At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies to empower young women and strengthen community connections.
- Company: South Hampstead High School, a prestigious girls' school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and discounts for GDST schools.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community in leafy Hampstead with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and community through strategic philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in philanthropy and major gift fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
The role involves developing and delivering 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. You will lead major gift fundraising, campaigns, annual giving, trusts and foundations, legacy giving, donor stewardship, and alumnae engagement.
This position has 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 should have 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. You will be entrepreneurial, thoughtful, and highly communicative, believing in the power of education to transform lives and being 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. The school is located in leafy Hampstead, with the buzz of central London’s cultural life close at hand, and is very well served by public transport with 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 employer: SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
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 supportive community that values lifelong connections. As part of the GDST network, employees benefit from generous pension schemes, training grants, and discounts on fees for children at GDST schools, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Detail:
SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the philanthropy and education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for transforming lives through education. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨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. Use numbers and stories to illustrate your achievements – it makes a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Research schools and organisations that align with your values and reach out directly. Express your interest in their philanthropic efforts and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find opportunities that match your skills and passions. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Philanthropy:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy shine through! We want to see how you connect with our mission of transforming education and creating opportunities for young women. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Philanthropy role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and relationship management, and don’t forget to mention any successful campaigns you've led. We love seeing how your skills align with our goals!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about South Hampstead High School and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Before the interview, dive deep into South Hampstead High School's current philanthropic initiatives and their impact. Understand their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of widening access and creating opportunities for young women.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Head of Philanthropy, relationship-building is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with donors and stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to inspire support and foster long-term connections.
✨Prepare a Bold Strategy
Think about what a multi-year fundraising strategy could look like for South Hampstead. Bring ideas to the table that demonstrate your strategic thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role but also excited about shaping the future of their philanthropy.
✨Be Authentic and Communicative
During the interview, let your passion for education and philanthropy shine through. Be open and communicative about your vision for the role. Authenticity can set you apart, so don’t hesitate to express why you believe in the power of education to transform lives.
