Director of External Relations and Development in Oxford

Summer Fields is a boarding and day school for approximately 300 boys aged 4 to 13 years. Located in Summertown, two miles north of central Oxford, the School occupies 70 acres of exceptional grounds. This is a rare opportunity to shape the external profile and future development of one of the UK’s most respected preparatory schools.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of External Relations and Development to create a coherent strategy, strengthen the School’s relationships, and establish a purposeful, sustainable development function. This is a senior, highly visible role at the centre of school life. Reporting to the Headmaster and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will work in close partnership with the established Marketing Manager and Registrar.

The post-holder will be responsible for:

1. External-relations strategy aligned with the School Development Plan, bringing together development, alumni, admissions, marketing, communications, partnerships and events.
2. Development and fundraising, including establishing the function, shaping the case for support, cultivating donors and building long-term philanthropic income.
3. Admissions partnership, working alongside the Registrar on recruitment strategy, market insight, prospective-family engagement, conversion and retention.
4. Marketing and communications partnership, supporting the Marketing Manager to ensure that campaigns, content and brand activity reflect agreed strategic priorities.
5. Develop relationships with current and prospective parents, alumni, feeder and senior schools, partners, donors and the wider community.
6. High-quality events, briefings and public-facing activity which communicate the breadth and quality of a Summer Fields education.

The successful candidate will have:

1. Substantial leadership experience in education, ideally within the independent-school sector.
2. Experience of whole school development, admissions, pupil recruitment, external communications, strategic projects and stakeholder engagement.
3. Outstanding written and verbal communication, judgement, diplomacy and relationship-building skills.
4. The credibility to work with senior leaders and established specialists, leading through influence and collaboration.
5. The energy and commercial awareness to build a development function and turn strategy into sustained action.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a prestigious independent school in a beautiful location in Summertown. The School offers a competitive salary, a contributory pension and a wide range of staff benefits, including fee remission subject to normal admissions requirements, together with opportunities for continuing professional development.

Closing date: 09.00 UK time on Tuesday 24th November 2026. Interviews will be held on Thursday 26th November 2026.

Safeguarding and Equality

Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Summer Fields does not discriminate on the grounds of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, age, and disability. Applications are welcome from a diverse range of backgrounds.