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Volunteer Manager

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk (On-site)

£35,000 per year

Full-time

Permanent

Arts, Culture and Heritage ∙ Faith-based

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Job description

Role Description

Working closely with colleagues and project partners, the Volunteer Manager will lead the recruitment, training, development and management of volunteers across the Cathedral and Abbey site as part of the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The postholder will develop and implement a comprehensive volunteering strategy, ensuring volunteers are recruited safely, supported effectively and equipped with the skills to deliver a wide range of roles. The role will promote an inclusive volunteering culture, strengthen partnerships and ensure volunteers make a meaningful contribution to the Cathedral, the Abbey site and the wider heritage project.

About Our Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of Cathedral life and make an invaluable contribution to worship, welcome, learning, heritage, visitor engagement and events. Current volunteer opportunities are wide and varied, including Bell Ringers, Guides, Flower Arrangers, Shop Volunteers, Learning Volunteers, Sunday Morning Coffee Volunteers, St Ed's Singers, Gardeners, Young Families Volunteers, Servers, Events Volunteers, Vergers and Welcome and Information Volunteers. The Volunteer Manager will support these established teams while developing new opportunities as the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project progresses.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Strategy and Leadership

Develop, implement and review the Cathedral's Volunteering Strategy.
Lead the development of a sustainable volunteer programme.
Ensure volunteering reflects sector best practice and supports the Cathedral's strategic objectives.
Build strong working relationships with volunteer team leaders and provide ongoing support and guidance.
Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers.

Recruitment, Induction and Volunteer Management

Lead the recruitment, induction and ongoing management of volunteers across a wide range of roles.
Ensure all volunteer recruitment complies with Church of England Safer Recruitment principles, including references and DBS checks where required.
Develop and maintain volunteer role descriptions in partnership with volunteer team leaders.
Maintain an accurate volunteer database, matching volunteers' skills and interests with organisational needs.
Produce, maintain and regularly review the Volunteer Handbook.
Receive volunteer feedback, concerns and ideas, escalating issues where appropriate.

Training and Development

Design, coordinate and deliver volunteer induction, training and ongoing development programmes.
Identify opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills.
Ensure safeguarding and mandatory training remains current and accurately recorded.
Regularly review volunteer practices to maintain high standards of service and visitor experience.

Inclusion, Engagement and Communications

Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the volunteer programme.
Develop recruitment approaches that encourage applications from underrepresented communities and remove barriers to participation.
Implement an effective volunteer communications plan to keep volunteers informed, engaged and recognised.
Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to promote volunteering opportunities and celebrate volunteer achievements. Key Responsibilities

Partnership Working

Work collaboratively with partners including English Heritage, Historic England, West Suffolk Council and local organisations to ensure a consistent and positive volunteer experience across the Cathedral, Abbey and wider heritage site.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with community organisations across the region.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Budget Management

Collect, monitor and analyse volunteer data, including volunteer numbers, hours and feedback.
Support project evaluation and reporting requirements for the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project.
Produce regular reports identifying trends, achievements and future opportunities.
Prepare and manage the volunteer budget, monitoring expenditure and reporting against forecasts.

Visitor Experience

Ensure volunteers contribute to an outstanding visitor experience for all users of the Cathedral, including worshippers, pilgrims, tourists and event attendees.
Support volunteers in presenting a welcoming, professional and inclusive image of the Cathedral in all interactions with visitors and stakeholders.

General Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to the Cathedral's values, mission and inclusive culture.
Work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and the wider congregation.
Comply with all organisational policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality, data protection and other statutory requirements.
Work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Time off in lieu will normally be provided, with overtime payable for agreed external events where applicable.
Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Chief Operating Officer.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

Managing volunteers across a range of roles using recognised best practice.
Developing and implementing volunteer strategies, policies and procedures.
Recruiting, inducting, training and supporting volunteers.
Working successfully with paid staff and volunteers. Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects or programmes.
Developing partnerships with community organisations, charities or public bodies.
Leading teams within a visitor-focused environment.
Line management, partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
Working with diverse communities and promoting inclusive participation.

