Successful fundraising is personal. It’s about building trust, sharing vision and nurturing relationships over time. When schools get it right, philanthropy doesn’t just raise money, it unlocks ambition and strengthens community.
That’s why the right appointment matters. Whether you’re recruiting a Director of Development or Fundraising, you need someone who brings empathy and energy, strategic focus and emotional intelligence.
At RSAcademics, we help schools appoint development leaders who inspire support and deliver results with authenticity and care.
Why schools choose RSAcademics for fundraising and development opportunities
Development leadership in schools is a nuanced role. It combines strategy with storytelling, discretion with drive, and often requires careful navigation of tradition, governance and culture. We understand that.
At RSAcademics, we bring together deep sector insight with executive search expertise to find the right people for these complex, mission-critical roles.
A tailored process, shaped for your school
Our service is designed to reflect your school’s values, voice and community. Every appointment begins with understanding – and ends with confidence.
We typically provide:
Consultation
Consultation with senior leaders and stakeholders to clarify the role and its strategic purpose.
Role Brief & Search Strategy
A compelling role brief that reflects your school’s identity and ambitions.
Search
A proactive, research-led search across education and beyond.
Preliminary Interviews
Preliminary interviews to explore leadership capability, communication and alignment with your school.
Interview Design
Interview design and support throughout selection and offer.
Candidate Care
Clear communication and care for all candidates.
By partnering with us, you benefit from:
- A team that understands the challenges of fundraising in schools,including the need to engage alumni, parents and governors with very different expectations
- Access to diverse candidates from education, charities, the Arts, higher education, law, finance and beyond
- Rigorous, insight-led assessment that tests not just fundraising experience but judgement, values and communication style
- A tailored, proactive, executive search-led approach – never just advertising or CV-matching
- Trusted, professional support for boards, Heads and candidates alike
We’ve supported many of the UK’s leading schools, as well as international schools, with the appointment of development leaders. We know how to identify the person who will represent your school with credibility and conviction.
We stay with you through every stage, to ensure a strong appointment and a smooth experience.
Senior professional services appointments across every type of school
We work with a wide range of schools – independent, international and beyond – to appoint fundraising and development leaders who build support and deliver impact.
Typical roles include:
- Directors and Heads of Development
- Directors and Heads of Philanthropy
- Heads of Alumni Relations
- Heads of Fundraising
Testimonial
FAQs
Do you only work with schools?
Yes. We are a specialist executive search firm working exclusively with schools. Our expertise is grounded in deep sector knowledge and long-standing work with school leaders and governors.
How does your approach differ from charity or multi-sector recruiters?
We offer expert professional search capability but with real insight into the complexity of development in schools. We understand how to evaluate values, voice and presence, not just fundraising totals.
Where do your candidates come from?
Our networks extend across the schools sector, higher education, charities, the Arts, finance, law and global business. We prioritise transferable leadership and mission alignment.
Do you only consider candidates with a background in education?
No. Many of our most successful placements come from other sectors. What matters is whether a candidate can lead with empathy, credibility and adaptability in a school context.
Do you rely on advertising to find candidates?
Not at all. Our search is research-led and proactive. Most of the people we place are not actively job hunting, we reach them through networks, referrals and targeted outreach.
How do you ensure alignment with our school’s values?
We begin by understanding your context and aspirations. That insight shapes how we brief candidates, assess their fit and advise you at every stage.
Can you help shape the role if we’re early in planning?
Yes. We often support clients who are defining or evolving development roles. We can help you clarify purpose, structure and expectations to attract the right people.
Do you support governors and panels through the process?
Yes. We guide boards through shortlisting and interviews, offer structured evaluation tools and help ensure a fair and effective process from start to finish.
How do you support candidates?
We treat candidates with care and respect. We provide honest guidance, helpful information, meaningful feedback, and ongoing support, whether or not they are appointed.
What happens after the appointment?
We remain available to support your school and your new hire. We offer onboarding advice and check-ins as needed.
Meet our Development and Fundraising Recruitment experts
Team
Rebecca Ting
Nina Lambert
Susannah Thompson
Andy Wood
