Development Director Wilson’s School Candidate Information Pack Letter from Nathan Cole, Head The School Context to the Appointment The Role Job Description The Person Further Particulars Application Process
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Letter from Nathan Cole, Head
Thank you for your interest in the position of Development Director at Wilson’s School. In 2015 we celebrated the 400th anniversary of the school’s foundation in 1615 when Edward Wilson obtained letters patent from King James I to the effect that “for all time to come there shall be one Grammar School for the education, institution and instruction of children and youths in Grammar to be called The Free Grammar School of Edward Wilson.” From its beginnings as a local grammar school in inner London, and forty years on from its relocation to Wallington in Surrey, the school has become established as one of the finest boys’ state funded schools in the country, with results at A level that rival the most renowned independent schools. It continues to embody the ethos of a grammar school in providing the opportunity of a first class academic education to children regardless of their financial status or social standing. We educate substantial numbers of bright children from families with very limited financial means and as a result provide life-changing opportunities for them.
This post requires someone who is willing to champion what we do in order to continue to support and develop our provision. You will be an early pioneer in the state sector who will develop our fundraising programme and over time build the need for a wider team. You will be someone who feels passionately that all children should have the opportunities so often only accessed by those privileged enough to be able to afford them. The future of the country is as worthy a cause as there could ever be. If I had not been well served by my own state education I would not have been able to become the first in my family to go to university and I certainly wouldn’t be leading one of the finest schools in the country. Let’s work together to safeguard a bright future for all children, regardless of their background, so that they can also fulfill their ambitions and dreams.
I have worked at Wilson’s since 2006 and since 2014 I have been proud to lead it. The commitment of all stakeholders – governors, staff, parents, boys and alumni – is exceptional, primarily because they know they are part of something special – providing or benefiting from a first class education, free at the point of delivery. Even Edward Wilson would have been very surprised by the notion of his 12 free scholars now being well over 1,000!
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
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The School On the 29th September 1615, King James I signed the Royal Charter which brought Edward Wilson’s school in Camberwell into existence. Wilson’s is one of the country’s most successful and well-regarded statefunded, academically selective boys’ secondary schools and is heavily over-subscribed. Notable alumni include the actor Sir Michael Caine, fashion designer John Galliano, pioneer aviator Sir Alan Cobham (first flight from Britain to Australia in 1926), former Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral Dr W. R. Matthews, conservationist Dr Alisdair Harris, and eminent surgeon R. H. J. Swan. The school has over 1,100 boys on its roll, nearly all of whom remain with the school for the full seven years of their secondary education. Wilson’s welcomes boys from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds; over forty languages are represented in the school and all of the major religions. The School regards the diversity and richness that this brings as a real strength. This is a school for able boys of any background and all are welcomed as equals.
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
Entry to Wilson’s is via a rigorous two-stage testing process. Our boys are some of the brightest in the country, with most living within a five-mile radius of the school. Wilson’s fosters a culture of learning that engages pupils’ attention with pace and challenge, enriched with all sorts of activity to extend pupils’ interests and skills far beyond the confines of the National Curriculum and examination specifications. Its A Level results are exemplary with a 100 per cent pass rate in 2016, and 74.95 per cent of entries obtaining an A*-A grade, placing it fifth in the Daily Telegraph’s League Table. Not only do the boys achieve outstanding results but it has been acknowledged by the Minister for Schools Nick Gibb that boys achieve better grades at Wilson’s than they would do if they attended the overwhelming majority of other schools.
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The School
The School’s site is spacious and hosts a plethora of excellent sporting and artistic facilities, including on-site games pitches and Astro turfs, an indoor sports hall and multi-gym, multi-media equipped teaching rooms, fully-networked computer suites, an Art & DT block, music wing, Sixth Form centre and a state-of-the-art assembly hall. The extensive co-curricular programme on offer is very rich, wide-ranging and varied; sport and music are particularly strong, but the CCF (founded in 1910), chess, drama, debating and much more besides are on offer. Activity outside the classroom is intrinsic to the character of Wilson’s because the school believes that boys are happiest when they find something – whatever that may be – that they can immerse themselves in. Wilson’s has a strong sense of its distinctive identity; students and staff have a genuine pride in their school and its achievements and derive great satisfaction and pleasure from their work. Morale is high because there is a sense of mutual endeavour at all levels. There is excellent oversight of pupil welfare which very effectively communicates the School’s core values of respect, tolerance, courtesy, cooperation, service to the community, personal achievement and most of all, hard work. Expectations of the boys in terms of personal achievement, academic and otherwise, and behaviour are very high, but we look after them very well because we care deeply about them.
