Head of Alumni Engagement and Operations

The schools are seeking a committed alumni relations professional to join the Development & Alumni Relations Office to help lead the strategic development and delivery of alumni engagement, philanthropy, and community-building across both schools. The role is central to fostering lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between the schools and their alumni, and to strengthening partnerships that broaden, deepen, and diversify engagement across local, national, and international networks.

Job Purpose

Salary: Grade 10: £42,355 - £ (FTE)

Hours: 37 hours per week: 8:15am - 4:15pm Monday to Thursday and 8:15am - 3:45 pm Friday

Type of position:

Full time- All year round - on campus.

A term time position with plus days in the holidays may be considered for the right candidate.

Other benefits:

Enrolment into a generous Defined Contribution pension scheme

60% off school fees at King Edward's School and King Edward VI High School for Girls (subject to admissions criteria)

Free on-site parking

Free lunches in term-time

Use of the onsite gym and swimming pool

Reports: Events Officer, Finance Manager, Database Officer

Reporting to: KEIS Development Director

The Role:

With a strong outward-facing and collaborative approach, the role works closely with Old Edwardians, colleagues, parents, and volunteers to embed alumni engagement and philanthropy into the life and culture of the schools. This role would suit a candidate with a background in alumni relations, operations or communications and they will be a firm believer in the aims of our Assisted Places programme and in the value of an independent education. Someone who is articulate and tenacious, with a strong track-record of forging and building engagement.

The postholder will shape both the strategic direction and operational delivery of alumni engagement and community programmes across KES and KEHS. You will lead a small, high-performing team and work closely with key volunteer groups, including alumni committees and supporters, to design and deliver innovative, high-quality engagement initiatives through both digital and in-person channels. The role provides strategic leadership for alumni and community engagement policies, ensuring alignment with the schools' values, priorities, and wider development strategy.

The role holds responsibility for the full range of alumni engagement activity while contributing to broader whole-school objectives. This will include enhancing the reputation of KES and KEHS through strong alumni advocacy; supporting pupil outcomes through mentoring, careers, and networking opportunities; fostering a seamless transition from pupil to alumnus/a; and strengthening engagement with alumni communities in key UK and overseas locations. Central to the role is working collaboratively with senior leaders, colleagues across both schools, and volunteers to create an inclusive ecosystem in which all alumni can connect through communications, events, volunteering, and philanthropy.

The portfolio will include leadership of flagship alumni and community initiatives, events, and partnerships that reinforce pride, loyalty, and lifelong connection to the schools. You will champion opportunities for alumni to contribute their time, expertise, and support in ways that are meaningful both to them and to current pupils.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please forward a completed application form and equal opportunities form (both available for download here) and a covering letter addressed to the Bursar, jenny Butterworth, by email to: recruitment@keschools.org.uk

If you have any queries about the role or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Laura Salt (Development Director, KEIS): L.Salt@keschools.org.uk

The deadline for applications is 8 am on Thursday 14th May 2026, however, applications will be reviewed on receipt and so early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date and interview date if sufficient applications have been received.

Interviews will provisionally take place on Wednesday, 20th May 2026. Start date September 2026.

Salary: Grade 10: £42,355 - £ (FTE)

Hours: 37 hours per week: 8:15am - 4:15pm Monday to Thursday and 8:15am - 3:45 pm Friday

Type of position:

Full time- All year round - on campus.

A term time position with plus days in the holidays may be considered for the right candidate.

Other benefits:

Enrolment into a generous Defined Contribution pension scheme

60% off school fees at King Edward's School and King Edward VI High School for Girls (subject to admissions criteria)