Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI OFFICER
1. Key Function
• To maintain, promote and extend positive relationships across the Foundation Community to generate support for the aims and objectives of the Foundation. This is a pivotal position within the dynamic and successful Development, Alumni and Events Team.
• The postholder will be involved in all aspects of fundraising and development, with a particular focus on its major gift fundraising and supporter care activity. The postholder will come into close contact with parents, staff, alumni, corporate sponsors and other supporters, and high levels of discretion, confidentiality and charm will be essential.
2. Line Management by
Responsible to the Development Director
Line Management of: N/A
3. Specific Duties
• Support Development Team: Assist the Development Director and team in fundraising, alumni relations and events efforts.
3.1. Communications
Fundraising Appeals: Develop engaging fundraising appeals and multi-channel communication plans for alumni and supporters.
Content Creation: Use design skills to create impactful, audience-targeted content for alumni communications.
• Alumni Marketing: Promote services to alumni with clear, friendly messaging through physical media, social media, email and website communications, including updating the Development, Alumni and Events website and shop
Copywriting and Acknowledgements: Write inspiring appeal copy and thank-you messages, making supporters feel valued.
Legacy Fundraising: Develop the Foundation’s legacy fundraising program and manage necessary documentation.
3.2. Data Management
Data Management: Use and manage alumni data to create targeted mailings and support alumni engagement.
Research and Briefing: Research key supporters to prepare the team for meetings and donor interactions.
Gift Processing: Coordinate with Finance to record gifts accurately and ensure timely gift aid claims.
Prospect Pipeline Management: Maintain and review the prospect pipeline, ensuring records are up-to-date and tracking major donor engagement.
3.3. Engagement
• Solicitation: Being involved in asking for support from the wider Dunelmian community.
Donor Stewardship: Implement a donor stewardship strategy that includes regular updates, naming opportunities, and event invitations.
• Administrative Support and Event Assistance: Provide administrative support to the Director of Development, including event preparation and management.
• To work alongside other external-facing staff to support Foundation events.
3.4. Additional Tasks
Within the scope of the role, carry out any other duties as directed by the Development Director or the Headmaster, such as working on cross departmental projects or activities.
4. Professional Development
Maintain and update own knowledge and skills in line with legislation and the needs of the role and the independent schools' sector.
5. Equal Opportunities
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Equality and Diversity legislation and the Foundation’s Equality and Diversity policies and procedures, in particular regarding the recruitment and retention of staff.
6. Safeguarding
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Safeguarding legislation, and the Foundation’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
7. Health and Safety
• Ensure that an up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety legislation as applicable to the role is maintained and that the Foundation’s Health and Safety policies and procedures are fully implemented and adhered to.
• Keep up-to-date with legislation, guidance, rule changes and leading-edge practices and, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Officer, annually review policies and risk assessments.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguarding their health and safety both when they are on the Foundation’s premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.
8. Conditions of Service
• This role is a 37.5 hrs per week, term-time role. Salary of £24,784.50 p.a. (pro rata)
The performance of this role will require flexibility in the completion of duties outside core business hours, and the postholder must also be prepared to travel for such duties.
• DCSF is committed to promoting the safeguarding of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. any job will be made subject to satisfactory checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure. DCSF is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
9. Person Specification
9.1. Essential
Educated to at least A level/BTEC.
• Positive, approachable and professional, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Ability to work flexibility to achieve goals
Reflect the Foundation’s MARK values and work with integrity, impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
Proficient in the full Microsoft Office Suite and skilled in using databases for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Competent and comfortable using e-mail and social media platforms.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills used in planning own work and ability to work to targets and deadlines.
• Effective written and oral communication skills with an ability to write persuasively.
• Numerate, particularly in preparing and managing budgets.
9.2. Desirable
Educated to degree level.
• Previous experience of working in a fundraising team or third-sector organisation.
Working understanding of GDPR.
Ability to represent the face of the Foundation to its supporters, whether one-on-one, in small groups or at large functions.
Experience of building strong and effective relationships with stakeholders.
Start your career in Charity, Fundraising and Development
Development & Alumni Officer - Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
£24,784 (pro rata) | Term-time Only (with some scope for additional work in holidays) |
37.5 hours per week
An excellent opportunity for a graduate (or equivalent) to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, communications, events and alumni relations within a leading school foundation.
You will support campaigns, write engaging content, work with data, and help deliver events—building skills that provide a strong foundation for a career in the charity sector.
We are looking for someone who is:
Organised, proactive and detail-focused
• A confident communicator with strong writing skills
• Comfortable using data and Microsoft Office
Interested in charity, fundraising or communications
No prior experience in fundraising required.
Why apply?
Broad, practical experience across development and fundraising
• Work closely with an experienced Development Director and Events Manager
• A strong first step into the charity sector
Full details available on application.
DCSF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks.