Dear Candidate,
Almost 70 years ago Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM), our predecessor charity, was established to support the vital work that cathedral musicians undertake every day of the year across the UK, transforming the lives of countless children and young adults. In 2020, Cathedral Music Trust was incorporated to take FCM’s work to the next level, with the aim of broadening support and funding for this proud but fragile cultural heritage, one that is celebrated around the world.
Our journey in the past three years has been both exciting and transformational. We have built a first-class team of staff, hired energetic and talented new trustees and committee members, professionalised our governance and operating systems and commissioned ground-breaking research into the issues faced by cathedral music. The Trust’s following and reach has accelerated dramatically during this period and, through the generosity of our 3,000 Friends and Patrons, we have been investing increasing amounts in cathedral music year-on-year (close to £500k in 2023).
In September 2023, informed by our recent research, and following extensive consultation with key stakeholders across the sector, the Board of Trustees approved the organisation’s first Strategic Plan, outlining the aims and objectives the Trust intends to pursue over the next five years to achieve the maximum impact with its work. A summary of the Plan is included in the further reading section. We have ambitious plans to broaden our fundraising efforts to fund our newly launched Cathedral Music Support Programme, introduce innovative education and partnership projects, conduct further research and advocate widely to open up pathways for children and young people from all backgrounds to experience the many life-changing benefits of a choral education.
With strong positive momentum, and the appropriate groundwork and infrastructure in place, our Board is now seeking to appoint the Trust’s first ever CEO to lead the organisation’s executive team and deliver our Strategic Plan. We are looking for an individual who is dynamic, ambitious, has a commercial mindset, a track record in fundraising across trusts, foundations and high net worth individuals, the ability to grow strong relationships, a proven ability to manage growth across a national organisation, commitment to diversity and inclusion and a strong interest in choral music. You will have the support of a highly engaged Board, diverse in experience and skills, and a passionate and accomplished team of staff.
I look forward to reading your application.
Jonathan Macdonald
Chair