Join the Roedean Team
Director of Development
Girls First: Empowered, Encouraged, Engaged
FOUNDED
ON SITE
1885
FARM
4 OFFERS FOR
OXBRIDGE
45
125
ACRES
50%
BOARDING
BEST EVER
GCSE &
A LEVEL
GRADES IN THE
LAST 2 YEARS
355
-SEAT
THEATRE
125
YEARS ON
CURRENT SITE
525
STUDENTS
ON ROLL
CO-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
£11m
BOARDING
REFURBISHMENT
ON THE
CLIFFS
OVERLOOKING
THE ENGLISH
CHANNEL
ACADEMIC
MENTORING
PROJECTS
FLOOD-LIT
ALL-WEATHER
PITCH
ON SITE
OVER 35
ISI
COUNTRIES
(NOVEMBER 2021)
EXCELLENT
IN ALL AREAS
GIRLS
FROM
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
WELCOME TO ROEDEAN
Welcome to Roedean
Roedean is an extraordinary school on an extraordinary
site – the girls play cricket and hockey with the sea’s
blue in front of them and the green of the South Downs
behind them, the Maths and Humanities classrooms have
perhaps the best views of any in the country, and which
other boarding houses have been likened to a boutique
hotel? But it is not just the location, but the strong
academic focus with a genuine belief in the importance of
creativity and an all-round education that makes Roedean
unique.
This is an exciting time for Roedean which is marking
the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the School,
although it moved to its current site in 1898. Ever
since its foundation, Roedean has been renowned for
providing girls with an exceptional holistic education,
and this certainly remains the case today: the girls excel
in many fields, achieving excellent academic results,
while also playing music beyond diploma level, debating
in the Oxford Union finals, playing Netball in Sri Lanka,
and throwing themselves into partnership work in the
community and beyond. Students achieve Advanced 1 in
Ballet, design and race their F24 electric car, exceptional
artists can finish A Level Art in a year and then complete
a certificated foundation year before applying for direct-
entry Art degrees, and a team of 6 students successfully
swam across the Channel to France in June 2022, after
which a student in Year 12 made the crossing solo in July
2025.
The School numbers around 525 students, and about half
of that number are day girls, joined by boarders from over
35 countries.
Roedean is clearly thriving and, in addition to the evident
success in the Arts and particularly STEM subjects, as well
as in many areas of school life beyond the curriculum, it is
wonderful that the findings of our last three ISI Inspection
reports in 2016, 2021, and 2025 all highlighted the
excellence in Roedean provision and outcomes for
students. Despite current pressures, it is clear that the
School is in fine fettle, and where it will be in the coming
years is an exciting prospect.
Roedean really is a great place to work – we hope that you
would like to join us.
Niamh Green
Head
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
THE ROLE AND MAIN DUTIES
The Role
Reporting to the Head, the Director of Development will lead on the strategy, planning and launch of Roedean’s 150th
anniversary appeal. The post holder will be responsible for delivering future fundraising and stakeholder relations
strategies, ensuring that these align with the goals and values of the School and build upon the structures and
relationships already in place. The Director of Development will lead the Alumnae and Development team and further
broaden relations with a network of friends, supporters and stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
This important role will most likely be suited to a strategic and experienced development professional, with a track
record in major gifts fundraising and stakeholder relations gained inside or outside the education sector. The post has
clear priorities and the school recognises that the fundraising is still in early stages. The Director of Development will
agree goals and shape a development strategy to achieve Roedean’s Ambition Plan.
