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- Tasks: Lead the creation of a sustainable fundraising strategy for a historic Cathedral.
- Company: Join an ambitious Cathedral at the heart of the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid work, and up to 9% pension contribution.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved institution and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing significant gifts and a passion for relationship-building.
- Other info: Be part of a warm, values-driven team committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic fundraiser who loves building something meaningful from the ground up? Would you like to use your skills to help shape the future of a place that sits at the heart of its community - spiritually, culturally and historically? Charity People is delighted to be partnering with an ambitious Cathedral to recruit their first ever Head of Fundraising. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to design and deliver the fundraising strategy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the Cathedral's long-term sustainability as it approaches its centenary year in 2027.
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum
Contract: Three-year fixed term (funded by the Church Commissioners' Cathedral Sustainability Fund), with the clear ambition for the role to become self-sustaining. Full time (0.8 considered)
Location: Hybrid - Derby and home
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 9% employer pension contribution
Culture: A warm, ambitious and values-driven team, with autonomy and trust to lead your work
About the Cathedral: The first church on the site of this Cathedral was founded in 943, with parts of the current building dating back to 1530. Today, this Grade I listed landmark remains a vibrant place of worship and a hub for the local community, welcoming people for services, music, events and moments of reflection. Since being hallowed as a cathedral in 1927, the Cathedral has grown into a spiritual, cultural and community beacon for the city and county. With the 100-year anniversary on the horizon, the Cathedral has ambitious plans to strengthen its financial resilience and ensure it can continue serving future generations.
About the role: As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Fundraising will lead the creation and delivery of a bold, sustainable fundraising strategy aligned with the Cathedral's Strategic Development Plan. You will:
- Build and nurture relationships with Trusts and Foundations, existing supporters and new funding partners
- Design and deliver engaging fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives
- Work closely with the Dean to identify and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals and secure major gifts
- Lead on donor communications and stewardship, ensuring supporters feel valued and connected to the Cathedral's mission
This is a highly visible role with real influence, offering the chance to leave a lasting legacy in a historic institution.
About you: The Cathedral is looking for a proactive, thoughtful and ambitious fundraiser who brings both strategic insight and warmth to their work. You will bring:
- Experience of securing significant gifts, including Trusts, Foundations and/or major donors
- A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising income streams
- A strategic, collaborative approach, with the ability to manage a funding pipeline and work towards ambitious goals
- A genuine passion for donor care, stewardship and relationship-building
You will also actively support the Cathedral's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, bringing cultural awareness, openness and a willingness to engage with its increasingly diverse communities and congregations.
Why apply? This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new fundraising function within one of Derby's most iconic institutions. You'll be joining a committed, welcoming team and playing a central role in securing the future of a place that means so much to so many. If you're excited by the idea of building something purposeful, meaningful and enduring, we'd love to hear from you. Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People as the first step.
Deadline: 9am on Thursday the 12th of February
Interviews: One stage, in person on the 26th or 27th of February
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Head of Fundraising in Derby employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fundraising world and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone at the Cathedral.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch ready! When you land that interview, be prepared to share your vision for the Cathedral's fundraising strategy. Show them how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Dive deep into the Cathedral's history, its community role, and its future plans. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine passion for their mission.
✨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 this amazing team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for fundraising shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference and how your values align with the Cathedral's mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in securing significant gifts and developing fundraising strategies. We love seeing specific examples of your successes that relate directly to the role!
Be Strategic: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking by outlining how you would approach building relationships with donors and funding partners. We’re looking for someone who can think big and act thoughtfully!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Cathedral.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Cathedral
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and mission of the Cathedral. Understand its role in the community and be ready to discuss how your fundraising strategies can align with its goals, especially as it approaches its centenary year.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, particularly those involving Trusts, Foundations, or major donors. Highlight how you built relationships and secured significant gifts, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Head of Fundraising role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role is all about nurturing connections. Be ready to talk about your approach to donor care and stewardship. Share stories that illustrate your warmth and strategic insight in building long-lasting relationships with supporters.
✨Align with Their Values
The Cathedral values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Make sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Discuss how you can engage with diverse communities and contribute to a welcoming environment for all.
