At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and alumnae engagement initiatives at a prestigious girls' school.
- Company: Cheltenham Ladies’ College, a pioneer in girls' education since 1853.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and empower future generations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in development roles, preferably in education.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ per year.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is one of the world’s leading schools, located on a beautiful 36-acre dispersed estate in the historic spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It is one of the largest school communities of boarding and day girls in Europe, with a warm and inclusive pupil body of approximately 820 (aged 11-18), representing over 40 countries worldwide. Founded in 1853 to redefine what girls’ education could be, CLC has been a pioneer in girls' education for nearly 175 years.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Director of Development and Alumnae Relations to provide strategic direction and inspired leadership for the College’s fundraising and alumnae engagement activities. The College has recently undertaken an external review of philanthropy, identifying clear opportunities to grow fundraising and engagement outcomes. Reporting directly to the Executive Principal, this is a pivotal leadership role which, as a member of the Leadership Team, will be instrumental in driving a step change in philanthropic giving to the College.
With the full backing of the Executive Principal, Council and the broader CLC community, the new Director will be ideally placed to shape and implement a strategic roadmap for the next decade. This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding development professional whose experience has been gained within the education sector or a transferable context.
The successful candidate will have a strong track record of working closely with senior volunteers and boards, playing a key role in shaping and executing effective philanthropic strategies. Your leadership experience will include developing and expanding a development team, underpinned by a collaborative and inspiring approach. Importantly, you will have a demonstrated ability to deliver results in major gift programmes and capital campaigns, with a clear focus on long‑term impact and engagement.
Your credibility, resilience and ability to show good judgement will inspire those around you and enable you to take the team’s activity to the next level. We are looking for an articulate, persuasive and credible ambassador for Cheltenham Ladies’ College, both here in the UK and internationally. You will be a first‑class relationship builder with strong cultural awareness and a good knowledge of (or inherent feel for) the independent educational landscape. Crucially, you will share a passion for the power of education and the transformative impact of bursaries.
If you have the skills, aptitude and commitment to take on this role at CLC with drive and ambition, and are committed to the College’s values and aims, we would love to hear from you.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process. International candidates who are interested in relocating to the UK will be considered as visa support is available for this position. Cheltenham Ladies’ College promotes the values of mutual respect and integrity at every level in the organisation and is an equal opportunities employer. Cheltenham Ladies’ College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Friday 11th September 2026.
Director of Development and Alumnae Relations in Cheltenham employer: Case
Case offers a dynamic and creative work environment in Greater London, where employees are encouraged to innovate and contribute to a brand with a rich design heritage. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and fosters a collaborative culture that values teamwork and creativity. Joining Case means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing customer experiences in the e-commerce space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development and Alumnae Relations in Cheltenham
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Case.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Case.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Case.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Case. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development and Alumnae Relations in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Case. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Case
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Case. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
