At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and secure funding for Hull Minster's heritage project.
- Company: Hull Minster, a historic Grade I listed church in the heart of Old Town.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on a major £7 million bid and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a significant heritage project and engage with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent writing skills, and a passion for heritage.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Hull Minster is seeking an experienced Fundraising and Bid Development Manager to support the next stage of the Sound Foundations project and help prepare a major National Lottery Heritage Fund submission later this year. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future of one of Hull’s most significant historic buildings: a Grade I listed church in the heart of the Old Town, founded in 1285, and now entering a major period of strategic development.
Through Sound Foundations, Hull Minster has secured £233,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to strengthen its organisational capacity, develop a Conservation Management Plan, prepare for the restoration of its Grand Organ, and build the foundations for a later major bid in the region of £7 million. We are now looking for a freelance professional who can help us develop and deliver the next fundraising phase of this work.
The Fundraising and Bid Development Manager will lead the development of Hull Minster’s fundraising strategy in support of the major NLHF bid, with a particular focus on:
- identifying and helping secure the 10% match funding required for submission
- developing a clear and realistic fundraising strategy
- researching and pursuing trusts, foundations, donors, and other funding opportunities
- creating compelling cases for support
- contributing directly to the NLHF bid-writing process
- helping ensure the project is in the strongest possible position ahead of the November deadline
This is a strategic and hands-on freelance role, suited to someone who combines fundraising expertise, strong writing skills, and an understanding of how to build confidence in a major heritage project.
The major bid is expected to support:
- restoration of Hull Minster’s Grand Organ, currently estimated at £2.5 million
- capital repairs to vulnerable parts of the building, including stained glass, roofs, and the North Transept
- further organisational development to support long-term resilience and sustainability.
The ideal candidate will have:
- experience in fundraising strategy and income development
- a strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
- excellent bid writing and editing skills
- experience of working on major capital, heritage, arts, or cultural projects
- an ability to work to fixed deadlines and manage multiple funding opportunities
- the confidence to work collaboratively with internal staff, consultants, and senior stakeholders
Experience of working with heritage organisations, churches, or other places of worship would be highly desirable.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a project that brings together:
- heritage conservation
- music and the restoration of a nationally significant organ
- organisational sustainability
- public engagement
- and the long-term future of a major city-centre church
Hull Minster is led by the principles of Following Jesus, Building Community, Living Heritage, and this role will help ensure those ambitions are underpinned by a credible and effective fundraising plan.
To express interest, please contact James Cameron at james.cameron@hullminster.org for the full brief and application details.
Freelance Fundraising Manager employer: Hull Minster (Holy Trinity Parish Church)
Contact Detail:
Hull Minster (Holy Trinity Parish Church) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Fundraising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fundraising and heritage sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your expertise. You never know who might have a lead on a great opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your successful fundraising strategies and bid writing. Use our website to share your achievements and make it easy for potential clients to see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to organisations like Hull Minster, make sure to align your pitch with their mission and values. Show them how your experience can directly contribute to their goals, especially with the NLHF bid.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After applying or networking, don’t just sit back. A friendly follow-up can keep you on their radar and show your enthusiasm for the role. Remember, persistence pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Fundraising Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising strategy and bid writing, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your past roles; share specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns or projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills have made a real impact, especially in heritage or cultural contexts.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Hull Minster!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hull Minster (Holy Trinity Parish Church)
✨Know Your Heritage
Before the interview, dive deep into Hull Minster's history and the Sound Foundations project. Understanding the significance of the Grade I listed church and its current initiatives will help you connect your fundraising expertise to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially those related to heritage or cultural projects. Be ready to discuss how you identified funding opportunities and secured support, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead their fundraising strategy.
✨Master the Art of Bid Writing
Since bid writing is a key part of the role, brush up on your writing skills. Bring samples of previous bids you've worked on, and be prepared to discuss your approach to creating compelling cases for support that resonate with trusts and foundations.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders. This role requires collaboration with internal staff and external consultants, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated these relationships in past projects.