Development & Alumni Engagement Lead

Overview:

• Contract: Permanent, Part Time
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Salary: £35000 - £40000 per annum (pro rata)
• Start Date: November 2024
• Reports to: Director of External Relations

The Role

Since its foundation in 1886 Kingham Hill has been passionate about delivering a transformational education for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access independent education. Ever since, we have provided opportunities for youngsters to thrive and flourish within our distinctive close-knit community, and we are committed to ensuring that a Kingham Hill education remains accessible to as many as possible in the coming years.

The role of Development & Alumni Engagement Lead would suit a passionate and creative individual, who is an efficient administrator and strong communicator, with an appreciation of the transformational impact of an independent school education. The post-holder will be responsible for the implementation of the alumni relations, development and fundraising activities of the School. They will be the key point of contact for alumni, ensuring that Hillians continue to feel part of the School community after they finish their education with us.

Responsibilities:

Alumni Engagement

• Primary contact for Hillians (the school’s alumni community), managing enquiries and providing timely response to contacts.
• Manage the CRM database to ensure records for Hillians, donors, parents, staff and other supporters are maintained accurately and efficiently
• Build, strengthen and develop relationships with Hillians and friends of KHS through social media and eTapestry.
• Manage the annual programme of events, activities, and communications for the Hillian community.
• Maintain School Archives
• Provide tours for alumni, former parents and members of staff returning to visit the School.
• Act as the Chair (ex-officio) of the Hillians’ Association and represent the School at Hillians’ meetings and events.
• Work with the Head of Sixth Form to increase alumni and parent engagement with careers and mentoring for pupils at KHS.
• Induct leavers at the end of each year to become Hillians and ensure their contact details are added to the eTapestry database.
• Work to establish a flow of communication with school leavers and young Hillians (through university and beyond), with a specific focus on leavers since 2010.
• Maintain strong online presence through social media, blog posts, website etc.

Fundraising & Stewardship

• Write and implement the school’s Fundraising Plan, in line with the strategic vision of the School.
• Deliver major gifts (£25k+) from a range of stakeholders including individuals, trusts, foundations and corporates.
• Carry out research and identify opportunities for fundraising with trusts and foundations.
• Write compelling cases for support which can be used for proposals/applications for trusts, foundations, corporates and individuals to secure funding.
• Ensure potential donors are kept informed of wider developments at KHS.
• Manage and promote the legacy fundraising programme.
• Manage and promote the Founder’s Pupils fundraising programme.
• Solicit donations from alumni and donors for specific projects and for general development using various methods including social media, direct mail, letters and events.
• Develop impactful stewardship strategies to maintain high levels of donor retention.
• Ensure that appropriate systems, software and data processes are in place for gift administration and gift acknowledgement to cultivate and steward donors at all levels.
• Maintain and manage appropriate software to track, monitor and report on financial targets. which includes coordinating with the Bursary to reconcile donations including standing orders and direct debits as well as claim Gift Aid annually.
• Ensure that all development activities follow best practice and are compliant with guidance from the Fundraising Regulator and all relevant law – including data protection legislation and Gift Aid rules.

Communication & Administration

• Raise awareness and profile of fundraising at KHS and foster a culture of giving to the School.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications Executive to prepare and distribute the regular Alumni magazine, doner newsletter and any other literature required by the Development Office (including compiling and editing e-newsletters, invitations and annual Hillian materials).
• Build a portfolio of alumni profiles for use in promoting the School. Undertaking interviews for magazines and managing Hillian news and updates.
• Develop relationships with alumni/development professionals in other schools to share best-practice and network.
• Support the wider External Relations Team as and when required.