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
As a result of their good character, hard work and outstanding achievement, boys have many choices when it comes to answering the question ‘what next?’ at the end of the Sixth Form. Many go on to Oxford, Cambridge or the medical schools and almost all to Russell Group universities. An increasing number go on to international universities, with the school having recent successes at West Virginia, Yale and Brown. What makes this even more impressive is that a number of our boys are the first from their families to go onto university. The motto of the school – Non Sibi Sed Omnibus (not for oneself, but for all) – drives all that we do. Our boys leave Wilson’s as impressively well-rounded, engaging and deeply civilised human beings who are also fiercely loyal to the school. For further information about the School, please visit its website, www.wilsons.school
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Development Director Context to the Appointment Whilst the school has been around for four hundred years, it is always looking to the future. There is leadership determination to continue to develop the school’s provision (inside and outside of the classroom), including an aim to further develop provision for those from disadvantaged families who wish to access the life-changing experience of a Wilson’s education. Our ambitions are also our greatest challenges because of the current economic climate. Funding for all state schools is under significant pressure. This is as a result of a historically low per-pupil allocation in the Sixth Form, alongside significant increases in employer costs, such as unfunded pay rises, national insurance and pensions. The School needs to continue its stringent financial management of the resources it does have, but also continue to look at means of supplementing government income. Inspired by the sophistication of schools’ fundraising programmes in the US, a high-profile New York-based former pupil (and beneficiary of a transformational educational experience at Wilson’s –he himself was eligible for free school meals whilst a student) has pledged a significant philanthropic gift to cover the financial investment needed for this position. As a result, the School seeks to appoint a person who believes in the life-changing effect of an outstanding state education and who can lead a professional programme to raise philanthropic revenue.
The Role The School’s vision is to offer its students a transformational educational experience, and, in the longer term, to develop access to the most disadvantaged children in its community. To deliver this vision, philanthropic income is essential, and Wilson’s now seeks an outstanding major gifts fundraiser with initiative and energy to develop and implement a fundraising strategy. The Development Director will be a key new position at the School, responsible for establishing a Development office that encompasses all aspects of fundraising and alumni relations. As a member of the Associate Leadership Team, the Development Director will work closely with and report to the Head. S/he will also have access to support and guidance from a high profile New York-based alumnus who is funding the position. The role, therefore, will require an individual who is able to contribute to the strategic advancement of the School. S/he must also be a natural communicator who can relate and empathise with a wide audience. It is expected that the post holder will be inclusive by nature, with the ability and determination to spearhead a professional Development office, and successfully establish its presence at the heart of the School’s community. The Governing Body and the Head are extremely supportive of the need to grow the Development function to support the school’s future improvements and fundraising activities. As such, the School is looking for an ambitious individual with fine political sensitivity to take up the role of Development Director and make a significant impact on its future. This is a career-defining opportunity to pioneer a cuttingedge state school fundraising programme, and will appeal especially to those who champion the cause of education and access for all.
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
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Job Description Purpose of the Job
Responsible To
The Development Director’s key objectives are:
The Development Director will report to the School’s Head, Nathan Cole and to the School’s Finance and General Purposes Committee, chaired by the Vice Chair of Governors.
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to work with the Head, Governors and staff to develop, refine and articulate prioritised fundraising needs for the School.
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to build outstanding relationships with the wider community of the School, and as a result identify and execute means of generating philanthropic giving so as to realise a sustainable development programme which embraces both fundraising and alumni relations.
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to implement and manage the School’s fundraising and alumni relations strategy and achieve its strategic objectives and specific targets.
