Director of Development – St Helen’s School
Northwood

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St Helen’s is now seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Development to take the lead in creating and delivering its future fundraising and alumnae relations strategies.
Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 per annum, depending upon skills and experience.
St Helen’s is a leading independent day school for over 1,100 girls aged 3-18. The School is set in 21 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of Northwood in North London, just 30 minutes by underground from Central London. St Helen’s is committed to academic excellence and is dedicated to equipping pupils with the skills which will enable them to take their places as leaders in a rapidly changing world.
The new Head, Bridget Ward, who joined the School at the start of the academic year, is keen to partner with a highly skilled fundraiser who will work with colleagues and the governing body to elevate the role philanthropy plays at the School.
This is a significant opportunity for the Director of Development to create and implement a philanthropy and engagement strategy – aligned with the School’s new strategic plan – which supports the development of the School’s bursary programme to ensure the provision and support are the very best they can be. The Director of Development will build on the existing communications and events programme to strengthen engagement between the School and its alumnae and parental communities.
This is a new, senior post reporting to the Head and the Director of Development will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced major gift fundraiser, with a successful track record of establishing and growing impactful fundraising and engagement programmes. The Director of Development will play a vital role in supporting the School in the next stage of its journey.
The successful candidate will be a champion for effective philanthropy and engagement, fostering trusted relationships both internally and externally. They will have a proven track record in securing and sustaining support from individuals at the 5- and 6-figure level and will understand the importance of outstanding alumni and stakeholder relations. The ability to lead, develop and grow a team to realise the potential for philanthropy at the School will be essential.
Experience of working in a UK school environment is not essential, but candidates will be supportive of independent education in general and the St Helen’s ethos in particular.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the post:
- Susannah Thompson: SusannahThompson@rsacademics.com
The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 17th February 2025
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 Head, Mrs Bridget Ward. 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.
St Helen’s School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage/civil partnerships.
St Helen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
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.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications is 17 February 2025 at 10.00am (UK time)
Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Teams in the week commencing Monday 24 February 2025
Longlist interviews will take place at the School on Monday 3 March 2025
Shortlist interviews will be held at the School on Monday 10 March 2025.