Operations & Development Manager in Colyton

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly organised Operations and Development Manager to lead our administration functions and drive the school’s fundraising, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. This key role supports both the operational running of the school and its long‑term sustainability, helping us continue to enrich the educational experience of every student.

As the leader of the Administration Team, you will ensure the smooth, professional, and efficient operation of the school office, while also providing high‑level PA support to the Headteacher. Alongside this, you will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, strengthen our alumni network, and build relationships with donors, partners, and the wider community. This is a unique and varied role that blends leadership, operations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic development—ideal for a proactive, forward‑thinking professional who enjoys working at both an operational and strategic level.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Providing high‑quality, confidential PA support to the Headteacher.
• Managing their diary, communications, briefing materials, and visitor arrangements.
• Leading and line‑managing the Administration Team.
• Maintaining smooth day‑to‑day operation of the school office and reception.
• Supporting administrative and operational priorities across the school.
• Developing and delivering the school’s fundraising strategy and annual plan.
• Growing and nurturing relationships with alumni, parents, donors, and local businesses.
• Leading regular giving programmes, major gift fundraising, and Giving Day activity.
• Researching, identifying, and prioritising grant opportunities.
• Preparing and submitting high‑quality grant applications and proposals.
• Managing donor programmes and maintaining accurate CRM gift records.
• Ensuring appropriate acknowledgement of all donations.
• Coordinating legacy giving and nurturing long‑term donor relationships.
• Identifying and securing corporate partnerships and small‑scale grant schemes.

Alumni Relations & Events:

• Managing the alumni CRM database and engagement strategy.
• Delivering alumni communications, newsletters, and campaigns.
• Coordinating alumni and school events, including Inspire Talks and interview preparation initiatives.
• Highlighting opportunities for alumni to support school needs.

Marketing, Communications & Digital Engagement:

• Working with the Social Media and Content Creator to ensure effective website content.
• Contributing to the school’s brand, public profile, and storytelling.
• Creating engaging written and visual content for communications, social media, and fundraising campaigns.
• Managing the school’s LinkedIn presence and responding to alumni engagement.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Is exceptionally organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Has strong leadership skills and enjoys developing people and teams.
• Is confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Has excellent written skills and attention to detail.
• Can maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Thrives in a role that combines operational management with strategic development.
• Demonstrates resilience, flexibility, and a positive approach to change.

Experience in fundraising, development, grant writing, or alumni relations is highly advantageous, but we welcome applicants with transferable skills who are enthusiastic about growing these areas.

Benefits:

• Free flu vaccinations.
• Free on-site parking.
• Access to the Blue Light Card, unlocking hundreds of discounts nationwide for just £5.

Colyton Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, online and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.