How do you build a development function from the ground up and secure the support of governors, trustees and senior stakeholders along the way?
In this session, we'll hear two practical perspectives on establishing effective development activity and building the internal relationships needed to sustain it. Sarah Walton, Director of Marketing, Development and Engagement at AKS Lytham, will share how the school created a foundation and development office following the merger of several schools, developed a fundraising and engagement strategy focused on bursaries, and began rebuilding alumni engagement from a starting point of 12,000 alumni but little usable data.
Sarah Walton will explore the non-negotiables that helped the work gain traction, including securing senior leadership and governor buy-in, building reliable data, setting a clear strategy and using tools such as a balanced scorecard and IDPE benchmarks to demonstrate progress and impact.
Nick Gilbert, Director of Development and External Relations at The King's School in Gloucester, will then share practical examples of how Directors of Development can work effectively with boards and non-executives. Drawing on his experience both as a development professional and as a governor, Nick will explore how trustees can be engaged meaningfully in philanthropy, where governance relationships can add value, and the lessons that development professionals can apply in their own institutions.
Whether you are establishing a development function for the first time or looking to strengthen relationships with governors and senior stakeholders, the session will provide practical approaches for building internal support, demonstrating impact and creating the foundations for sustainable fundraising and alumni engagement.
The session will cover:
- The key steps involved in establishing a development office, foundation and advancement strategy from scratch.
- How to secure senior leadership, governor and trustee buy-in for fundraising and alumni engagement.
- Approaches to rebuilding alumni data and engagement where little previous infrastructure exists.
- How to involve governors and trustees effectively in philanthropy without blurring governance and operational responsibilities.
- Using benchmarks, scorecards and other measures to demonstrate progress and impact to senior stakeholders.
- Lessons from both development and governor perspectives on building productive, long-term relationships.
Time for Q&A and open discussion.