Director of Development – Millfield School

Millfield is seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead the School in delivering its future fundraising strategies.

Salary: In the region of £90,000-£100,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

Millfield is one of the leading UK independent schools for boys and girls, aged 2-18 years. As one of the largest co-educational boarding and day schools in the UK with over 1300 students at Millfield and 440 at Millfield Prep, it has the resources to offer world leading teaching and coaching. Millfield never settles for the status quo and regards itself as a disruptor in education. 

Established in 1935 and located on an impressive campus in a stunning location with world-class facilities, it believes in shaping the school around the child, where excellence in teaching and coaching comes together with the child at the centre. Its aim is that each individual will discover their own brilliance. Students come from 70 different countries to the school and >90% of applicants have it as their first choice. Since 1935 Millfield has celebrated diversity and ‘the Millfield mix’ has been achieved through a relentless commitment to supporting bursaries.

Millfield is now seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Development to take the lead in delivering its future fundraising and stakeholder relations strategies. Both will align with the vision, goals and values of the school and the Millfield Foundation (a separate but linked charity) and build upon the structures and relationships already in place.

Reporting to the Headmaster and as a member of the Executive Group, the Director will be responsible for further developing relations with a broad network of alumni, friends and supporters (nationally and internationally) and delivering a £ multi-million fundraising campaign for transformational bursaries in recognition of the school’s 100^th anniversary in 2035. 

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly experienced development professional to create a sector-leading campaign. Bringing a strong track record in major gifts fundraising, along with outstanding relationship-building skills, the successful candidate will be an inspiring individual with the expertise to deliver ambitious fundraising strategies and optimise the school’s significant philanthropic potential.

Experience of working in a UK school environment is not essential, but candidates will be supportive of independent education in general and the Millfield ethos in particular.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role: 

Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 14 October 2024. 

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit:

• A completed application form.
• A covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Gavin Horgan. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your documents please contact Laura Beacon, Project Coordinator (Appointments), at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

Millfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information. 

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.