At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with alumni and supporters.
- Company: The King's School Canterbury, a prestigious institution with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal moment in education and help transform lives through philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Development Office at The King's School Canterbury plays a vital role in supporting the School's long-term vision and sustainability. Working at the intersection of fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement, it is responsible for building meaningful relationships with past pupils (OKS), parents, and supporters, and is entering a pivotal and ambitious phase of growth.
Guided by a bold five-year Philanthropy and Engagement Strategy, the Development Office places philanthropy and community engagement at the centre of its long-term vision to transform lives through education. This is a moment of genuine momentum. Building on strong recent progress – including the revitalisation of major gifts activity, the successful launch of a regular giving programme, and the establishment of a unified King’s Association – the School has also recently completed Phase I of The Charter Awards, its ambitious fundraising campaign. Launched in 2023 to grow the School’s endowment to £50 million by the 500th anniversary of its 1541 Charter, the campaign has already exceeded expectations, raising over £3 million in just three years. Charter Awards bursaries are already transforming lives, enabling talented young people who would otherwise never have the opportunity to access a King’s education.
The King’s School now seeks an outstanding Director of Development to lead the next phase of this journey. The focus will be on scaling impact: strengthening the major gifts pipeline, expanding regular and legacy giving, and delivering high-impact fundraising aligned with the School’s strategic priorities.
This is a highly relational and outward-facing role, requiring close partnership with senior leadership, governors, and an international network of supporters to inspire philanthropic investment and deepen engagement across the global King’s community. The successful candidate will be supported by a Head of Development, a Development Officer, an Engagement Manager, and part-time Events and Admin Officers.
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world’s great schools at a defining moment in its development programme, where ambition, collaboration and a commitment to excellence underpin everything we do.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 9.00am on 8 June 2026. Provisional interview dates: first interviews will take place on 11 and 12 June with second round on 17 June.
The King’s School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Director of Development in Canterbury employer: King’s School
The King's School Canterbury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where ambition and collaboration thrive. As the Director of Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education through impactful fundraising and community engagement, supported by a dedicated team and a strong commitment to professional growth. Located in a historic and prestigious institution, this role provides unique opportunities to connect with a global network of alumni and supporters, making a meaningful difference in the lives of talented young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni, current staff, and anyone connected to The King's School. Building relationships can give us insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school's recent achievements and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their ambitious goals. We want to see your passion for education and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your fundraising success stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven major gifts or engaged communities in previous roles. We love hearing about tangible impacts you've made.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission at The King's School.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Development role. We want to see how your background fits into our vision for philanthropy and community engagement.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and community building shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about transforming lives through education, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and how they relate to the role, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The King’s School Canterbury.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The King's School's mission and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with their Philanthropy and Engagement Strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around major gifts and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
This role is all about building connections, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your experience in fundraising and alumni relations, and be ready to share specific strategies that have worked for you.
✨Be Visionary
The King’s School is looking for someone who can lead the next phase of their development programme. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table for scaling impact and enhancing philanthropic investment. Be ready to articulate your vision clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the school’s future. Inquire about the challenges they foresee in achieving their fundraising goals or how they envision the Director of Development collaborating with other departments. This shows you're not just interested in the position but also invested in the school's mission.
