Head of Philanthropy Operations

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is a family of 23 independent schools and two academies, united by a shared mission to help girls learn without limits, so they go on to lead lives without limits. As pioneers in girls’ education, we are proud of our heritage and ambitious for our future. To fulfil our public purpose of reaching as many girls as possible, we have an ambitious fundraising strategy, focused on transformational bursaries and innovative learning, enabling girls from a wide range of financial backgrounds to access a GDST education.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Philanthropy Operations to lead the systems, processes and insight that underpin philanthropic income generation and supporter engagement across the GDST and its family of schools. This is a key leadership role within the Philanthropy and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership for the operational infrastructure that enables fundraising and alumnae engagement to grow in a coordinated, compliant and sustainable way. You will play a central role in strengthening how data, systems and operational support are used to help colleagues across the Trust Office and schools deliver excellent fundraising and stewardship activity.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will lead the operational strategy that supports philanthropy and alumnae engagement across the GDST, ensuring the systems, processes and reporting that underpin fundraising are effective, compliant and built for sustainable growth. You will lead CRM, data and performance insight to strengthen decision‑making, pipeline development, donor stewardship and long‑term relationship management across the GDST network. You will also oversee core fundraising operations, provide high‑quality reporting to senior leaders and Trustees, and lead a small team to deliver strong operational support across the GDST. Alongside this, you will help equip colleagues across schools and the Trust Office with the tools, guidance and insight they need to strengthen fundraising and supporter engagement.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role

• Significant experience in philanthropy or fundraising operations leadership, with a strong track record of leading systems, processes and operational improvement in a complex organisation.
• Substantial experience of CRM management, data analysis and fundraising reporting, with the ability to translate insight into clear strategic recommendations and practical action.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders, including executive leaders and Trustees, and to build trusted relationships across a network of schools and central teams.
• Experience of leading and developing teams, alongside a good understanding of fundraising regulation, compliance and data protection.
• A combination of strategic thinking and operational rigour, with a clear motivation to help create greater access, opportunity and impact through philanthropy at the GDST.

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls’ schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression.
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities.
• Training grants for qualifications.
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
• Free life assurance benefit.
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans.
• A Cycle to Work scheme.
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment.

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.