Head of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Location: Wimborne Minster

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum dependant on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37½ hours per week, working 0830hrs to 1700hrs, Monday to Friday)

Canford School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school set in 250 acres of beautiful parkland in Dorset, educating around 660 pupils aged 13–18. With an outstanding reputation for academic achievement, exceptional facilities and a vibrant community, this is an exciting time to join the School as it develops its future as part of the new Canford Schools Group.

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement to lead the Development Office and play a key role in strengthening our culture of philanthropy and engagement.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Engagement, you will lead the school’s fundraising strategy and develop an engaging, effective alumni programme.

Key responsibilities include:

Delivering the School’s fundraising strategy and annual income targets.
Developing relationships with prospective donors and securing major gifts, regular giving and legacy pledges.
Creating compelling cases for support and developing effective donor cultivation and solicitation plans.
Building a strong culture of philanthropy across the Canford community.
Leading and developing an engaging alumni programme, including communications, events and overseas engagement.
Building strong relationships with alumni, parents, former staff, governors, donors and other supporters.
Managing the Development Office team, budget, CRM database and day-to-day operations.
Monitoring fundraising and alumni engagement performance, reporting on KPIs and identifying opportunities for growth.
Working collaboratively with senior leaders and the Marketing and Communications team to maximise impact.

About you

We are looking for a confident, relationship-focused professional who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.

You will bring:

A proven track record in fundraising and building relationships with mid- and high-value donors.
Experience of developing and delivering fundraising and alumni engagement strategies.
Strong knowledge of major, regular and legacy giving.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and make personal asks.
Experience of managing a team and delivering projects within agreed budgets and deadlines.
Strong organisational, analytical and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Strong CRM/database experience and an understanding of GDPR and data protection.
Knowledge of charity law, fundraising regulation and ethical codes.
Experience within a school, higher education or similar educational environment is highly desirable.
A collaborative, proactive and customer-focused approach, with the ability to remain calm and positive under pressure.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future of Canford, developing meaningful relationships and securing philanthropic support that will directly enhance the experience and opportunities of our pupils.

If you are an experienced fundraising and alumni professional with the vision, energy and relationship-building skills to make a real impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Interview date: Week commencing 21st September 2026

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Canford School, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Canford School

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Head of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement