Fundraising Manager

Job Title: Fundraising Manager
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000, depending on experience
Hours per week: 35 hours (5 days) or 28 hours (4 days)
Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description 

The Fundraising Manager plays a key role in supporting the mission and ministry of St Edmundsbury Cathedral by leading and delivering a range of fundraising activities. This includes managing relationships with Patrons and donors, organising high-profile events such as the Patrons’ Carol Service and The Grand Nave Dinner, coordinating legacy giving, and supportingmajor initiatives such as the Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn project. The role also involves maintaining accurate donorrecords using the Cathedral’s CRM system (Donorfy), identifying new funding opportunities, and ensuring all fundraising iscarried out with professionalism, integrity, and in accordance with Cathedral values and data protection regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Patrons

• Manage relationships with existing Patrons by responding to enquiries, writing and distributing the quarterly Patron e-newsletter, and creating and sending invitations to Patron events.
• Organise, coordinate, and deliver Patron events to a high standard, including the Patrons’ Carol Service, Spring Trip,and Summer Garden Party.
• Track Patron membership status, monitor renewal dates, and send timely renewal reminders.
• Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure all Patron income is accurately recorded.
• Increase the number of Cathedral Patrons by actively developing relationships and expanding networks

.Donor Acknowledgement and CRM Management

• Maintain accurate donor records in the fundraising CRM database, Donorfy, including donation history andengagement activity.
• Provide reports and analysis from Donorfy as required.
• Acknowledge Patron renewals and thank donors appropriately, either with a personal email or a letter from theDean, depending on the level of contribution.

Support for Major Fundraising Initiatives

• Assist the Fundraising Consultant with the ‘Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn’ project, supported by the National LotteryHeritage Fund.
• Responsibilities include prospect identification, donor cultivation, coordination of fundraising meetings, receptions,and lunches, and general administrative support such as drafting grant applications.
• Support research and cultivation of new fundraising prospects, including high-net-worth individuals, grant-makingtrusts, and their networks.

Legacy and Appeals

• Support the delivery of the legacy giving strategy, helping to secure gifts in wills.
• Assist in the administration and delivery of the biennial ‘Gift Day’ fundraising appeal.
• Plan and deliver a large-scale bi-annual fundraising event, ensuring it meets fundraising targets and reflects the valuesand aims of the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities
Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Experience in fundraising or income generation roles.
•  Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
• Experience of managing donor relationships and stewardship.
• Experience of managing or supporting fundraising campaigns or events.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of different income streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate, community).
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Understanding of budgeting and financial planning in relation to fundraising.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to write compelling funding proposals and reports.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to use data to inform decisions and measure impact.
• Competency in using fundraising CRM systems (e.g. Donorfy).

Personal Qualities

• Highly motivated and results driven.
• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Resilient, flexible, and able to work under pressure.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Cathedral.
• Sensitive to the Cathedral’s core mission as a place of worship, outreach, welcome, and care.
• To work varying hours for fundraising functions, including weekends and late evenings as required.

Desired Qualities
Qualifications

• Relevant fundraising qualification (e.g. from the Institute of Fundraising).

Experience

• Experience in digital fundraising and online donor engagement.
• Experience of working with high-net-worth individuals or major donors.
• Experience of fundraising in the Church of England.

Skills and Knowledge

• Grant writing or bid writing experience.
• Public speaking.