Main Duties
Strategy Development and implementation
• Develop an ambitious and aspirational fundraising plan for the School in respect of major gifts, regular giving,
legacies, trusts and foundations, based upon qualitative research and quantitative database intelligence
• Have a particular focus on planning a major fundraising appeal to tie in with the School’s 150th anniversary
• Research and test development assumptions and goals to ensure that the objectives and targets identified remain
achievable, on time and within budget
• Ensure close and highly effective relationships with the Head, the Senior Team and Trustees
Fundraising
• Develop a comprehensive fundraising programme, ranging from regular giving through to major gifts and legacies,
and implement strong supporting activities, systems and policies
•
Identify and cultivate a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects
• Research, engage and steward potential major donors and key stakeholders through ongoing development and
careful management of a donor pipeline
•
Lead on the 150th anniversary programme of fundraising activities, inheriting the work done to date and building a
strong foundation for ongoing support
• Build funds for transformational bursaries, and potentially for future capital projects and other priorities
• Maintain positive working relationships with Old Roedeanians, Roedean Governors, parents, former parents and other
stakeholders to ensure they remain connected to Roedean and engaged with the School’s fundraising initiatives and
other strategic activities
• Be responsible for all fundraising communications both printed and digital
Alumnae Relations
• Oversee the programme of events and communications for all community members, including (but not limited to)
former students, former staff and current and former parents
• Facilitate developing the relationship between key groups, including the Old Roedeanians’ Association, the Parents’
Guild, and the School
•
Liaise with the Head, Senior Team and Trustees on the Development strategy
• Nurture and build relationships with key members of the community to aid in generating donation and volunteering
commitments
• Ensure the School website is updated, accurate and user-friendly in relation to the work of the Development &
Alumnae Department
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
MAIN DUTIES AND PERSON SPECIFICAION
Leadership and Alumnae Management
•
Line-manage the Head of Alumnae Relations
• Provide energising and effective leadership to the Development office and communicate its aims, purpose and
outcomes to the School, alumnae and wider community
• Set clear objectives and KPIs and provide appropriate support and training to team members and volunteers to
ensure activities are in line with the highest standards
• Work closely with and advise the Old Roedeanian Association and the Parents’ Guild on industry best practice for
serving their members, optimising relationships with the school and working with each other
• Develop, implement and review procedures and policies covering all aspects of user operation, including best practice
in GDPR and data entry
• Work closely and collaboratively with the Director of Marketing & Admissions to ensure alumnae and other
stakeholder activities are aligned with the Development Plan, the fundraising strategy, and support the Roedean
brand
• Work with the Bursary to ensure Gift Aid obligations are met and accurate donation records are available for the
annual audit
• Create a culture whereby all staff understand and appreciate the value of fundraising initiatives
Events
• Working with the Head of Alumnae Relations, oversee an annual programme of events and communications for all
community members including (but not limited to) former students, staff and parents
• Personally follow up after events in a timely, efficient and professional manner
• Work at a number of evening and weekend events, which may involve travel to events around the UK and overseas
Administration
• Ensure that records/data on the database are maintained accurately and continuously improved
• Ensure donors receive timely, correct and personal acknowledgements of their gifts
• Ensure the Bursary reclaim Gift Aid
• Produce financial and administrative reports as required for Senior Team and Trustees, including income and
expenditure reports
• Oversee and complete all other administrative duties of the Roedeanian Office as required
Person Specification
Qualifications
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience
• A successful track record of cultivating and maintaining
successful relationships with funders, partners and
donors and in securing major six-figure gifts
• Developing fundraising projects from initial concept to
action plan and bid writing
• Of successfully creating and implementing a major
• Writing high-quality foundation applications and
fundraising strategy
achieving a high success rate
• Demonstrable experience of developing and leading a
team through the execution of a strategic plan within
an organisation
• Creating and delivering effective and successful
fundraising and stakeholder events and
communications
• A comprehensive and proven understanding of the
principles and practices of fundraising and alumnae
relations gained from working in the education, charity
or arts sectors
• CRM system implementation and experience of
maintaining a fundraising database
• Budgeting and forecasting
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
THE PACKAGE
Skills and Knowledge
Personal Attributes
• Outstanding written and verbal communication
• An innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
skills, including the ability to be a passionate and
compelling advocate for the values, aims and ethos
of the School
• Excellent strategic time management, organisational
and planning skills
• Accuracy and strong attention to detail
•
IT (MS Office)
• A clear understanding of GDPR and the Fundraising
• Motivated to work to ambitious goals
• Ability to work independently and be flexible to
changing priorities and demands. This could include
some weekend and evening work plus overseas travel
• The ideal candidate will have a warm, friendly and
engaging manner and personality, with the ability to
communicate effectively with people of all ages and
backgrounds
Code of Practice
• Have resilience and a sense of humour
• Keen to learn new skills
The School does not have a licence to sponsor migrants under the worker or temporary worker routes. Individuals
who wish to work at the School will therefore need to hold or establish immigration status that allows them to work
in the UK. The School is legally required to check that all successful job applicants hold the right to work in the UK
before work can commence.
