At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies to empower young women and strengthen community connections.
- Company: South Hampstead High School, a prestigious girls' school in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and discounts for GDST schools.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent transport links and local amenities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and community through strategic philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in philanthropy, major gift fundraising, and relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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. As one of London’s leading girls’ schools approaches its 150th anniversary, this is a rare opportunity to build on an established programme and shape the next chapter of giving and engagement at South Hampstead.
As Head of Philanthropy, 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 fun. 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 closing date for applications is Monday 1st June 2026 at 9am. Interviews will take place on Friday 12th June 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the published interview date. 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.
Head of Philanthropy in London employer: GDST
South Hampstead High School is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering young women through education. Located in the picturesque area of Hampstead, the school offers competitive salaries, extensive professional development opportunities, and a range of benefits including generous pension schemes and discounts for staff children. As part of the GDST network, employees are encouraged to grow within a supportive community that values lifelong connections and philanthropic engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and philanthropy sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for transforming lives through education.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your impact! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've secured major gifts or led successful campaigns. Numbers speak volumes, so bring those stats along!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or organisations you admire, like South Hampstead High School, and express your interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community and making a difference in the world of education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and mission of South Hampstead High School. Show us that you get what philanthropy means to them!
Be Authentic:We want to hear your genuine voice! Share your personal experiences and motivations for wanting to join the team. Let us see the real you and why you’re passionate about transforming education through philanthropy.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your track record in fundraising and donor engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in securing major gifts and managing relationships. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from sharing your achievements!
Follow the Application Process:Remember to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Don’t forget to double-check your submission before hitting send – we want to see your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Before the interview, dive deep into South Hampstead High School's existing philanthropy programmes. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision of widening access and creating opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships. Be ready to discuss campaigns you've led and the impact they had. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your passion for philanthropy and education.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and the community, think about how you can engage them effectively. Prepare questions that show your interest in collaboration and relationship-building. This will highlight your strategic mindset and ability to inspire support.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
South Hampstead values a culture of giving and community connection. During the interview, express your belief in the transformative power of education and how you envision fostering a sustainable culture of philanthropy. This will resonate well with the school's ethos and demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
