Head of Cathedral Fundraising Development

This role is to develop the fundraising support we offer our 42 cathedrals. Church of England cathedrals play a uniquely significant role in national, civic and spiritual life, serving first and foremost as centres of Christian worship and the seat of the bishop, but also as some of the country’s most important cultural and community institutions. They act as focal points for diocesan life and as places where people gather for major moments of public celebration and grief, while also contributing extensively to education, music, heritage, tourism and local economies. Their scale, history and openness mean they attract millions of visitors, many of whom are not regular churchgoers, offering space for reflection, creativity and engagement with the Christian story. 

However, this breadth of purpose brings significant challenges: cathedrals must balance worship with growing expectations as civic and cultural venues, operate in an increasingly secular and diverse society, and maintain complex historic buildings with limited and often uncertain funding. With many facing structural financial deficits and high costs for maintenance and staffing, alongside reliance on fundraising, grants and visitor income, their long-term sustainability depends on improving and expanding their fundraising activity and successfully developing new income streams while safeguarding their core mission and heritage.

This role is deliberately designed as a test-and-learn function. Its future scope and resourcing will be shaped by the evidence generated through its work. There is a clear expectation that, subject to demonstrated impact, this role will contribute to the development of a sustainable and appropriately resourced model of fundraising support for cathedrals across the Church of England.

This role is a three year fixed term contract.

Interviews will take place in Church House, London, on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity