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 power of education. This is a role with real scope for innovation, influence and lasting impact.

Working at Emanuel

There is always a buzz at Emanuel. Colleagues enjoy their work and, like the pupils, are ambitious for the school. With a weekly staff briefing, half termly staff meetings, termly consultative group meetings and a common room committee, all of us are engaged in a lively ongoing dialogue about the school’s aims and aspirations.

Everyone works hard here, and anyone joining us should expect to do the same and share our commitment to the highest standards. At the same time our ethos remains unpretentious, kindly and practical, and there’s a strong sense of community and friendship at the school.

We aim to look after our staff well: we have an appraisal scheme with a focus on employees’ professional development; we sponsor postgraduate courses and a range of training opportunities; we offer salary sacrifice childcare vouchers through TEDS Premier, we offer a healthcare plan via Simply Health that includes counselling and medical support; and we’re committed to supporting staff wellbeing. Financially, all staff benefit from good pension provision and free lunches.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 21 July 2026.

Interviews may be held at any stage after applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Emanuel School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Prior to applying, candidates should read our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy our Recruitment Policy and our Recruitment Privacy Notice.