Development Manager in York

Development Manager in York

York Full-Time 24000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and build relationships to grow support for Ampleforth Abbey.
  • Company: Join the UK's largest Benedictine monastic community with a mission of faith and service.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunch, and discounts at the Abbey Shop.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful setting while supporting a meaningful cause.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years of fundraising experience and strong relationship management skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 40000 £ per year.

Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience and skills (up to £40,000) + Benefits

Hours: Full-time, permanent

Based at Ampleforth Abbey YO62 Onsite with occasional remote working to be approved by line manager.

Closing date: 23rd February 2026

Benefits:

  • Up to 8% employer-matched pension
  • Life assurance
  • Free lunch during working hours
  • Free on-site parking
  • 20% discount at the Abbey Shop
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Christmas Closure

About Ampleforth Abbey:

Ampleforth Abbey is home to the UK's largest Benedictine monastic community, rooted in the Rule of St Benedict. Our mission is to seek God through prayer and service, and to invite others to experience faith in action. Located in the Howardian Hills near York, the Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its Retreat Centre, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea Room. Ampleforth Abbey Trust, a registered charity, works alongside the monastic community to support this mission. With around 60 lay staff, the Trust delivers on a five-year strategy, choosing a Future Together, to ensure a sustainable, faith-led future for the Abbey and its valley home.

We are seeking an experienced Development Manager with excellent relationship management skills to help develop and sustainably grow the impact of Ampleforth Abbey. You will develop and use stewardship tools to guide supporters through their giving journey, including cultivation plans, proposals and reports, managing donor communications and nurturing our community of support.

Main Responsibilities but not limited to:

  • Develop and deliver the fundraising strategy across individual giving, legacies, major donors, corporate partnerships, trusts and grants.
  • Manage individual and legacy giving programmes, ensuring strong donor care and target achievement.
  • Build and grow relationships with major donors, corporate partners and supporters.
  • Lead fundraising campaigns, events, appeals and content creation to strengthen engagement and support.
  • Identify and secure funding opportunities, including writing bids and managing grants and reporting.
  • Maintain fundraising systems, data quality, budgets and KPI reporting.
  • Oversee donor communications, stewardship and patron schemes.
  • Represent the organisation at events and networking opportunities to build awareness and partnerships.
  • Ensure fundraising activities align with organisational values, compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Support colleagues and volunteers and undertake any additional duties as required.

Experience:

  • Experienced fundraiser with 5+ years in a charity or faith-based environment
  • Strong background in individual giving, legacies, events, campaigns, and grant funding
  • Proven success in donor stewardship, supporter communications and securing funding

Skills and Attributes:

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels
  • Strong organisational, project and budget management ability
  • Confident bid writer, presenter and content creator
  • Experienced in CRM systems, Office 365 and fundraising compliance
  • Results-driven, creative and able to manage multiple priorities
  • Professional, resilient, adaptable and able to work both independently and within a team

All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Development Manager in York employer: Ampleforth Abbey Trust

Ampleforth Abbey is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within a vibrant community dedicated to faith and service. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, the role of Development Manager comes with competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, free lunches, and a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Nestled in the stunning Howardian Hills, employees enjoy a tranquil environment that enhances their work-life balance while contributing to meaningful charitable initiatives.
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Contact Detail:

Ampleforth Abbey Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Manager in York

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend events related to fundraising and charity work, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your skills in action! If you’ve led successful campaigns or secured major donations, share those stories. We want to see how you’ve made an impact, so bring your A-game to interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the organisation thoroughly. Understand Ampleforth Abbey’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We love candidates who show genuine interest and passion for our cause.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Ampleforth Abbey.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in York

Fundraising Strategy Development
Relationship Management
Donor Stewardship
Bid Writing
Grant Management
Event Management
Content Creation
Communication Skills
Project Management
Budget Management
CRM Systems Proficiency
Office 365 Proficiency
Results-Driven Mindset
Adaptability
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and relationship management, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Ampleforth Abbey.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of how you've grown donor relationships or secured funding in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you, especially in a faith-based environment like ours. Share your passion for fundraising and community engagement.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ampleforth Abbey Trust

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Ampleforth Abbey's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in donor stewardship, relationship management, and fundraising campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the role, the team, and the future of fundraising at Ampleforth Abbey. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.

✨Be Yourself

While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Ampleforth Abbey values authenticity, so be honest about your experiences and what drives you. This will help build a genuine connection with your interviewers.

Development Manager in York
Ampleforth Abbey Trust
Location: York

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