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 community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving transformative change through education and philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in development and fundraising with strong relational skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € 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 Kent 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 growth and development, staff are encouraged to forge meaningful relationships within a supportive culture that values collaboration and philanthropy. Located in the historic city of Canterbury, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere while contributing to transformative educational initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni, past colleagues, or anyone in your circle who might have connections to The King's School. A personal introduction can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework! Familiarise yourself with the School's recent initiatives and fundraising campaigns. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around major gifts and community engagement. Practice articulating your vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
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 The King's School.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in Kent
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 Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made in development and fundraising. Use concrete examples and metrics to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged supporters and driven results.
Connect with Our Values:Familiarise yourself with The King's School's mission and values. In your application, express how your personal values align with the School’s commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The King's School's mission and recent fundraising successes. Familiarise yourself with their Philanthropy and Engagement Strategy, especially the Charter Awards campaign. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
As a Director of Development, your ability to build relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with alumni, parents, or other stakeholders in past roles. Highlight specific outcomes from these relationships to demonstrate your impact.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the School’s strategic priorities and think about how your experience can align with them. Be ready to discuss how you would approach expanding their major gifts pipeline and enhancing regular giving, showing that you’re on the same page as their goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the School’s ambitions. Inquire about their plans for scaling impact or how they envision the next phase of the development programme. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking.
