Head of programmes jobs

Job title: Development Assistant

Hours: 35 hours per week full time. We are open to flexible working and hybrid options for this role.

Reporting to Development Manager

Salary £24,000

Wells Cathedral is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, renowned for its astonishing beauty, historical significance and its international reputation for music.

It stands as one of the most impressive cathedrals in the UK and is a world-class centre for worship and mission, inspirational music and creative engagement with young people and visitors from around the world.

Are you an ambitious, pro-active and confident self-starter looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to expand your knowledge of fundraising and help to conserve and maintain Wells Cathedral for future generations?

Would you like to bring your exceptional administration skills to an important place of worship and a world renowned heritage organisation?

The Development Assistant is an essential part of the Cathedral’s fundraising function and provides important support to the team, streamlining processes, acting as a first point of contact and managing the fundraising database for the organisation.

As Development Assistant you will:

· Have fantastic communication skills and excellent customer service as the first point of contact for all enquiries and managing the Fundraising inbox.

· Enhance the development team through robust administration processes and providing essential administrative support across all income streams, including administering the Cathedral’s Planned Giving scheme.

· Work with the Finance team to efficiently manage payment processes and administration and ensure timely acknowledgement of gifts.

· Support excellent donor engagement and stewardship through thank you letters, mailings, creation of literature and event co-ordination and support.

· Assist collating information and co-ordinating regular supporter communications across different channels to inspire people and demonstrate the impact of support.

· Deepen supporter relationships through accurately recording all income and activities on the Cathedral’s CRM system. Maximise the effectiveness of the CRM and keeping records up to date. (We are currently reviewing our systems, and this role will be instrumental in supporting implementation of any new systems.)

· Assist in the preparation and analysis of data and reports for use by the wider team to support future plans and activity.

· Amplify the prospecting work of the team by undertaking preliminary research and preparing briefing materials, in consultation with members of the team.

· Showcase the work of the Cathedral through supporting event organisation.

· Be keen to develop your fundraising skills and undertake relevant training and skills development to keep up to date with the changing requirements of the role.

· Support the team through additional duties as reasonably required to assist the smooth and efficient running of the Development Team and maximise the impact of the fundraising function. Some weekend and out of hours working may be required.

We would like to hear from you if you:

· Have enhanced the work of a team by providing excellent administrative support.

· Are passionate about working for Wells Cathedral and making an impact on an important heritage organisation.

· Are keen to expand or develop your fundraising experience. Previous fundraising experience is not essential for this role. We welcome applicants with enthusiasm and a willingness to develop your skills in an exciting and supportive environment.

· Enjoy building relationships with people and offering exceptional customer service.

· Have experience of using a CRM or a similar database system and can process data accurately and efficiently and in line with all appropriate regulatory requirements.

· Realise the importance of accurate record keeping and have excellent attention to detail and strong numeracy skills.

· Enjoy connecting with people and inspiring them through strong written and verbal communication skills

· Enjoy a varied workload and can meet deadlines and prioritise.

· Have a positive and creative approach, with experience working collaboratively.

The successful applicant will also be expected to share in Wells Cathedral’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We currently operate a hybrid model of working and are open to discussing flexible ways of working. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people need more flexible working patterns. Please get in touch to arrange an informal conversation ahead of applying to learn more about us and why this opportunity is right for you.

To apply, please fill in the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form available on the Vacancies section of Wells Cathedral's website and return them to the HR Manager.

In return we offer:

· 6.6 weeks of annual leave per annum inclusive of bank holidays. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

· A discount of 10% is available in the Cathedral Shop and Café.

· Staff training and opportunities to develop your skills.

· Pension Defined Contribution Scheme. Contributions as % of salary:

Age Employee Employer

<50 3% 5%

50–55 4% 8%

>55 5% 10%

· Parking spaces are available in the Cathedral car park. Cars are parked at the risk of the owner.

· All reasonable working expenses will be met in line with Cathedral policy.

The appointment will be conditional on the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks, including a basic DBS check. A probationary period of 6 months will apply to this post.

Timetable

Closing date: 7 September 2025

Interviews: 24 September 2025