Freelance Fundraising Manager

Hull Minster is seeking an experienced Fundraising and Bid Development Manager to support the next stage of our Sound Foundations project and help prepare a major National Lottery Heritage Fund submission later this year. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future of one of Hull’s most significant historic buildings: a Grade I listed church in the heart of the Old Town, founded in 1285 , and now entering a major period of strategic development. Through Sound Foundations , Hull Minster has secured £233,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to strengthen its organisational capacity, develop a Conservation Management Plan, prepare for the restoration of its Grand Organ, and build the foundations for a later major bid in the region of £7 million . We are now looking for a freelance professional who can help us develop and deliver the next fundraising phase of this work.

About the role

The Fundraising and Bid Development Manager will lead the development of Hull Minster’s fundraising strategy in support of the major NLHF bid, with a particular focus on:

• identifying and helping secure the 10% match funding required for submission
• developing a clear and realistic fundraising strategy
• researching and pursuing trusts, foundations, donors, and other funding opportunities
• creating compelling cases for support
• contributing directly to the NLHF bid-writing process
• helping ensure the project is in the strongest possible position ahead of the November deadline

This is a strategic and hands-on freelance role, suited to someone who combines fundraising expertise , strong writing skills , and an understanding of how to build confidence in a major heritage project.

The wider project

The major bid is expected to support:

• restoration of Hull Minster’s Grand Organ , currently estimated at £2.5 million
• capital repairs to vulnerable parts of the building, including stained glass, roofs, and the North Transept
• further organisational development to support long-term resilience and sustainability.

Who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate will have:

• strong experience in fundraising strategy and income development
• a strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• excellent bid writing and editing skills
• experience of working on major capital, heritage, arts, or cultural projects
• an ability to work to fixed deadlines and manage multiple funding opportunities
• the confidence to work collaboratively with internal staff, consultants, and senior stakeholders

Experience of working with heritage organisations, churches, or other places of worship would be highly desirable.

Why this role matters

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a project that brings together:

• heritage conservation
• music and the restoration of a nationally significant organ
• organisational sustainability
• public engagement
• and the long-term future of a major city-centre church

Hull Minster is led by the principles of Following Jesus, Building Community, Living Heritage , and this role will help ensure those ambitions are underpinned by a credible and effective fundraising plan.

To express interest

Please contact James Cameron at james.cameron@hullminster.org for the full brief and application details.