Knowledge and skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
Ability to influence, motivate and build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively within a heritage, commercial and place of worship environment.
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Personal Attributes

Understanding of the Cathedral's role as a place of worship, welcome, heritage and community engagement.
Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Collaborative, approachable and committed to excellent visitor and volunteer experiences.
High Emotional Intelligence

Desirable Qualities

Experience within a cathedral, church or heritage organisation.
Background in heritage, tourism, hospitality or the cultural sector.
Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Awareness of the ministry, mission and civic role of the Church of England and its cathedrals

Application resources

Organisation

St Edmundsbury Cathedral View profile

Registered Charity

21 - 50

It is our aim to be a centre for learning, both for the Christian faith and beyond.

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Posted on: 24 July 2026

Closing date: 17 August 2026 at 15:48

Tags: Volunteering Management

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Senior Fundraising Manager

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk (Hybrid)

£40,000 per year

Part-time (28 hours, 4 days per week)

Permanent

Arts, Culture and Heritage ∙ Faith-based

Actively Interviewing

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Job description

Job Title: Fundraising Manager

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £40,000

Hours per week: 28 hours 4 days per week

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description

The Senior Fundraising Manager will play a key strategic role in supporting the mission and ministry of St Edmundsbury Cathedral by developing and delivering a diverse range of fundraising activities, with a particular focus on Trusts and Foundations, major funding opportunities, donor stewardship and the growth of sustainable income.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, the role will identify and develop new funding opportunities, build strong relationships with Trusts and Foundations, and lead the preparation and submission of high-quality funding applications and reports. The postholder will also oversee the Cathedral’s Patron and donor relationships, legacy and regular giving activity, and provide strategic oversight of major fundraising events and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Legacy and Appeals

Support and develop the Cathedral’s legacy giving strategy, helping to encourage and secure gifts in wills.
Work with colleagues and volunteers to develop appropriate legacy communications and stewardship activity.
Provide strategic support for the delivery of fundraising appeals, including the biennial ‘Gift Day’.
Review and evaluate fundraising appeals, identifying opportunities to improve engagement and income.

Trusts and Foundations

Develop and implement a Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy to increase income and diversify the Cathedral’s funding base.
Research and identify new Trusts, Foundations and other institutional funding opportunities aligned with the Cathedral’s mission, ministry and strategic priorities.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective Trusts and Foundations, ensuring effective stewardship and ongoing engagement.
Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications, working with colleagues across the Cathedral to gather relevant information, budgets, impact measures and supporting evidence.
Maintain a comprehensive pipeline of funding opportunities, applications, deadlines and outcomes.
Ensure funders receive timely, accurate and engaging updates on the impact of their support.
Develop compelling cases for support and funding proposals for a range of projects and priorities.
Support colleagues with grant applications where appropriate, providing guidance on funder requirements, application development and reporting.
Monitor changes in the funding landscape and identify emerging opportunities for the Cathedral.

Donor Acknowledgement and CRM Management

Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the fundraising CRM database, Donorfy, including donation history, communications and engagement activity.
Ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place for effective donor stewardship and relationship management.
Produce reports and analysis from Donorfy to support fundraising planning, decision-making and income monitoring.
Ensure donors and Patrons are thanked and acknowledged appropriately and in a timely manner, including personal correspondence and letters from the Dean where appropriate.
Use donor data and insight to identify opportunities for increased engagement, retention and income.

Planned and Regular Giving

Work with the Planned Giving Committee to develop and implement a strategy for increasing regular giving.
Develop communications that encourage supporters to become regular givers.

Patrons and Donors

Manage and develop relationships with existing Patrons and key donors, ensuring high standards of engagement through regular communications, including e-newsletters, invitations and other appropriate engagement activities.
Oversee the delivery of the Cathedral’s Patron events, including the Patrons’ Carol Service, Spring Trip and Summer Garden Party, working with colleagues to ensure events are delivered to a high standard.
Monitor Patron membership, renewal dates and income, ensuring effective processes are in place for timely renewal communications.
Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure Patron income and donations are accurately recorded and reconciled.
Develop and implement strategies to grow the Cathedral’s Patron network and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and develop supporters towards increased giving and longterm involvement with the Cathedral.

