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- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and engage with alumni and supporters through events and communications.
- Company: Join an independent school with a strong philanthropic mission and dedicated Development Office.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, free lunches, gym access, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting with the community and shaping the school's future.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and confidence with digital tools required.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role based in St Albans with a salary of £40,000-£45,000.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Harris Hill are delighted to be working with an independent school to recruit for the Development and Engagement Manager to join a dedicated Development Office with a clear philanthropic mission. You will be responsible for implementing a dynamic engagement strategy that connects alumni, parents, and supporters to the life and vision of the school. You will be instrumental in shaping and delivering fundraising initiatives, managing a calendar of high profile events, and producing compelling communications to further the school’s ambitious development goals.
As a Development and Engagement Manager you will:
- Support and execute a long term, sustainable fundraising strategy
- Cultivate relationships with donors and prospects, from annual givers to major gift supporters
- Project manage appeals across multiple channels
- Ensure effective donor stewardship and record keeping
- Lead alumni relations and develop meaningful engagement initiatives
- Manage alumni data, communications, and mentoring programmes
- Grow a thriving alumni network and act as the first point of contact for former pupils
- Deliver an annual calendar of engaging events for alumni and supporters
- Promote events creatively across digital and print platforms
- Track event impact and maximise ROI
- Produce high quality publications, newsletters, and digital content
- Manage online engagement platforms and social media channels
To be successful, you must have experience:
- Proven experience in fundraising
- Excellent communication, research and project management skills
- Confidence with CRM databases (e.g. ToucanTech), social media, and digital tools
- A proactive, collaborative, and detail oriented mindset
- A strong understanding of stakeholder engagement and event delivery
Salary: £40,000- £45,000 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Location- St Albans, Hertfordshire
Closing date: On rolling basis
Recruitment process: CV and Supporting Statement to Dagmara.depaula@harrishill.co.uk
Benefits:
- Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions up to 10%
- Life assurance (4x annual salary)
- Free lunches, onsite parking, and use of gym/swimming pool
- Ongoing professional development and access to a wellbeing & benefits platform
If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP! Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corpâ„¢, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Development and Engagement Manager employer: Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development and Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school’s mission and values. Understanding their philanthropic goals will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their vision during networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with alumni and current supporters through social media platforms. Building connections and showcasing your enthusiasm for the role can make a lasting impression before you even apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend relevant events or webinars related to fundraising and engagement strategies. This not only enhances your knowledge but also expands your network, which could lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering for similar roles or projects within educational institutions. Gaining hands-on experience will not only boost your CV but also provide you with practical insights that you can discuss during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Development and Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Development and Engagement Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in fundraising, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly articulate your passion for the role and how your skills align with the school's philanthropic mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to implement engagement strategies and manage events.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your proven experience in fundraising and any familiarity with CRM databases and digital tools. This will show that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the role and can hit the ground running.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Highlight specific campaigns you've managed, the strategies you employed, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your capability to support and execute a sustainable fundraising strategy.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders, donors, and alumni in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CRM Tools
As the role requires confidence with CRM databases, make sure you understand how to navigate and utilise these tools. If you have experience with ToucanTech or similar platforms, be ready to discuss how you've used them to manage donor relationships and data.
✨Prepare for Event Management Questions
Given the importance of managing high-profile events, think about your past experiences in event planning and execution. Be ready to share how you tracked event impact and maximised ROI, as well as any creative promotional strategies you employed.
