Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector
Ripon Cathedral is a magnificent building in the heart of the stunning rural region of North Yorkshire. It is a place of mission and worship which welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year.
The cathedral plays a key role as a major events venue and tourist attraction in the city. However, their dedicated team also work in partnership with other local charities to support the community, providing a range of educational programmes and activities.
We are looking for a Fundraising Manager to join their ambitious team, could this be you?
The Role
This new role of Fundraising Manager is a key part of the ongoing work to implement the Cathedral’s strategic plan. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will be vital in securing sustainable funds to support the Cathedral’s ambitious plans for growth. Main responsibilities include:
- Creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
- Leading and developing the existing Patrons Programme
- Developing a pipeline to secure grant funding from trusts and foundations
- Introducing and leading a new culture of legacy giving
- Increasing the average donation per visitor and growing individual giving
The Person
We are looking for someone with a proven track record in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies that deliver financial growth. You will have experience in one or more of the following income streams; Trust and Foundations, Major Donor/ Patrons and/or Legacy Fundraising. You should be experienced in working to targets and managing budgets and possess a sound knowledge of fundraising regulations and legislation and GDPR.
We are looking for someone with exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders. You should also be able to write compelling communications, including applications and proposals.
Previous line management experience is desirable, but most importantly, you should be collaborative, ambitious, and resilient, ready to drive projects forward. This is a diverse role with huge potential to build on historic success and shape the future of Ripon Cathedral!
Please note that this is a permanent role, however we are open to discussing interim options which may be considered for the right candidate.
Why Ripon Cathedral?
Ripon Cathedral has a rich history stretching back almost fourteen centuries. Its development and growth over the last decade have been remarkable, and there are ambitious plans for the future.
The team is forward-thinking and committed to a wide variety of projects, from installing solar panels on the Cathedral roof to continuing to support the excellent Cathedral Choir and providing opportunities for young people to benefit from musical training.
This is an opportunity to join a team that is friendly, collaborative, and aspirational.
The Cathedral offers a generous holiday allowance and a range of other benefits, including staff discounts.
If this sounds like the type of role and charity that could suit the next phase of your career, then please get in touch. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Charlie, Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.
Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Leanne or Jen who will be happy to advise on this.
Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.
Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.
To lead charity recruitment because we’re the best at supporting individuals and organisations to achieve their ambitions and drive positive change


Union Chapel is one of London’s most iconic live music and cultural venues — a Grade I listed landmark where world-class events power transformative social justice and community work. We are looking for an ambitious Development and Evaluation Manager to help grow and sustain our fundraising across arts, heritage and social impact projects.
Working closely with the Head of Development, you will lead on trusts and statutory fundraising, develop compelling funding applications and evaluation reports, and contribute to the growth of individual giving and corporate partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who combines strategic thinking with strong relationship-building and storytelling skills, and who wants their work to have visible community impact within a unique cultural organisation at the heart of arts, heritage and social justice.
Please send a CV and Supporting Statement and complete the equal opportunities on our website
Deadline for Applications 10am, Monday 15 June
First Round Interviews (online) Week commencing 22 June
Second Round Interviews (in person) Week commencing 29 June
A rare and newly-created opportunity to join David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) as Director of Development at a pivotal moment of growth. As part of the Senior Mangement Team (SMT) you will help shape the future direction of the Foundation, leading its fundraising strategy, inspiring support and delivering significant and sustainable income growth.
We are looking for a collaborative team player, who leads with integrity, warmth and passion. Experience in the conservation sector is an advantage but not a prerequisite. The right candidate will be the person who can prove that they are able to ignite action, build lasting relationships and generate meaningful growth in support of the DSWF’s mission.
Throughout the interview process we’ll be keen to hear about your track record in fundraising at a leadership level and your experience of making an impact on an organisation of our size or larger. You will demonstrate how you develop strategies and implement them successfully, show an understanding of DSWF’s existing development portfolio, and a view on where you see you might help to take us over the next 3 years and beyond.
Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Role: Director of Development (DoD)
Reports to: CEO
Works closely with: CEO/COO/CFO as part of the SMT
Line manages: Development Team: Development Manager, Trust and Foundations Manager, Development Executive, CRM Executive
Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (4 days)
Location: Hybrid working between the DSWF Shalford Office (GU4 8JU) for a minimum of two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and home with occasional travel
Annual Leave: 25 days per annum pro rata. Bank Holidays are also provided, and at DSWF’s discretion the office usually closes between Christmas and New Year (additional to annual leave)
Salary: Competitive executive-level salary dependent on experience and breadth of impact. Please ask for salary range on application.
Start date: Asap.
Summary of the Role
The Director of Development (DoD) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising income and supporter engagement activity at DSWF. The role is accountable for delivering sustainable, diversified revenue growth aligned with DSWF’s mission across conservation, education and art, while building lasting relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior supporters.
Working in close partnership with the CEO, COO, CFO, and Board of Trustees, the DoD translates organisational strategy into compelling Cases for Support, effective fundraising plans and measurable outcomes. The postholder leads and develops a high-performing Development team, ensuring strong delivery and continuous improvement.
As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Director shares responsibility for shaping the Foundation’s overall direction, contributing to governance, organisational culture and high-level strategic decision-making.
This is a pivotal position combining senior management with hands-on major gift fundraising and team leadership. Central to enabling the Foundation’s long-term impact and growth, the DoD is a driving force behind DSWF’s ability to successfully deliver its mission to protect endangered species in Africa and Asia.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
•Lead on the development, implementation, delivery and continuous refinement of DSWF’s multi-year Development strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
•Advise the CEO and Trustees on fundraising performance, trends, risks and opportunities.
