Development Director

For over 100 years, Southend High School for Boys (SHSB), has been providing a world-class education inspiring and empowering boys aged 11-16 along with boys and girls in our sixth form, to achieve their full potential. Our rich heritage and commitment to academic excellence, makes SHSB a truly unique and inspiring place to learn and work. This is a fantastic opportunity to join us and make a significant impact as our first Development Director.

We are looking for a strong Development professional who can demonstrate a track record in fundraising to set up our new development function. You will support our newly formed SHSB Charitable Trust in its mission to develop lasting and rewarding relationships with our existing community and identify new potential supporters and donors.

Reporting to the Headteacher and the Chair of the Charitable Trust, you will have the backing of a committed team of school staff, trustees and volunteers who are eager to help and support you in developing our fundraising strategy and delivering income.

About the role

As an experienced fundraising professional and a confident communicator, you will work collaboratively and proactively, bringing an energetic approach to:

• Establish a fundraising strategy to support the delivery of the school’s vision in the short, medium and longer term.
• Research and implement the the tools required to deliver the strategy including a donor database enabling research and analysis of giving patterns and an efficient approach to donor engagement.
• Nurture long term relationships and secure a portfolio of committed regular tax efficient income streams from a variety of sources through targeted campaigns. These will include business and corporate sponsorships, major donors, trusts and foundations, creating opportunities for private donations, legacies, and endowments from our parent community and Alumni.
• Research and create opportunities to develop a pipeline of revenue from trusts and grants and leverage these opportunities through creative and compelling grant applications.
• Develop a network of influencers and organisations who can help to raise our profile through social media and help to foster a positive culture of fundraising across the organisation.
• Create a communication plan to ensure donors at all levels feel appreciated and thanked and are kept informed of the impact of the income they provide.
• Prepare compelling materials including e-communications, reports, and publications for a variety of stakeholders
• Produce and present regular reports to the Schools Finance & Audit Committee and the Charitable Trust Board on income, prospects, and strategic objectives.

About you

• A creative thinker, able to take a strategic view, to fundraising, alongside having a hands-on approach and ability to multitask.
• Passionate about education, with the ability to set a clear vision for fundraising rooted in the core values of the school.
• Able to demonstrate the capability to plan and deliver fundraising within the charity or education sector.
• Experience of fostering alumni relations and/or professional network environments, generating leads, successfully engaging prospects and securing income from new income streams.
• Exceptional communication skills and drive to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and make the ask to secure income

Benefits include:

• Auto-enrolment into a contributory pension scheme (LGPS for support staff, employer contribution 25%)
• Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme
• CPD through internal and external providers (including a subscription to National College)
• Employee Support Programme offering retail discounts and vouchers, a 24/7 confidential advice line, and counselling.
• Specsavers Eye care vouchers
• Free use of the sports facilities

Key terms:

• Hours: 20 hours per week. The postholder will be employed for two and a half days each week with scope for flexibility for the right candidate.
• Duration: Initially for a fixed term of 12 months subject to review.
• Location: Based on site within the school. It is anticipated that on site presence will be required during the initial months of appointment, however it may be possible to consider a degree of flexible working from home in later months.
• Holiday entitlement: 26 days plus bank holidays (April to March) increasing to 29 after 5 years’ service. Previous local government service under the Modification Order will apply.
• Remuneration: The Essex Schools’ Local Government Pay Scale 10 within range of Points 34-37 (£43,693 to £46,731 full-time equivalent). A starting salary would be negotiable depending on skills and experience. 

Applicants who require further information should contact Louise Kent, HR Manager at recruitment@shsb.org.uk or telephone 01702 606200.

Applications will only be accepted on an application form (lone CVs are not accepted and will not be considered). CVs may be submitted in addition to the application form in order to supply additional information. Please return all completed applications to recruitment@shsb.org.uk

Closing date: 9.00am on 6th January 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. 

Please be aware that we reserve the right to call for interview and appoint prior to the closing date; therefore, please send your application as soon as possible.

Southend High School for Boys is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).