At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead philanthropic initiatives to enhance educational access and community connections for young women.
- Company: South Hampstead High School, a prestigious institution with a strong commitment to education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension schemes, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community in leafy Hampstead with excellent transport links and amenities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young women through transformative education and philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in philanthropy, fundraising, and relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
The role at South Hampstead High School is about more than fundraising. It is about widening access to a transformational education, strengthening lifelong connections with our community and creating opportunities for young women to flourish. Building on the momentum and success of the school’s recent 150th Anniversary campaign, the Director of Development will shape and deliver the next phase of the School’s philanthropic ambition.
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Required from: March 2027
About You
We are looking for a strategic, relationship-led development professional with significant experience in philanthropy, fundraising or advancement. You will bring a proven track record of securing major gifts, managing donor pipelines and delivering successful campaigns, alongside the credibility to work with senior stakeholders and inspire support from a wide community. Entrepreneurial, thoughtful and highly communicative, you will believe in the power of education to transform lives and be excited by the chance to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy aligned with South Hampstead’s values and the wider GDST mission.
About The School
Working at South Hampstead is stimulating, challenging and rewarding. Located in leafy Hampstead, with the buzz of central London’s cultural life close at hand, the school is very well served by public transport and there are excellent local amenities nearby.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- 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
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
The process
South Hampstead is partnering with Alice Speers, Search Consultant at Ashmore Search on this appointment.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9am Wednesday 11th November 2026
- First round interviews at South Hampstead: Tuesday 24th November 2026
- Final round interviews at South Hampstead: Tuesday 1st December 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the position or if an offer is made and accepted. The school may also conduct online searches (including publicly available social media searches) as part of our recruitment processes. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.
Director of Development in London employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Wimbledon High School - GDST is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where staff are encouraged to innovate and collaborate. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees have access to numerous growth opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about coaching and education. Located in the heart of London, the school offers a unique chance to inspire young athletes while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community and excellent facilities.
Contact Details:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in London
✨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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust).
✨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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust).
✨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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust).
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in London
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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust). 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, 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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨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 GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust). 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!