Main Duties and Responsibilities Revenue Raising:
Communication:
The post holder will identify and execute a plan to:
The post holder will identify and execute a plan to:
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Put in place a comprehensive and sustainable strategy, including financial targets, for the School in order to maximise its fundraising potential;
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Work with the School to define the Case for Support;
Implement and manage an ongoing programme of alumni relations activities and communications, with the objective of increasing participation and giving rates, using information technology and social media;
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Develop and cultivate a portfolio of potential highlevel individual donors, as well as corporate and foundations donors;
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Communicate effectively and energetically with the alumni community;
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Develop and manage the School’s alumni data and build a comprehensive prospect pipeline;
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Build links with the common room and other key stakeholders;
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Steward donors through face-to-face meetings and regular communications;
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Organise and oversee a sustainable and attractive programme of events.
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Generate charitable giving via general and targeted alumni campaigns;
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Maximise the income generated via bequests;
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Make successful bids for external grants;
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Organise successful events to generate funds;
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Work with the Finance Director to evaluate the feasibility of revenue raising via the contracting out of school services and resources;
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Increase revenue via the School’s activities with the Parents and Friends’ Association;
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Assist the Head, as required, in maximising monthly giving from parents (likely to be from Year II);
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Increase revenue from the School’s facilities via external lettings.
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
Success Criteria: •
Revenue is raised which justifies the postholder’s salary and in turn generates additional funds which enables the school both to sustain its current provision and develop it further;
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Regular and effective communication is established with key stakeholders, improving the relationships between the School and the wider community as a result.
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The Person
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Attitudes and Approach
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Energetic and strategic thinker, with sensitivity to the political landscape of the school;
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Self-motivated and driven by results;
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Capable of building positive relationships with all stakeholder groups;
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Have the presence, intellect and credibility to work with a broad constituency;
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Mature, confident and well-presented;
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Have the gravitas and intellect to operate effectively at a senior level;
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Committed to the vision and values of Wilson’s and the state grammar school sector.
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Substantial and demonstrable knowledge and experience of all areas of development including major gift fundraising, annual fund and legacy programmes; Proven influencing and negotiating skills, demonstrating the capability to secure significant gifts through face-to-face fundraising;
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A track record of success in personally soliciting high-value gifts;
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Budget management experience with an ability to analyse financial information quickly and accurately and the ability to think strategically and show good judgment;
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Good knowledge and competency with Word, Excel, social media applications and specialist fundraising software, in addition to a good working knowledge of relationship/alumni databases;
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Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills;
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Excellent organisational and leadership skills;
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A proven record as a team player and ability to work with a large number of colleagues in a complex organisation;
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The ability to understand the needs of the School and communicate these to potential donors;
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Educated to degree level.
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
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Further Particulars Terms & Conditions Location
Annual leave
Wilson’s School
30 days’ annual leave plus statutory holidays, taken at times to be agreed with the Head and predominantly during school holidays
Salary Competitive Hours of Work This is a full time role; the hours will be such as shall be necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Development Director successfully
Pension eligibility Local Government Pension Scheme For full details please see – https://www.sutton.gov.uk/downloads/download/569/ staff_pensions_scheme_lgps
Probation period 6 months
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) Wilson’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As employment with Wilson’s School allows access to children and young people this legislation entitles us to ask applicants for employment to disclose ALL cautions and convictions even if they are “spent” (unless they are protected as defined within the rules). Prior to employment we will obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service revealing details of all unprotected convictions and cautions, both unspent and spent, and also any intelligence information which a chief officer of police reasonably believes to be relevant to the application. Any offer of employment will be subject to clearance, satisfactory to Wilson’s School, that you are suitable for employment within the category of the post applied for.
Equality of Opportunity Wilson’s School wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality duty plan when considering applicants for employment. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 on the basis of a protected characteristic (sex, race, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity). Wilson’s School also ensures it has due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the act; advance equality and opportunity among people who share a prohibited characteristic and people who do not share it and to foster good relationships across all characteristics, between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
Application Process Please apply by submitting a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Covering Letter highlighting your suitability for the position by email to:
For an informal conversation prior to applying to this role, please call either Nicola Reames on 020 3621 1540 or Joanna Logan on 020 3589 0467.
claire.reynolds@execucare.com
Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
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Candidate Information Pack Director of Development, Wilson’s School
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