This is an exciting opportunity to join the Cathedral team as we continue to look to the future to continue to maximise the opportunities from our National Lottery Heritage funded project, Alban, Britain’s First Saint, which reveals the importance and story of Alban. This project has enabled us to offer our visitors, pilgrims and those attending services a greatly enhanced experience through improved facilities and interpretation, including a new welcome centre, new learning facilities and wider events programme to appeal to new and existing audiences, all of which are now back to pre-pandemic activity levels.

The Events and Visitor Experience Manager has strategic oversight of all planned activity within the Cathedral. The role involves working closely with staff, volunteers and third parties, to oversee the successful delivery of internal and external events happening within the Cathedral. The role works particularly closely with the volunteer concert stewarding team. The role is also supported by and provides strategic direction to, the Administration Assistant for Diary and Events, who is part of the Cathedral office team and who is responsible for the co-ordination of arrangements and event entries on to the Cathedral diary and co-ordinates the administration for some of these events.

Over the last year the Cathedral has developed its commercial activities within the context of its overall mission and ministry activity. The Cathedral building is a wonderful venue and there is much scope for new and creative events to take place that help support the Cathedral’s overall financial sustainability. The current Events and Visitor Experience Manager, who is relocating, has helped the Cathedral identify new commercial opportunities and bring them to fruition and there is potential to develop commercial activity further.  

The role is supported in the day to day operation of events and worship by the full time Head Virger and his team of virgers, to deliver an outstanding visitor experience for all who use our building, supporting congregational and visitor growth, at the heart of the Cathedral’s mission. The Events and Visitor Experience Manager is the line manager for the Head Virger whose team works with clergy and other members of staff to support the daily Cathedral floor operation. In addition to the Head Virger, the vestry team comprises 4 full time and 1 part time virger and 2 Evening Porters as well as a number of casual staff. The vestry team is responsible for ensuring support for liturgical worship in services and direction on all worship related activities. The Events and Visitor Experience Manger and Head Virger therefore work closely together to ensure a joined-up approach to all events and worship activity.  
    
The breadth of the role makes this position both interesting and challenging. The role requires initiative and the ability to think strategically. The post holder will be expected to recognise this and respond to what is a dynamic role, leading by example. The Cathedral is a seven day a week operation and the post holder will need to be flexible on hours worked according to the nature of events taking place.

This position reports to the Head of Marketing and Visitor Experience. This role would suit someone with previous experience of event management as well as managing a team and who has an interest in working in the faith or heritage sector. The Cathedral is also open to applications from those currently working in a different sector and who has transferable skills to bring to this varied and interesting role.

Applicants are invited to submit an application form and covering letter to Michelle Ovenden, Head of HR & Office Support, by email to [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 10 May 2024. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22 May 2024

To arrange an informal discussion about this role please email: [email protected]

Job Pack

Application Form