•Own and articulate the organisational Case/s for Support, ensuring a clear, compelling narrative that integrates conservation impact, education outcomes and artistic heritage.
•Working closely with the rest of the SMT, embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, enabling all team members, Trustees and ambassadors to actively support income generation.
•As part of SMT, be jointly responsible for over-arching decisions regarding the direction of the Foundation, its mission, strategies and culture.
Major & Strategic Fundraising
•Working closely with the CEO, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of DSWF’s most significant donors and prospects, including major individual donors, trusts and foundations, legacy campaigns and strategic partners.
•Responsible, alongside the CEO, for the overall management of all corporate partnerships and sponsors.
•Design and lead bespoke solicitation strategies for new high-value prospects, involving the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues as appropriate.
•Oversee the development of structured approaches to major giving, trusts & foundations, legacy giving and corporate partnerships.
•Have strategic oversight of lower-level individual giving programmes including appeals, regular individual giving and adoption schemes.
•Be responsible and ensure best practice in prospect research, due diligence, stewardship and ethical fundraising.
Team Leadership & Management
•Lead, manage and develop the Development team, setting clear objectives, KPIs and income targets aligned to the overall strategy.
•Ensure the structure, resourcing and capabilities of the team are fit for purpose and scalable as income grows.
•Coach and support all those within the organisation that are responsible for fundraising, providing professional leadership, mentoring and performance management.
•Lead on all training and offer career progression for all staff within the Development team.
•Foster strong collaboration between Development and all departments, including; Policy and Programmes, Marketing and Communications, Education, Art, Finance and Operations.
Supporter Engagement
•Represent DSWF externally with senior donors, partners and sector peers, enhancing the organisation’s profile and credibility.
•Oversee a high-quality supporter journey across all touchpoints, ensuring donors feel valued, informed and connected to impact including lower-level individual giving.
•Champion systematic all level stewardship, donor care and impact reporting to maximise retention, lifetime value and advocacy.
•Ensure accurate, GDPR-compliant data capture and effective use of CRM systems (Beacon) to drive insight-led fundraising.
Events
•This senior role will have overall responsibility for any fundraising or donor profile events (at present this would include the Wildlife Ball which is an annual fundraising/profile raising event that takes place at the Dorchester Hotel).
•Working closely with the rest of SMT, this role will direct the Development team to ensure that all events deliver optimum, high level donor experiences and are run professionally (with logistics and operational support from the COO and team).
•This role will have overall responsibility for ensuring the CEO has all information required to support engagement with donors at all events.
Governance & Reporting
•Report on Development performance to the CEO, SMT and Trustees, providing clear analysis against agreed targets.
•Work closely with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting and long-term income planning.
•Work closely with Finance and legal advisors in relation to all legal matters pertaining to legacies and bequests.
•Ensure all Development activity aligns with regulatory, governance and ethical standards.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
•Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising and development within complex, mission-driven non-profit organisations, at Director level or equivalent, where philanthropy is critical to organisational impact and growth.
•Significant experience in leading and delivering long-term development strategies, with a demonstrable track record of translating organisational ambition into clear, costed and achievable fundraising plans.
•Proven ability to set strategic direction across multiple income streams, establish measurable objectives and KPIs and use data and insight to monitor performance, evaluate impact and adapt approach over time.
•Experience of driving sustained income growth, strengthening donor pipelines, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned to organisational priorities and long-term sustainability.
•Deep understanding of the UK philanthropic landscape, with well-established networks across major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates and high-net-worth individuals and the ability to build credibility and influence rapidly at national and international levels.
•Demonstrable experience of leading and scaling fundraising income through periods of organisational change, growth or strategic transformation.
•Proven track record of securing transformational gifts and long-term partnerships from individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations.
•Strong history of inspirational leadership, team building and talent development, with the ability to motivate teams towards ambitious shared goals.
•Experience of working with public sector stakeholders and cross-sector partnerships to advance organisational objectives.
•Experience of implementing and embedding robust CRM systems and donor stewardship frameworks to support data-led decision making and excellent supporter journeys.
Personal Skills, Qualities and Attributes
•Exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
•A collaborative team player who values partnership working and shared success.
•Strategic, visionary thinker with the confidence and credibility to operate at senior leadership and Board level, influencing internal and external decision-makers.
•A strong personal commitment to wildlife conservation, environmental protection and the role of philanthropy in driving long-term change.
•Clear alignment with DSWF’s mission, vision and values, and a genuine passion for advancing David Shepherd’s legacy through impactful fundraising.
•Entrepreneurial and opportunity-led mindset, with the confidence to set and pursue ambitious income and growth targets.
•Resilient, adaptable and resourceful, with the ability to navigate complexity, manage ambiguity and maintain momentum in a fast-evolving environment.
•Credible and compelling ambassador for DSWF, able to represent the organisation confidently with major donors, partners and at public-facing events.
•Willingness to travel and attend events as required to support donor engagement, stewardship and organisational visibility.
•Commitment to being actively engaged in the life of the organisation, contributing to its culture, leadership and long-term success.
Please note that as part of a small team, the role may include occasional additional duties to help meet the charity’s wider needs.
Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.
We focus on saving endangered species and ending the exploitation of wildlife before it’s too late.



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