Director of Development Hours: Full time Contract: Permanent Salary: Competitive plus benefits Required from: March 2027 The role
Director of Development
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Required from: March 2027
The role
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.
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.
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
The process
South Hampstead are 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.
How to make an application
To find out more and to apply, please click the apply button.
Please be aware that Ashmore Search will also use information contained or referred to in the application form for the purpose of processing your job application and as further set out in the Ashmore Search Ltd Privacy Notice.
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 (Internal Applications Only) in London 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.
