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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in admissions, marketing, and fundraising to enhance the College's profile.
- Company: Ampleforth College, a prestigious Catholic boarding school with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape educational futures.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on a historic institution while driving cultural transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in external relations or education marketing is essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ampleforth College invites applications for the post of Director of External Relations, a pivotal strategic appointment within the Senior Leadership Team.
Founded in 1802 and situated within 2,000 acres in the Howardian Hills of North Yorkshire, Ampleforth is widely recognised as the world’s foremost Catholic boarding and day school. Educating boys and girls aged 11–18, the College is rooted in the Benedictine tradition and guided by values of respect, hospitality, stewardship and integrity. Its distinctive House system, strong academic profile and rich co-curricular life create a deeply formative educational experience.
In response to a rapidly evolving independent school landscape, the College has created a unified External Relations portfolio which brings together Admissions, Marketing, Communications and Development under a single strategic lead for the first time. The Director of External Relations will be responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive strategy that secures sustainable pupil recruitment, strengthens national and international market positioning, and expands philanthropic support.
The postholder will oversee the full admissions journey from enquiry to enrolment, ensure a coherent and compelling brand narrative across all communications channels, and lead the growth of a structured and diversified fundraising programme. The College has maintained pupil numbers in a competitive market and benefits from a loyal alumni body and significant heritage. However, the next phase of development requires deeper integration across teams, enhanced use of data and CRM systems, broadened donor engagement and thoughtful long-term planning. This role offers the opportunity to lead cultural as well as strategic transformation.
The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience within external relations, advancement, education marketing or a comparable mission-led environment. They will demonstrate a proven track record of driving recruitment growth and philanthropic income, together with the ability to align operational delivery with strategic ambition. Strong financial literacy, data competence and experience of leading and developing professional teams are essential.
Above all, the Director of External Relations will be an accomplished ambassador and relationship-builder, capable of engaging confidently with parents, alumni, donors, trustees and senior colleagues. They will combine clarity of thought with attention to detail, and strategic vision with delivery focus. Empathy with and respect for the Benedictine Catholic ethos of the College is essential; practising Catholic faith is not a requirement.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a historic and internationally recognised boarding school at a significant moment in its development.
The closing date for applications is 08:30 GMT on Tuesday 7th April 2026. St Laurence Education Trust and Ampleforth College are committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people. They expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices and procedures reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) along with other relevant employment checks.
Director of External Relations Ampleforth College in Harrogate employer: Catholic Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Catholic Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Relations Ampleforth College in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with external relations. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for the role! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for Ampleforth College's mission and values. It’s all about connecting on a deeper level.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college’s current initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the college’s future.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Relations Ampleforth College in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Director of External Relations role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make it personal by tailoring your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Ampleforth College. Show us how your background in external relations can contribute to our unique environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your thoughts clearly laid out, so keep it concise and to the point while still showcasing your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Independent Schools
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Ampleforth College's history, values, and current initiatives. Understanding their Benedictine ethos and how it shapes their educational approach will help you connect your experience with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for the Director of External Relations role. Think about how you would integrate admissions, marketing, and development strategies to enhance pupil recruitment and donor engagement. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
As an ambassador for the College, you'll need to show your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your success in engaging parents, alumni, and donors, and how you've fostered collaboration across teams.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires strong financial literacy and data competence, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with CRM systems and how you've leveraged data to enhance recruitment or fundraising efforts.