The Package
Salary: Competitive
Hours: Full time, full year. The posthodler will be reqired to work flexibly when required to attend events. This will
include some evenings and weekends.
Holidays: 22 days rising to 27 days after 5 years’ service
Other Benefits include:
• Pension – Contributory pension scheme
• Sports and Leisure – use of the swimming pool,
• Remission of fees for a daughter attending the
school, in line with the current policy of the School
Council, subject to the usual standards and procedures
for admission (currently 40% - pro rata for part time
staff)
fitness suite and tennis courts (subject to availability).
Weekly yoga classes are available after work
• Wellbeing – Staff have access to a confidential
advice and telephone support service. Regular staff
social events
• Death in service benefit
•
‘Cycle to Work’ scheme
• Dining and refreshment facilities throughout the
• Free parking on site
school day whilst on duty
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
SAFEGUARDING AND HOW TO APPLY
Safeguarding
The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/
he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post
the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he
must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or, if he/she is the School’s DSL, to the Head
and relevant agencies.
Roedean is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening
appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Roedean is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome the unique contributions that everyone can bring to
Roedean in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expressions, nation of origin,
age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the application pack and return it to vacancies@roedean.co.uk or via post to Louisa Butler,
Recruitment Manager, Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RQ.
If you have any questions about the role, please email vacancies@roedean.co.uk
Closing date for applications is 9am, 30 September 2025.
Due to the need to appoint quickly, we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage of the process.
This job description may be reviewed from time to time in light of changing circumstances and if it is necessary to
amend/alter this, those concerned will be consulted.
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
WHY WORK AT ROEDEAN?
Why Work at Roedean?
At Roedean, we are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic
members of staff, who are keen to prioritise the girls’
well-being and happiness at all times. We are looking
for those who enjoy working as part of a team, and
who appreciate the importance of the girls’ all-round
experience at school. We are hoping that the girls will
become life-long learners, always keen to undertake
new challenges and learn from their experiences, and
Roedean has the same wish for its staff; the school
is happy to proivde support and training to facilitate
the professional development if needed. All members
of staff at Roedean enjoy strong and meaningful
relationships with the girls, characterised by mutual
trust and respect, and this was highlighted in our
oustanding ISI Inspection report.
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
WHY WORK AT ROEDEAN?
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
THE SCHOOL TODAY
The School Today
Roedean numbers around 525 girls, bringing together
students from over thirty-five countries around the world
and those who live very locally; these different cultures
and experiences add a great deal to the girls’ experience,
particularly in our increasingly globalised society, and
ISI Inspectors remarked that ‘the cultural development
of pupils is excellent’, and commented on the ‘mutual
tolerance and respect’ which came from the integration
between pupils from different countries, and between the
day girls and those who board.
beyond Grade 8 level – all such activities have their own
intrinsic value, but they also have huge benefits for the
girls’ academic endeavours. Our ‘Wild Fridays’ programme
sees all of Year 7 and 8 spending every Friday afternoon
outside, learning bushcraft skills and orienteering, looking
after the animals on the Farm, and outdoor adventure
– and they love it! All girls in Years 9 and 10 undertake
Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and some
also have the opportunity to join the CCF contingent at
Lancing College.
