DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Dean Close School is a leading, independent, co-educational boarding and day
school for children aged 3-18 and is located in the heart of Cheltenham. The School
is seeking to appoint an exceptional fundraiser with a proven track record to the role
of Director of Development.
Reporting to the Headmaster, the successful applicant will be required to advise the
Headmaster and Trustees on all aspects of Development and fundraising and to plan
and execute a broad range of programmes that will deliver sustainable levels of
income to meet the aims and future needs of the School.
We are looking for an ambitious and successful individual who has significant
experience and a proven record in fundraising and is able to understand and
communicate the School’s philanthropic vision to potential supporters. He/she will
also manage and provide effective and inspirational leadership of the Development
Department’s alumni relations and communications programmes.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or similar and ideally have
a recognised professional fundraising qualification. He/she will have excellent IT,
communication and negotiation skills, and be able to demonstrate significant success
in building relationships and securing major gifts across a variety of income streams.
A clear understanding of, and belief in, the aims and ethos of independent education
in general and Dean Close School in particular will be essential.
Application Process
Completed application forms and a CV, together with a covering letter should be
returned to the HR Manager, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51
6HE. Tel 01242 258086, Email: hr@deanclose.org.uk by 12.00pm on the closing
date.
Dean Close School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening
appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and
Barring Service.
The closing date for applications is: Monday 17th November 2013
The panel interview date will be on: Tuesday 3rd December 2013
Director of Development - (£40-50k)
Reporting to the Headmaster, and working closely with the Bursar, Trustees and
Senior Management Teams, the Development Director will lead on all aspects of
fundraising and voluntary income generation for Dean Close School. Responsibilities
will include:
Strategy


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Produce a long term strategy for development and fundraising so that these
activities can make a substantial contribution to meeting the Schools future
needs for building programmes, bursary/assisted places and other fundraising
requirements.
Cultivate excellent relationships with all members of the Dean Close
community, including alumni, staff, Trustees and Council Members, past and
present parents and friends of the School.
Work with the Headmaster and Chair of the Old Decanian Society to ensure
that the alumni and development functions work harmoniously and effectively
together.
Fundraising

Be responsible for sourcing major gifts; identifying, targeting and securing
donors and overseeing the stewardship of these relationships. Ensure that
momentum from the School’s recent Chapel Organ appeal is sustained,
cultivated and where possible channelled into satisfying other areas of need.

Generate regular income through a variety of sources such as annual fund,
telephone appeals, and other similar activities.

Devise and launch major fundraising campaigns and lead them through to
successful completion.

Identify sponsorship and income generation opportunities. Create
relationships with corporate friends and source funding from Trusts where
relevant.

Develop, launch and steward a major legacy campaign.
Leadership and Management

Lead and manage the day-to-day activities and staff of the Development
Office. Responsible for ensuring that all duties and obligations of the Office
are fulfilled and personal and team targets are set and achieved. Set clear
objectives and goals, and ensure individual team members receive the
necessary support, training and guidance.

Construct and manage the Development budget and prepare forecasts of
expenditure as required.
Liaison and Communication

Act as an ambassador and assist the Headmaster in fostering good working
relationships with staff across the whole School, trustees, alumni, parents and
all other friends and supporters across the Dean Close community.

Work alongside and support the staff and Members of the Old Decanian
Society (ODS), assisting them to provide appropriate levels of activities and
events in order to foster and strengthen relationships between themselves,
the School and their members. Attend ODS meetings and keep the Society
abreast of the work of the Development Office.

Overall management and development to maximise the effectiveness and
opportunities of groups including the Business Club, Parents’ Network,
Friends.

Foster a positive approach to development and fundraising, ensuring it is
regarded as a credible and effective part of School life. Promote a culture of
giving throughout School and the wider community.

Work closely with the Head of Marketing to ensure that development events
dovetail with and complement marketing activities. Contribute to the further
development of the School’s social media policy and ensure development and
alumni needs are met.

Support the work of the Admissions team with particular regard to pupil
retention and recruitment.
General

Ensure that the Development Database is fit for purpose and encompasses all
aspects of the wider Dean Close community.

Keep abreast of charity law, tax effective giving, any other aspects of relevant
legislation and philanthropic news.

Be well versed with current and potential social media opportunities and
trends.