Wells Cathedral
Development Assistant
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The Development Assistant
The Development Assistant is an essential part of Wells Cathedral’s fundraising function and provides important support to the team, streamlining processes, acting as a first point of contact and managing the fundraising database for the organisation.
As Development Assistant you will:
- Have fantastic communication skills and excellent customer service as the first point of contact for all enquiries and managing the Fundraising inbox.
- Enhance the Development Team through robust administration processes and providing essential administrative support across all income streams, including administering the Cathedral’s Planned Giving scheme.
- Work with the Finance Team to efficiently manage payment processes and administration and ensure timely acknowledgement of gifts.
- Support excellent donor engagement and stewardship through thank you letters, mailings, creation of literature and event coordination and support.
- Assist collating information and co-ordinating regular supporter communications across different channels to inspire people and demonstrate the impact of support.
- Deepen supporter relationships through accurately recording all income and activities on the Cathedral’s CRM system. Maximise the effectiveness of the CRM and keeping records up to date. (We are currently reviewing our systems, and this role will be instrumental in supporting implementation of any new systems.)
- Assist in the preparation and analysis of data and reports for use by the wider team to support future plans and activity.
- Amplify the prospecting work of the team by undertaking preliminary research and preparing briefing materials, in consultation with members of the team.
- Showcase the work of the Cathedral through supporting event organisation.
- Be keen to develop your fundraising skills and undertake relevant training and skills development to keep up to date with the changing requirements of the role.
- Support the team through additional duties as reasonably required to assist the smooth and efficient running of the Development Team and maximise the impact of the fundraising function. Some weekend and out of hours working may be required.
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We would like to hear from you if you:
- Have enhanced the work of a team by providing excellent administrative support.
- Are passionate about working for Wells Cathedral and making an impact on an important heritage organisation.
- Are keen to expand or develop your fundraising experience. Previous fundraising experience is not essential for this role. We welcome applicants with enthusiasm and a willingness to develop your skills in an exciting and supportive environment.
- Enjoy building relationships with people and offering exceptional customer service.
- Have experience of using a CRM or a similar database system and can process data accurately and efficiently and in line with all appropriate regulatory requirements.
- Realise the importance of accurate record keeping and have excellent attention to detail and strong numeracy skills.
- Enjoy connecting with people and inspiring them through strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Enjoy a varied workload and can meet deadlines and prioritise.
- Have a positive and creative approach, with experience working collaboratively.
The successful applicant will also be expected to share in Wells Cathedral’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Job Details
- Employment status: Full-time; permanent
- Hours of work: 35 hours per week full time. We are open to flexible working and hybrid options for this role.
- Remuneration: £24,000 per annum
- Training: Staff training and opportunities to develop your skills
- Discount: A discount of 10% is available from the Cathedral Shop and The Loft Café.
- Parking: A single car park space is provided in the Cathedral car park. Cars are parked at the risk of the owner.
- Pension: Defined Contribution Scheme. Contributions as % of salary:
- Age Employee Employer
- <50 3% 5%
- 50–55 4% 8%
-
55 5% 10%
- Age Employee Employer
- Holiday: 6.8 weeks per annum inclusive of bank holidays. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Annual leave is authorised by the Development Manager.
- Location: Wells Cathedral Offices, 1st & 2nd Floors, 16 Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RB.
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Application Information
Closing date: Friday 24 July 2026 9am
A completed Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form available on our website (https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/your-cathedral/vacancies) should be returned to the Human Resources Department by email to: recruitment@wellscathedral.org.uk.
Shortlisting date: Monday 27 July 2026
To ensure the fairness of the selection process, shortlisting will be based upon the information which you provide in your application and assumptions will not be made about your experience or skills. We will look for demonstrable evidence that you meet the criteria set out in the person specification. Information provided on the application form will be viewed by HR, the recruiting manager, and interview panel. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting process.
Interview date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and references.
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