At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies to empower young women through education and community engagement.
- Company: South Hampstead High School, part of the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools.
- 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 impact by shaping the future of education and fostering a culture of philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in philanthropy, fundraising, and relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At South Hampstead High School, philanthropy 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.
As Director of Development, you will develop and deliver a bold, multi-year fundraising and engagement strategy that supports the school’s long-term vision, expands access through bursaries and further embeds a culture of giving across the South Hampstead community. Working closely with the Head, senior leaders and GDST colleagues, you will lead major gift fundraising, campaigns, annual giving, trusts and foundations, legacy giving, donor stewardship and alumnae engagement. This is a role with both strategic influence and visible human impact: strengthening lifelong connections with alumnae, parents, staff and friends while generating philanthropic investment that directly supports opportunity, belonging and transformational education.
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.
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.
The school is part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools. We offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- 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
South Hampstead is partnering with Alice Speers, Search Consultant at Ashmore Search on this appointment. If you would like an informal conversation about the role prior to application, we encourage you to contact Alice on +44 (0)7799 808 051 or alice@ashmoresearch.com.
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
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. 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.
Director of Development employer: GDST
Kensington Prep School - GDST is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and collaborative work environment, where teachers are empowered to inspire young minds. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have access to ongoing training and support, ensuring your growth as an educator while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils. Located in a vibrant community, our school offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like GDST.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of GDST, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at GDST. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that GDST supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of GDST. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Director of Development role at GDST. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of GDST. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at GDST.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for GDST. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