Founded in 1885 by three sisters to provide ‘a thorough,
physical, intellectual and moral’ education with ‘as much
liberty as is consistent with safety’, the School has always
broken the mould. Today, Roedean is determined to
empower the girls to challenge themselves to realise their
considerable potential; they are given the opportunity
to grow up at their own pace, not constrained by finite
expectations, and they have the freedom to develop their
talents and passions.
Roedean’s ethos is clearly focused on the remarkable
benefits of a holistic approach to education, in which
academic pursuits are complemented by a wide range of
co-curricular activities, and the founding Lawrence sisters
would be delighted with their legacy today. With over 125
activities on offer every week, the girls enjoy international
travel opportunities, a Farm on the school site, the annual
House Drama Festival, and our flood-lit all-weather pitch
at the heart of the School. Roedean girls excel in a range
of sports, and many musicians and dancers perform
Our partnership with St Mark’s Primary, in the Whitehawk
estate, is hugely rewarding for the pupils at both schools –
there are a range of joint weekly activities, we fund-raised
and built a Library on their site from scratch, and one
year-group comes to Roedean each week for a morning
of academic and sporting enrichment. Furthermore,
the Roedean Academy, a programme of academic
enrichment for Year 10 students, brings together
academically gifted and engaged students from six local
schools in the maintained sector with those at Roedean,
to challenge their academic expectations and broaden
their horizons.
Philanthropy is also central to what we do. 100 hot meals
are sent each week into the community to feed the
homeless in Brighton, 12 girls travel to Moldova each year
to teach English to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan
orphans, and the community raised over £48,000 for a
range of charities last year.
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
THE SCHOOL TODAY
ROEDEAN’S ETHOS
At Roedean, there can be no doubt that the girls’ rounded
education ‘makes a considerable contribution to their
personal development’ (ISI Inspection), and it is precisely
this which produces independent and creative young
women who will make their mark in the world. In the
same way that Roedean encourages the girls to pursue a
variety of interests, we expect the staff to be committed
to the busy life of this boarding school; it is wonderful
when staff join the orchestra or play in the staff-student
sports fixtures, and the girls love it when members of staff
congratulate them on their role in the previous night’s
play or the goal they scored in the fixture at the weekend.
ROEDEAN’S CAMPUS AND FACILITIES
Roedean is located on a beautiful 45-acre campus, and
owns a further 75 acres of land adjacent to the site. It is
the only school in the UK to be set within a National Park
and on a coastline, as well as being in the boundaries of a
vibrant city. The Grade II listed main building and Keswick
House were designed by the leading Victorian architect
and Roedean parent, Sir John Simpson, who also designed
the original Wembley stadium. The main building
incorporates the four main boarding houses, the dining
rooms, the Library, and the teaching and administration
spaces. Later additions include the Chapel, Science
Laboratories, the Theatre and dance studios, the Music
wing, Keswick House, and Lawrence House. We also have
an indoor swimming pool, a Sports Hall, which includes a
multi-gym, and numerous playing fields to the front and
side of the school. With a £1½ million refurbishment of
the Sixth Form facilities in 2019, a small Farm on site with
sheep and pygmy goats, a refurbishment of our 355-seat
Theatre in 2021, and an all-weather flood-lit pitch at the
heart of the School, Roedean certainly has wonderful
facilities and buildings. A transformation of the Library
was completed in April 2024 and delivers an outstanding
study, research, and exhibition space within the School’s
original school hall, further enhancing Roedean’s
academic provision.
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
THE SCHOOL TODAY
www.roedean.co.uk | vacancies@roedean.co.uk | 01273 667657
Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5RQ
+44(0)1273 667657 roedean.co.uk
Charity No: 307063