in Dundee and elsewhere as required
• Develop and deliver an alumni volunteering and ambassador programme, including support for internships, guest speakers and mentors

Leadership and operational delivery

• Provide fundraising expertise and guidance to colleagues across the school where needed
• Manage the fundraising budget effectively and ensure activity is approved and delivered within budget
• Raise the profile and reputation of the Development function internally and externally
• Maintain awareness of fundraising best practice, regulatory requirements and sector developments
• Ensure all fundraising activity adheres to relevant professional codes and regulations
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Executive Rector

Person Specification

Essential experience and knowledge

• Significant fundraising experience, including a track record of growing income
• Understanding of effective fundraising within the education sector or a comparable charitable setting
• Experience of working across complex organisations and managing multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience

Essential skills and competencies

• Ability to deliver against agreed income and engagement targets
• Strategic thinker with the ability to solve problems and turn plans into action
• Strong relationship-building, influencing and cross-organisational collaboration skills
• Confidence working with senior leaders, Trustees, volunteers and donors
• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and manage ambiguity
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Strong alignment with the values of the school and its commitment to bursary support and widening opportunity

Desirable

• Experience in school, higher education or charity fundraising
• Personal experience of bursary support or a strong understanding of its impact

What the School is Looking For

The school is seeking someone who is both strategic and hands-on. This is a high-profile role at the centre of school life, so the successful candidate will need to bring warmth, credibility, excellent judgement and the ability to build trust quickly. A genuine commitment to the mission of widening access to education is essential. The school is keen to appoint someone who understands that this work is rooted in opportunity, fairness and long-term impact. High School of Dundee describes itself as anything but elitist. Many families make significant sacrifices to invest in their children’s education, and the successful candidate will need to feel comfortable and aligned within that environment.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£60,000, depending on experience
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Working pattern: Flexible
• Contract: Full-time, permanent
• Reporting to: Executive Rector
• Direct reports: None
• Location: Euclid Campus, Dundee / hybrid, with an expectation of around 2 days per week on site
• Annual leave: 37 days including public holidays
• Pension: Defined contribution scheme with employer contribution options of 8% or 13.55%, depending on employee contribution level
• Benefits platform: Pluxee
• Fee remission: 40%
• Additional benefit: Access to the school gym at Mayfield outside school hours

Safeguarding and Eligibility

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a check through the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. Any offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory PVG clearance. Please note that this role is only open to candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK on a permanent basis.

How to Apply

Applications should be made by CV and covering letter, with neither document exceeding two pages. This recruitment campaign is being managed by Abeer Macintyre Consultancy. Early applications are encouraged, as candidates of interest will be invited to a short pre-screen interview as part of the shortlisting process.

Key dates

• Closing date: Midday, Sunday 3 May 2026
• First stage interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026, at High School of Dundee
• Second stage interviews: Thursday 21 May 2026, via Teams

For further information, please contact Abeer via the email address above.