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- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and engage with stakeholders to support school development.
- Company: Claremont Fan Court School, a prestigious independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape fundraising strategies and make a real impact in education.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and drive philanthropic efforts for future developments.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for significant career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Claremont Fan Court School is a leading independent co-educational day school of 1,200 pupils aged 2 to 18, situated in 100 acres of landscaped grounds just outside Esher, Surrey. The focal point of the grounds, a Grade I listed 18th-century Palladian mansion, served as a royal residence in the 19th century before becoming an independent school in the 1930s. Located just sixteen miles from London and within the M25, the school enjoys excellent road and rail links.
Over the last seven years, both the school and its foundation have undergone a period of transformation, with pupil numbers increasing, the opening of a £7m science and technology building, and a £4m refurbishment of Stable Court, the preparatory school building. Claremont is now seeking to appoint an exceptional director of development to re-establish and lead the development office. This is a pivotal senior role with the opportunity to shape and drive the school’s fundraising and engagement strategy, generating new philanthropic income as part of the school's new strategic plan.
Reporting to the head, the director of development, who will be a member of the senior leadership team, will lead fundraising for new developments to the estate, alongside the preservation and refurbishment of treasured heritage buildings. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced fundraiser to shape a programme in a dynamic and vibrant school, helping it to advance its strategic priorities through philanthropy.
The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of broad fundraising programmes gained from within or outside of the education sector. They will demonstrate proven success in engaging a wide range of stakeholders (both internal and external) with development and have the professional experience and confidence to build a successful and sustainable long-term fundraising function at Claremont.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role: Peter Lockhart, Search Consultant: peterlockhart@rsacademics.com. For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit: www.rsacademics.com. Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 20 April 2026.
Claremont Fan Court School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & 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 this post are detailed 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: Claremont Fan Court School
Contact Detail:
Claremont Fan Court School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Development role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Claremont Fan Court School and similar institutions on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. This not only shows your interest but also helps you stay updated on their activities and initiatives, which can be great conversation starters during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school's recent developments and fundraising efforts. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their strategic plan. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role and keen to be part of the Claremont community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Development. We want to see how you can contribute to our fundraising and engagement strategy, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past experiences, focus on specific achievements in fundraising or stakeholder engagement. We love numbers and success stories, so if you've led a successful campaign or built strong relationships, let us know!
Be Authentic: We appreciate genuine passion for education and philanthropy. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share why you’re excited about this opportunity at Claremont Fan Court School and how you envision making an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Claremont Fan Court School
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Claremont Fan Court School. Understand their values, recent developments, and strategic priorities. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements. Highlight how you've engaged stakeholders and generated income in previous roles. Be ready to discuss strategies that worked well and how you can apply those experiences to shape Claremont's development office.
✨Engage with the Heritage
Since the role involves working with heritage buildings, be prepared to discuss your understanding of the importance of preserving such assets. Share any relevant experience you have in fundraising for heritage projects or similar initiatives, showing your passion for maintaining the school's legacy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school's vision for the development office and how they see it evolving. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into what they expect from the successful candidate.