Senior Major Donor Fundraiser (with option for part time)

Do you believe in social mobility and that any student, regardless of their financial circumstances, should be able to benefit from outstanding education and pastoral care?

Have you ever thought that you could do this by working in an independent school?

Benenden girls’ school is committed to broadening access and becoming an even more diverse community by dramatically increasing the number of life-changing, means-tested bursaries we award each year; a strategic ambition that this post holder will play an integral role in realising.

This position is responsible directly to the Development Director in terms of seniority, within an overall Development Department consisting of six. We have two opportunities: one working with the Alumni community and the other with the Parent community. The Parent focussed position is currently a full-time position and the Alumni position has the option to be part time.

WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO APPLY IF:

You want to help those on the edge of the care system and/or those from areas of high socio-economic deprivation to access a chosen education and develop resilience, self-confidence and emotional and social well-being through it.

You see that a single bursary not only has the ability to unlock the potential within a child, it has the possibility to have a multiplier effect on the family and community of the recipient raising not only the attainment of the individual but also the aspirations of others.

You believe in helping leading girls’ schools to bridge the funding gap that results in equivalent boys’ schools having often having considerably better facilities.

You would love to be part of an energetic, busy, diverse and innovative boarding school community as it approaches its Centenary and realises its exciting vision for a second hundred years at the forefront of girls’ education.

You would enjoy being part of our established, friendly, collaborative, successful and dynamic Development Office, working with individuals with decades of experience in the Third Sector across a range of charities and educational institutions.

You would enjoy working closely with an extremely engaged, approachable and enthusiastic community of families that has a significant track record in supporting the School’s work philanthropically and has been exceptionally supportive in past and recent years. You will also be working closely with the Development Board of committed parents and alumni who are actively engaged in all fundraising activities and who support the solicitation of donations across the community.

You would like to savour ‘the best independent school food in the country’ as awarded by Tatler magazine in October 2020 with a delicious free breakfast and lunch every day! All staff are provided with meals whilst on site, catering for all tastes and dietary requirements.

You would like to be fit whilst you work! The School’s leisure facilities, including wonderful grounds, a fitness gym and swimming pool are also available for staff to use.

You would like to work for an inclusive employer who is committed to making any reasonable adjustments necessary, either in the application process or during employment, should you indicate to us particular needs you have.

We want to attract, retain and develop diverse talent at all levels, not only in the student population, but also to benefit from the power and depth of a diverse community through our staff team. This means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and fostering a fully inclusive environment.

Benenden offers its own generous pay structure, responsibility allowances and benefits. All staff joining the school are eligible to apply for on-site accommodation if this would suit you.

We would love to welcome you into our team as a much anticipated and integral colleague who will thrive and learn as much as we anticipate you will bring with your already exceptional fundraising skills. We commit to provide an extremely fulfilling fundraising role which will provide many girls who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Benenden, helping equip them to fulfil their potential and develop as active and impactful future citizens.

At Benenden we are very fortunate to be based on a beautiful and historic country estate in Kent, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the south east corner of the M25 and, as such, it is a wonderful and inspirational work environment. Whilst we all spend time in the Development Office on the School site and very much enjoy this, we are open to location flexible working for part of the week.

If you would like to know more about the role, have never considered independent schools and would like to find out more, or would like an informal chat, contact Charlotte Wilmot, Director, Eardley Wilmot, who has worked with us before and knows the school and her way around fundraising well. Charlotte is leading the recruitment and can be contacted at charlotte@eardleywilmot.co.uk.

The application deadline for this role is rolling and we are assessing applications as soon as we receive them. Application is by CV initially sent to charlotte@eardleywilmot.co.uk, followed by cover letter and application form for those invited to interview. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for help at any point.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.

The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact.  They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times, this appointment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees.