Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Fundraising professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Fundraising Manager to attract grants and donations from a variety of different sources, ensuring that annual voluntary income targets are met and that all fundraising activity across our Diocese is safe, legal and compliant.
About the Diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 88 parishes, including the Channel Islands, Rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith, our mission is to bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church and to highlight the inspiring work of our parish communities in sharing the Gospel and building God’s Kingdom. We have recently launched our Ten-Year Mission Plan You Will be My Witnesses which will shape the diocese over the next decade.
Job Purpose
The Fundraising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to support the Diocese’s mission, including stewardship of major campaigns, identifying and securing grant funding, promoting digital and online giving, and fostering local fundraising initiatives in parishes. The role is pivotal in enabling parishes and the Diocese to serve their communities effectively while ensuring alignment with the Catholic Church’s teachings and values.
The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, “You Will Be My Witnesses.”
Please note there is a travel requirement, you must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.
Hybrid/Flexible Working by agreement with the Line Manager. Core hours in office to be confirmed on appointment. Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.
Key Internal and External Relationships
* Chief Operating Officer
* Parish Priests and Administrators
* Finance Department
* Estates department
* Caritas and Bamenda leads
* Communications Manager
* Grant-making bodies and major donors
* Fundraising teams in parishes
* Diocesan Data Protection Officer
* Catholic Dioceses of England and Wales Fundraising Network
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Campaigns
* Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet agreed targets, including stewardship of recent and existing major campaigns.
* Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure alignment of fundraising activities with financial goals and accountability and with the Estates team to align with Estates Strategy and priorities.
* Identify and secure grant funding opportunities, including preparation of high-quality applications and maintaining relationships with funders.
* Work with parishes to design and deliver local stewardship campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and impact.
* Procure and deliver a user-friendly CRM platform, working with other teams to ensure that solution is fully optimised.
Digital and Online Giving
Support parishes in growing regular and ad hoc online donations by:
* Develop and promote digital giving solutions across parishes, providing training and support for implementation.
* Expand online giving platforms to increase accessibility and engagement.
Stewardship and Reporting
* Foster a culture of stewardship across the Diocese, emphasizing shared responsibility and accountability.
* Provide regular updates and high-quality reports which are driven by defined Key performance Indicators, on fundraising performance and initiatives to senior management and Trustees.
Parish Support and Capacity Building
* Support parishes with the tools, training, guidance and where necessary practical assistance for successful local fundraising initiatives.
* Facilitate workshops and support sessions for parish fundraising committees.
Collaboration and Communication
* Work closely with the Communications Manager and Communications team to ensure fundraising messages are aligned with Diocesan values and the Mission Plan.
* Share compelling stories of impact across the Diocese to encourage participation and giving.
* Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of fundraising objectives
Meeting Attendance and Reporting
* Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Fundraising related matters.
* Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese as required.
* Professional approach to Online meetings.
Governance and Compliance
* Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant current legislation, including data protection, gift aid regulations, and fundraising codes of practice.
* Develop and implement policies and procedures to uphold high standards of fundraising governance across the Diocese.
* Monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, providing training and guidance to employees and parishes where necessary.
* Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, donations, and grants, ensuring transparency and accountability.
* Advise senior leaders on legal and ethical implications of fundraising practices, contributing to the Diocese’s reputation for integrity and professionalism.
Ad Hoc Duties
* Carry out additional duties as requested by line manager.
Values
* Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
* Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.
Person Specification
Competence, Expertise and Knowledge
Essential
* Degree level education
* Proven track record of delivering significant fundraising results in the charity sector, with demonstrable experience of achieving and exceeding financial targets.
* Experience and aptitude for detailed project planning and record keeping.
* Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church.
* Experience in grant writing and securing substantial funding.
* Numerate, with outstanding writing and presentation skills.
* Strong influencing skills, capable of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Self-motivated, hardworking, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Demonstrable experience in building and sustaining relationships with donors and stakeholders.
* Competent in use of Microsoft office and CRM platforms.
Desirable
* Formal degree level qualification relevant to sector.
* Familiarity with digital giving platforms and tools.
* Experience in training and capacity-building initiatives.
* Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Institute of Fundraising).
Want to find out more?
Please refer to the attached Applicant Briefing Pack - Fundraising Manager for more information and for contact details, if you would like an informal discussion with the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth's Chief Operating Officer about this role.