Development Director

Emanuel School is seeking an ambitious, entrepreneurial and relationship-focused Development Director to lead the next stage of its philanthropic journey. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving, forward-looking co-educational independent school with bold plans for the future. Working closely with the Headmaster, senior leaders and Governors, you will lead Emanuel’s fundraising strategy, complete the current £5 million Giant Strides Campaign, and help shape the school’s next major campaign. You will play a central role in growing philanthropic support for bursaries, capital development, partnerships and outreach, including opportunities linked to Emanuel’s new STEM and Refectory Building, due to open in 2027. You will also lead the launch of the school’s first Giving Day and develop sustainable income streams for the future. The role calls for a confident and inspiring communicator who can build trusted relationships with parents, alumni, former parents, friends of the school, trusts, foundations, corporates and prospective benefactors. Through thoughtful stewardship and compelling storytelling, you will help embed a lasting culture of philanthropy across the Emanuel community. You will lead a small Development team, including the Fundraising Officer and Alumni Relations Manager, with scope to shape and grow the function as philanthropic income develops. We are looking for someone with a strong track record in fundraising, development or philanthropy, including experience of securing significant income, managing campaigns and building relationships with major donors or senior stakeholders. Experience in education, higher education or the charitable sector would be valuable, although candidates from other backgrounds with relevant skills and fresh perspective are warmly encouraged to apply. Above all, you will share the school’s values of Aspiration, Connection and Empathy; being strategic, emotionally intelligent and motivated by the transformational powe