Fundraiser (community)

Blackburn Cathedral is looking to appoint two fundraisers to work within a small, yet creative and motivated team. One post holder will focus on community, events and individual giving, the other on applications to trusts and foundations. 2026 marks a significant moment in the life of Blackburn Cathedral as we celebrate our Centenary. We have exciting plans to remember the past, celebrate the present and to work towards ensuring a legacy that lasts for the next century too. The Cathedral has secured funds from the Cathedral Sustainability Fund for two years to kick start a major period of fundraising activity and we are seeking a proactive fundraiser to help drive a number of unique, landmark, capital projects. There will be a range of activities throughout the year that celebrate the rich history of our Cathedral for the fundraisers to be involved with, and it is an exciting time to join the team.

Person Specification • The fundraiser for community will have strong relationship skills, the ability to communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups, with evidence of successful short and long term partnerships. • You will be confident speaking to individuals at all levels, present the Centenary Campaign in different environments and deliver engaging pitches resulting in funds raised • You will be willing to work with Team members, be creative and ambitious with the events and community led approaches to fundraising • You will have an eye for detail, the ability to capture important data and comply with Data Protection Regulations and fundraising best practice

Role Description This role description is a working document giving guidance to the major tasks to be performed. It is to be understood that the post is likely to develop to meet changing demands and expectations. • Build an understanding of the local, regional and national picture for trust fundraising in the areas of the capital targets already identified • Identify and build relationships with key individuals and groups within the Cathedral community and externally • Create engaging campaigns for fundraising and increase awareness of the opportunities • Organise events and fundraising activities which are creative, highly valued and effective • Support individual fundraising campaigns with high quality stewardship and support • Work with and support volunteers to assist with fundraising activity • Develop resources to aid the case for support for successful fundraising applications • Act as the point of contact for fundraising applications for the Cathedral • Report on progress and plans to senior management  • Support Safeguarding best practice within the Cathedral • Actively work to raise the profile of the Cathedral locally and nationally • Stay up to date with fundraising best practice and innovation Experience Essential: • Evidence of creative and successful fundraising campaigns • Experience of working in the community, voluntary and / or not for profit sectors • `Excellent organisational and communication skills • Supportive and patient towards volunteers in the team • Working knowledge and competency to proactively and imaginatively use social media • Willingness to work flexibly across the week / weekends to support the wider team • Fluent in Microsoft 365 including SharePoint, Word, Excel and Outlook Desirable: • Experience of growing income for capital projects in the not for profit sector • Current working knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice for fundraising • Proven track record in fundraising within community and individual giving • Experience of meeting targets in a small team • Working knowledge of Church of England fundraising