Wakefield Grammar School Foundation

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation is one of the country’s leading families of single-sex independent day schools. Girls and boys join the Foundation from age 3 at the co-educational Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School, or from age 7 at either Wakefield Girls’ High School or Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) for boys.

In total the Foundation has around 1,760 pupils and around 425 employees covering both teaching and support staff. Each school in the Foundation is highly individual with its own Head and Senior Leadership Team, and central governance via one Governing Body comprising 19 Governors with a broad range of skills and experience. The Governing Board provides robust and conservative governance through a well-established committee structure. Total income for the Foundation is around £24m annually, making the Foundation one of the largest groups of independent schools in the region.

The Board of Governors now seeks to appoint an outstanding new Development Director. The purpose of this post is to create and implement a long-term fundraising and alumni relations strategy that will help build a sustainable culture of giving and, in so doing, generate the necessary additional income to fund the Foundation’s ambitious bursary and capital development plans. The successful candidate will also have to manage and increase engagement with existing supporters and identify and win the support of potential new donors, sponsors, benefactors, legators, trusts and foundations.

Finally, the postholder will cultivate excellent relationships with all members of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation community, including the Old Savilians (QEGS’ Old Boys’ Association), WGHS alumnae, parents (including The Friends of WGSF), staff and other groups, in order to secure a robust and continuous body of support for the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

Successful candidates will be experienced fundraisers and problem solvers, capable of building functions from the ground up, implementing strategy and recruiting high performing teams. They will be a confident ambassador who is skilled in communicating a compelling vision to stakeholders across the spectrum. They will also be able to work effectively and energetically as part of the wider leadership team as well as amongst the wider staff and student body.

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and operational staff. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Wakefield Grammar School Foundation on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FBKLA. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 16th October 2023.