Head of Development

Head of Development

Location: Cambridge

Salary: Competitive

Vacancy Type: Full time, permanent (will consider part time/flexi)

Closing Date: 3rd Nov

The School is one of the country's leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18.

They are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. They want their staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful.

The Role

A rare and exceptional opportunity has arisen at The Perse School for a Head of Development to lead their small team with ambition, creativity and energy. You will be a visible senior leader within School and an important ambassador externally.

The Development function typically raises around £250,000 each year. Their aim is to grow this amount significantly such that the majority of their charitable activities can be funded by charitable donations. Their School was founded in 1615 as an educational charity, providing free places for 100 'poor scholars'. They now have an ambitious long-term vision to re-establish an endowment to fund bursaries and their other charitable aims in perpetuity.

Building on good foundations of successful fundraising and relationship management, an experienced and inspiring Head of Development will significantly increase levels of philanthropic income to the School.

Working closely with the Principal, governors and senior leaders, their new Head of Development will help deliver their fundraising strategy and make a positive difference to the lives of young people, both now and well into the future.

They will consider full-time, part-time and flexible working options.

Skills and Qualifications

• A belief in the value of independent education and a commitment to the School's purpose, ethos and values.
• A broad range of successful fundraising experience in an environment which transfers to an educational setting, or a significant level of transferable experience in a related profession.
• A genuine interest and passion for fundraising for an independent school and the resilience to embrace the challenges that can present.
• Proven ability to influence at senior leadership level.
• Innovative and creative and a proven track record of ideas becoming successes.
• Natural and warm communication and networking skills, and an ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent attention to detail, as well as ability to maintain big-picture perspective and a longer-term view.
• Ability to lead and manage the team on a day-to-day basis, and to balance operational matters with working at a strategic level.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Closing date: 3rd November 2025 at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The School recognises that an important element in safeguarding their pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject, or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. They are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates' suitability to work with children.