Major Fundraising Initiatives and Events

Provide fundraising leadership and strategic oversight for major Cathedral fundraising initiatives and projects as required.
Support the delivery team of the Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn Project, providing fundraising expertise and advice as required.
Oversee the fundraising strategy and income generation associated with major fundraising events, including the Grand Nave Autumn Ball, ensuring that events have clear fundraising objectives and deliver against agreed targets.
Work collaboratively with colleagues responsible for event planning and delivery, providing strategic fundraising direction, supporter engagement and stewardship.
Ensure that income and expenditure associated with fundraising events and initiatives are accurately recorded and monitored.
Evaluate fundraising activity and provide recommendations to maximise future income and supporter engagement.

Strategy, Planning and Reporting

Contribute to the development and implementation of the Cathedral’s overall fundraising strategy and annual fundraising plans.
Set and monitor fundraising targets across relevant income streams, providing regular updates to senior colleagues and relevant committees.
Use fundraising data, research and analysis to identify opportunities for growth and inform strategic decisionmaking.
Prepare reports for senior leadership, Trustees and relevant committees as required. Work collaboratively across the Cathedral to ensure fundraising opportunities are identified and developed effectively.
Ensure all fundraising activity reflects the mission, values and ethos of St Edmundsbury Cathedral and is undertaken with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Ensure compliance with relevant fundraising regulations, GDPR and data protection requirements, and best practice in donor stewardship.
Support and develop a culture of fundraising across the Cathedral, encouraging colleagues to recognise and maximise opportunities for philanthropic support.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

Qualifications

Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
Evidence of continuing professional development in fundraising or a related field.

Experience

Significant experience in fundraising or income generation roles, with a proven track record of securing income and meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.
Proven experience of developing and managing relationships with Trusts and Foundations and other institutional funders.
Demonstrable experience of researching funding opportunities and developing successful grant and funding applications.
Experience of managing donor relationships and delivering effective stewardship and engagement programmes.
Experience of developing and delivering fundraising strategies across a range of income streams.
Experience of managing or overseeing fundraising campaigns, appeals or events.
Experience of using fundraising data and CRM systems to support donor management, reporting and strategic decisionmaking.
Experience of monitoring and reporting on restricted and unrestricted funding.
Experience of preparing funding reports and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of Trusts and Foundations fundraising and the wider fundraising landscape.
Good understanding of a range of fundraising income streams, including individual giving, Trusts and Foundations, major donors, corporate and community fundraising.
Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, data protection and ethical fundraising practices.
Understanding of budgeting, financial planning and monitoring in relation to fundraising.
Understanding of effective donor stewardship, cultivation and relationship management.
Knowledge of the principles and importance of legacy and regular giving.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling funding proposals, cases for support, reports and donor communications.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility and maintain positive relationships with funders, donors, Patrons and colleagues.
Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and assess new funding opportunities.
Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and funding applications effectively.
Ability to use data and insight to inform fundraising decisions, monitor performance and measure impact.
Ability to manage and maintain accurate records using a CRM system such as Donorfy.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence colleagues to support fundraising objectives.
Ability to oversee and provide strategic direction to fundraising activities and initiatives.

Personal Qualities

Highly motivated, proactive and results-driven.
Strategic and creative thinker, with the ability to identify and develop new fundraising opportunities.
Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
Ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for delivering agreed objectives.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and build effective relationships across the organisation.
Resilient, flexible and able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Professional, trustworthy and committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethical fundraising.
Commitment to the values and mission of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Sensitive to the Cathedral’s core mission as a place of worship, outreach, welcome and care.
Willingness to work varying hours for fundraising activities and functions, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.

Desirable

Qualities Qualifications

Relevant professional fundraising qualification, such as a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Experience

Experience of working with high-net-worth individuals, major donors or philanthropic supporters.
Experience of securing significant gifts or grants from Trusts and Foundations.
Experience of fundraising within the Church of England or another faith-based organisation.
Experience of working in a heritage, cultural, charitable or not-for-profit organisation.
Experience of overseeing fundraising events or major fundraising initiatives.

Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of the funding landscape relevant to heritage, faith, community or charitable organisations.
Experience of public speaking and presenting to donors, funders, committees or other stakeholders.
Knowledge of legacy fundraising and planned giving.
Experience of using Donorfy or a similar fundraising CRM system.

Application resources

Organisation