At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and build relationships with alumni and supporters.
- Company: The King's School Canterbury, a prestigious institution focused on education and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving transformative change through philanthropy and community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in development and fundraising with strong relational skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 € 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 builds 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 Office places philanthropy and community engagement at the centre of its long‑term vision to transform lives through education. Recent progress includes 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’s ambitious fundraising campaign, The Charter Awards, launched in 2023, has already raised over £3 million in just three years, with plans to grow the School’s endowment to £50 million by 2024.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the next phase of the development programme, focusing on scaling impact by strengthening the major gifts pipeline.
- Expand regular and legacy giving to enhance sustained support.
- Deliver high‑impact fundraising aligned with the School’s strategic priorities.
- Forge close partnerships with senior leadership, governors, and an international network of supporters to inspire philanthropic investment and deepen engagement across the global King’s community.
Required Qualifications
While specific qualifications are not detailed in the posting, the successful candidate will demonstrate experience in development and fundraising, strong relational and outward‑facing skills, and an ability to collaborate with senior leadership and an international supporter network.
Application Details
Location: The King's School, Canterbury
Closing date: 9.00 am on 8 June 2026
Interview schedule: 11–12 June 2026 for first interviews, 17 June 2026 for second interviews
The School is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of its pupils; all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Recruitment follows a fair, robust and consistent process in line with statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including 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. Apply online via the School’s current job vacancies page.
Director of Development in Canterbury employer: The King's School
The King's School Canterbury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation in fundraising and community engagement thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the School's ambitious vision for the future. Located in the historic city of Canterbury, employees enjoy a rich cultural backdrop and the opportunity to be part of a transformative educational mission.
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 you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for philanthropy! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, share your ideas on how to enhance community engagement and fundraising strategies. Let them see your vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the School’s recent fundraising successes and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious goals. Knowledge is power, and it shows you care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
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. Highlight your fundraising experience and how it connects to the School's vision and goals.
Showcase Your Relationships:We want to see how you’ve built meaningful relationships in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've engaged with alumni, parents, or community members to inspire support and investment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's School
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Familiarise yourself with the School's Philanthropy and Engagement Strategy. Understand how your experience aligns with their goals, especially regarding major gifts and community engagement. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves forging partnerships, think about how you can demonstrate your relational skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, particularly with senior leadership or international networks. This will highlight your ability to inspire philanthropic investment.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Be ready to discuss specific fundraising campaigns you've led or contributed to. Quantify your achievements where possible, like the amount raised or the number of new donors acquired. This will give them confidence in your ability to scale their development programme.
✨Engage with the King's Community
Research the King's School and its alumni network. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with past pupils and supporters. Showing that you understand their community will set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing sustained support.
