Bancroft's School - Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Summary

Bancroft’s School seeks an experienced and dynamic development professional to oversee our Development Office.

Detail

Required from January 2027, or earlier

Bancroft’s School seeks an experienced and dynamic development professional to oversee our Development Office and to take the lead in cultivating philanthropy and fundraising for the Bancroft’s Foundation, and in developing a long-term strategy for the Foundation and the School.

The Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations will have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy of the School’s founder, Francis Bancroft, in inspiring a culture of giving that broadens opportunity, strengthens community and supports the School's long-term ambitions.

Reporting to the Head, the remit of the role will be to build on the success of our recent work in developing a regular events programme and improving stewardship of donors. The postholder will continue to connect with current and potential donors in order to build and develop these relationships and to initiate and lead a campaign for both regular and legacy giving. Key additional elements of the role will be to consider ways of engaging with a broader range of potential donors within our wider community and to contribute to strengthening the relationship between the School, its alumni and its current and former parents.

The Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations will work closely with the Old Bancroftians’ Association (OBA), our alumni association; the Head and our Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications, as well as with members of the Senior Leadership Team. This role will line manage the Data and Development Officer and the Fundraising and Alumni Assistant.

The role offers a unique chance to lead a team that is not only building connections but also shaping futures through philanthropy.

We offer a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, and have a commitment to supporting ongoing professional development for all of our staff.

Bancroft’s School creates a happy learning environment, where bright children are challenged and supported to become the best versions of themselves. Bancroft’s is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

How to apply:

Bancroft’s are partnering with Alice Speers, Search Consultant at Ashmore Search on this appointment. If you would like an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact Alice on +44 (0)7799 808 051 or alice@ashmoresearch.com.

How to make an application: Please read the recruitment pack carefully, including the School’s Safeguarding and Recruitment policies.

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter, addressed to the Head, Mr Alex Frazer, to bancrofts@ashmoresearch.com by 12pm on Thursday 24th September 2026.

Please note, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete the School’s online application form via My New Term before attending.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: 12pm on Thursday 24th September 2026

First round interviews at Bancroft’s: Thursday 8th October 2026

Final round interviews at Bancroft’s: Tuesday 13th October 2026

Applications will be considered as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview early applicants should a suitable candidate apply.

Bancroft’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants are required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Bancroft’s may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their applications.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Bancroft’s is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Documents

• Job Pack- Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations PDF Document