Overview
We have an exciting 6‑month secondment opportunity for someone to lead the next stage of the Castlefield Viaduct fundraising appeal. This landmark project is getting ready for its next big milestone and you’ll play a major role in making it happen.
This is a pivotal time for the project as we move towards Phase 2. Current visitors to the viaduct walk through a series of spaces and gardens before coming to an untouched and overgrown section of the structure beyond a glass wall. It’s this untouched section where the Phase 2 transformation will take place – extending the viaduct experience for visitors from 150 metres to over 350 metres. Plans include winding paths through planted areas to encourage people to take time out from the busy city below and connect with nature.
The viaduct has already connected over 250,000 people with nature in the city centre, providing a brand new greenspace in a truly unique location. Our Phase 1 appeal was a huge success, garnering support from funders and partners. But it’s time to go bigger. And we now need your expertise and know‑how to secure and grow the support that will turn this ambition into reality for people and nature.
What it’s like to work here
This is a unique opportunity to experience the full breadth of income streams at both national and regional level, providing valuable exposure to a wide range of fundraising disciplines. It may be particularly attractive to colleagues looking to expand their experience beyond their current specialism and develop a broader understanding of income generation within the organisation.
You’ll be part of our Specialist Delivery Team, working alongside curators, archaeologists, fellow fundraising specialists and may more.
You’ll split your time between home and the office. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week.
What you’ll be doing
As fundraising lead, you will coordinate activity across a range of income streams, build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure fundraising efforts are aligned to wider ambitions across Greater Manchester.
The activity will also include the North’s first ever crowdfunding campaign, which has the potential to connect supporters to the viaduct in an entirely new way. You’ll work as part of a dynamic and passionate project team, collaborating with a regional marketing and external affairs team to ensure effectiveness for key stakeholders, partners and audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate funding applications to charitable trusts and foundations, working closely with fundraising, philanthropy and project teams.
- Support corporate fundraising activity by developing partnership opportunities, facilitating applications and coordinating stakeholder engagement.
- Work with public fundraising teams to develop, launch and deliver a crowdfunding appeal.
- Drive regional fundraising initiatives, engaging supporters, partners and stakeholders to maximise income generation.
- Coordinate the delivery of major funding partnerships, ensuring commitments are successfully implemented and managed.
- Act as the central point of contact for all fundraising activity, providing governance, reporting, financial monitoring and administrative support.
- Work closely with the Manchester City Region team to ensure fundraising activity for Castlefield Viaduct complements and enhances wider fundraising plans across Greater Manchester.
Who we’re looking for
- Experienced in developing complex fundraising plans, with multiple income streams, for projects with stretching targets, and can show evidence of hitting these targets.
- Proficient in fundraising through individual giving, gifts in wills and charitable trusts.
- Adept at building a compelling case for support.
- Able to challenge colleagues to think differently and become innovative fundraisers.
- A skilled communicator, who can build strong relationships within diverse teams, both internally and externally.
- A flexible thinker and problem‑solver, skilled at negotiating and building productive networks, and confident in using your expertise to influence decisions.
- Proactive and organised, with experience of managing projects and a talent for multi‑tasking and getting things done, strongly focused on detail, quality, cost and time.
- A leader for inclusion, who finds ways to create an inclusive culture.
The Package
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary.
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18).
- Season ticket loan.
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria).
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes and cinema discounts.
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
Location
National Trust Place – Manchester Hub, Oxford Place, Manchester, M1 6EQ
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversityhere.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Closing Date
19 July 2026
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