Abbey projects director jobs
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is now seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Development to lead its fundraising at a pivotal moment in its evolution. This newly created senior role reflects a step change in ambition as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter of growth, partnership and global profile. Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Executive Team, the Director of Development will inspire and lead a talented development team while playing a central role in shaping the organisation’s future direction. You will spearhead major fundraising initiatives, including a landmark capital campaign to realise plans for a new recording, rehearsal and creative centre — envisaged as an “Abbey Road of the North” — designed to support future talent, innovation and the wider creative economy of the Liverpool City Region. Alongside this, you will help secure the long-term success of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s award-winning artistic, learning and community programmes.
The successful candidate will be a dynamic, relationship-driven leader with a strong track record of securing transformational income within complex, mission-led organisations. You will bring strategic vision, deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape, and the confidence to unlock new sources of support from individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Crucially, you will play a leading role in articulating a clear, compelling and cohesive external narrative for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic — one that brings together its heritage, ambition, social impact and future aspirations — and ensure this story resonates powerfully with funders, partners, civic leaders and audiences. Passionate about music and culture, you will be an inspiring leader, a trusted advisor to the Board and Executive, and a persuasive ambassador for an organisation that exists to enhance and transform lives through music.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Cathedral has a particular responsibility to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the Cathedral community. It shares this responsibility with the Diocese of St Albans. This work is wide‑ranging, and the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) plays a central role in maintaining good safeguarding practice.
This part‑time role (15 hours per week) becomes vacant as the current postholder retires after four years, with time planned for handover with the person appointed to the role now. The CSO works with senior staff and the governing body to help lead policy development, training, reporting, and compliance with Church of England guidance. They report to the Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care and receive regular professional supervision from the National Safeguarding Team, with occasional networking with other CSOs.
Safeguarding is recognised as a shared leadership responsibility. The CSO meets weekly with senior clergy to review cases and will also work with the newly appointed non‑executive Safeguarding Lead on Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body.
A core part of the role is promoting safeguarding awareness across the Cathedral community and understanding all activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The CSO provides professional advice on concerns raised, ensuring responses follow law and national policy, and works closely with diocesan and national safeguarding teams on complex cases. They also ensure appropriate support for survivors and proper management of those who pose risk.
About You
The Cathedral is seeking candidates with strong knowledge and professional experience in relation to safeguarding issues and proven experience working collaboratively in teams.
The post will require some flexibility in working patterns and will therefore require occasional weekend working and the ability to respond to urgent cases.
The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.
How to apply
If you have questions about the post, please contact the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden. For further details including an application form and job pack please visit the Cathedral website vacancies page.
Applicants should submit a covering letter and application form (which can be downloaded from the cathedral website) to the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden
Closing date: 20 February 2026
Interviews (in person): 11 March 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.