Job Description

Job Overview

King Edward VI Foundation, Birmingham, is a progressive charitable organisation which has supported excellence in education across the City since 1552. Our schools are diverse in nature but have a common purpose and commitment to achieving our mission of "making Birmingham the best place to be educated in the UK".

The Foundation is made up of two legal entities. The King Edward VI Academy Trust Birmingham ("the Academy Trust") was established in 2017 and currently consists of six selective and six comprehensive academies. The Academy Trust is sponsored by the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham ("the Foundation Charity"), which operates two independent schools and is the steward of a significant charitable endowment.

The Foundation Office provides professional services and leadership, to include Development and Alumni Relations support, to the Academy Trust.

Our recent expansion into a wider diversity of local communities is enabling us to accelerate our strategies for improving the life chances of young people in Birmingham, whatever their background.

We are looking to appoint a Director of Development and Alumni Relations. As a new leadership role developing relations with all King Edward VI Academy Trust Alumni they will also be partnering with the Foundation Charity to generate philanthropic funding across the organisation in line with our six core values.

Please see the applicant's brochure for full information about the role, the organisation and person specification.

Conversations about the role are encouraged for those wishing to apply, please contact the KEVI Foundation HR to discuss further, via email: hr@kevibham.org

Closing date: Friday 16th January 2026.

A competitive salary is on offer.

The Director of Development & Alumni Relations will oversee a broad portfolio of activity comprising of six key deliverables.

Key Deliverable: Development Office

Lead on the establishment of the Foundation Development Office function,
including best practice operating protocols and procedures.

Prepare relevant policies for adoption, that govern the relationship with key
stakeholders.

Develop investment plans for further staff roles and KPI to support the business
case for investment in the development function.

Key Deliverable: Development Steering Group

Support the establishment of a steering group to oversee the implementation of
the development programme, including written terms of reference; member role

descriptions; initial briefing, fundraising training and guidance.

Identify and qualify potential new steering group members; plan and deliver
successful recruitment and provide ongoing encouragement / support, as

required.

Organise regular steering group meetings to enable the delivery of the agreed
development plan.

Key Deliverable: Three-year Development Plan

Amplify the outline Development & Alumni Plan for the three-year period 2026 -
2028.

Prepare a detailed programme for the first year, against forecasts for the overall
period.

Establish key performance indicators (KPI) and confirm initial benchmarks for
regular reporting.

Key Deliverable: Stakeholder Engagement

Engage current parents and alumni across the Foundation's academies by directly
seeking views and feedback on plans through surveys, focus groups and 1-2-1

interviews.

Create bespoke communications for 100 of the most influential stakeholders,
alumni and parents to strengthen informal engagement.

Conduct small-scale events, particularly in London, to celebrate the Foundation's
successes.

Key Deliverable: 'Student Fund'

Secure philanthropic gifts from Birmingham grant funders, businesses with an interest in the city, local philanthropists and Alumni for the "Student Support Fund" that might encompasses initiatives such as:

The existing and expanded Assisted Places schemes. A scheme that specifically gives students from Foundation schools an Assisted
Place to attend 6th Form at the independent schools.

A scheme that enables students from Foundation comprehensive schools to
attend 6th Form at other Foundation schools. This fund would meet additional

costs incurred by these students for transport and other direct outlays.

for teaching, learning and collaboration.

Produces business cases and clear change plans and benefits, carefully
considering the human impact of technological change.

Key Deliverable: 'Centre of Excellence' capital

fundraising

Prepare a compelling Case for Support to articulate how the 'Centre of
Excellence' will advance the educational vision of the Foundation to demonstrate the impact that philanthropic support will generate.

Create case study examples to 'give life' to the benefits that the Centre offers, for use in communicating with potential funders. Engage HNW philanthropists who have an interest in giving to a major new education programme. Support a detailed feasibility study to prepare for a fundraising campaign to raise the investment required for the proposed 'Centre of Excellence'.

Leadership Behaviours

A leadership style that encourages commitment from others and promotes a positive and motivated organisational culture aligned to the Foundation's values. An excellent track record of building and maintaining relationships that deliver effective working and collaboration across teams and settings. Effective communication and influencing skills, with an ability to inspire and encourage engagement on strategic issues with all stakeholders. A well developed coaching and empowering leadership style, adept at developing individuals, yet remains focused on high quality delivery, performance and accountability. A confident decision-maker, open to seeking advice and opinions.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Experience

Track record of successfully creating and managing a major fundraising campaign.

Demonstrable experience of developing and leading a team through the execution of a strategic plan within an organisation.

A comprehensive and proven understanding of the principles and practices of

fundraising and alumni relations gained from working in the education, charity or arts sectors. A successful track record of cultivating and maintaining successful relationships with funders, partners and donors and in securing major six-figure gifts.

Developing fundraising programmes from initial concept to action plan.

Writing high-quality foundation applications and achieving a high success rate.

Creating and delivering effective and successful fundraising and stakeholder events

and communications. CRM system implementation and experience of maintaining a fundraising database.

Budgeting and forecasting.Skills

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to

be a passionate and compelling advocate for the values, aims and ethos of the Foundation. Excellent strategic time management, organisational and planning skills.

Accuracy and strong attention to detail.

IT (MS Office) & Social Media literacy.

Knowledge

Familiarity with the education sector and/or working in a charity or not-for-profit

environment is desirable. An understanding of CRM (relational) databases.

Alumni relations and fundraising in schools.

A clear understanding of GDPR and the Fundraising Code of Practice.

A competitive salary will be offered commensurate with senior level experience.

Membership of an attractive pension scheme. 40 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays). Hours of work are 35 hours per week. The post holder will be required to attend meetings (including evening meetings) and to travel off-site. A hybrid approach to working is in place. As this is a senior role, you will be expected to spend at least three days in the office/in schools. Funded CPD and apprenticeship programmes. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Cycle to work scheme. Free lunch. Free onsite parking.

How to apply:

The Foundation is an inclusive organisation, building a culture where differences are valued and believing that diversity drives continual improvement and success. We welcome applications for all posts from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

The Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service.

Interested candidates must complete the application form in this pack.

In addition, candidates should submit a statement of suitability outlining how their experiences and skills demonstrate their suitability for the role. Candidates should structure their statement using the six key deliverables listed in the pack. This should not exceed two sides of A4.

If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please contact: hr@kevibham.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free parking On-site gym On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham B15 2UD

Application deadline: 16/01/2026