Head of Development Programmes and Operations

This is a new role, operating as a senior operational lead and team manager within the Development Office and deputising for the Director who will drive forward this exciting new growth strategy and advance major gift opportunities. You will play a pivotal role in establishing a successful multi-channel fundraising programme, shaping and line-managing the team delivering this, and transforming the role of the charity in the school.

• Partnering with the Director of Development and Alumni Engagement to drive the next phase of fundraising growth and build the departmental capacity, culture, systems and brand needed to deliver a successful campaign;
• Manage and inspire a talented team through an exciting period of growth and change, developing capability, confidence and aligning the team’s skills, capacity and ways of working to Highgate’s ambitious fundraising goals. An early priority will be recruiting a new Philanthropy Manager to strengthen major gifts fundraising;
• Turn strategy into impact by designing and implementing new mid-level and legacy fundraising programmes.
• Oversee the implementation of the operational infrastructure needed to support a multi-channel fundraising programme, including all aspects of development services and reporting on all areas of fundraising;
• Champion the Department and philanthropy across the School community, attending staff meetings, identifying opportunities to engage with colleagues across the teaching and support service staff and deputising for the Director at some external events;
• Operate as the Director’s key strategic partner, helping to seize opportunities and drive forward the priorities and progress that will leave a lasting legacy for generations of young people.

• Senior leader in the Development and Alumni Department, playing an active role in strategy development and planning and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Operational and day-to-day line-management of the team, including 121 meetings, appraisals, planning and performance, professional development and pastoral support.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of annual plans by team members for all areas including development services, major gifts, mid-level giving, campaigns and legacy fundraising.
• Representing the Department within the school, taking an active part in school life and identifying purposeful interactions between pupils and staff and development staff to advance fundraising objectives;
• Deputising for the Development Director, participating in and speaking at events and meetings internally and externally.

• Overall responsibility for designing and delivering a new mid-level giving programme for parents, alumni, staff and friends, meeting agreed targets.
• Refresh the School’s legacies proposition, pipeline and engagement programme, including stewardship of the 1565 Society; deliver legacy marketing, events and communications to generate growth.
• Oversee innovative supporter engagement, with punctual thanking and innovative, impactful donor stewardship, such as engaging and user-friendly digital options as well as traditional mailings and thanking telethons.
• Working with the Development Manager, oversee development services, including prospect research, moves management, due diligence and gift acceptance and gift management.
• Management of key stake-holder relationships
• Collaborate with the Head of Alumni Relations to integrate development and alumni to grow alumni participation at all giving levels.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends and horizon scanning to ensure our philanthropy offering considers the latest developments

• Establish regular reporting on…