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- Tasks: Lead ambitious fundraising campaigns to secure the future of St Leonards.
- Company: St Leonards, a prestigious independent school in St Andrews.
- Benefits: Opportunity to innovate, work with supportive teams, and make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Drive change and build relationships that shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and proven fundraising experience required.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to safeguarding children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Located in the historic town of St Andrews, St Leonards is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, recently named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Sunday Times. It is a vibrant, co-educational boarding and day community with a true international outlook.
Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come.
Reporting directly to the Head, this post will target generating £500k+ of revenue and will demand both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will have freedom to innovate and make a tangible difference and be able to engage prospective donors and the wider highly supportive Seniors (Alumni) community. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.
You will be responsible for the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives supported by the Alumni and Development Officer and will work with the supportive, mission-driven Executive Team and Board of Governors to develop and implement these.
To be successful you will be educated to degree level and have knowledge and experience in previous roles where you have developed a demonstrable track record of devising and implementing multi-year fundraising strategies which have allowed you to personally secure 5 and 6 figure gifts from individuals, trusts or foundations. You will possess the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion.
St Leonards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory PVG check.
Closing time and date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 16th January 2026. Early applications are encouraged as St Leonards reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time. Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26th January 2026.
Any questions may be directed to Simon Brian, Head at head@stleonards-fife.org.
Director of Development employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or potential donors. Building relationships is key to landing that Director of Development role!
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of your past fundraising successes. Talk about how you secured those big gifts and the strategies you used. This will show them you’ve got the chops for the job!
✨Research the School
Before any interviews, dive deep into St Leonards’ history, values, and current initiatives. Knowing their mission and how you can contribute will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Leonards and contributing to their ambitious fundraising campaign.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fundraising and relationship building. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Development, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for philanthropy shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can instil a culture of giving at St Leonards, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Development, you'll need to demonstrate your fundraising prowess. Brush up on your past achievements, especially any multi-year strategies you've implemented. Be ready to discuss specific figures and how you secured those 5 and 6 figure gifts.
✨Build Relationships
This role is all about relationship building. Before the interview, think about how you can connect with potential donors and the alumni community. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Understand the School's Mission
Familiarise yourself with St Leonards' values and mission. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the school's future. This will help you align your fundraising strategies with their goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of due diligence and compliance with OSCR regulations, be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these areas in your previous roles. Highlight your understanding of legal and financial aspects related to fundraising.
