Canterbury Cathedral today announced the appointment of Sarah Harmer as its first Director of Fundraising.

Sarah brings twenty years of senior-level experience to the role. She is currently Director of Development and Audiences at the Wallace Collection in London. Prior to that, she worked at the University of Cambridge where she was Development Director and Fellow at Selwyn College.

Speaking of her appointment, Sarah said: ‘I am really excited at the prospect of helping to ensure a sustainable future for Canterbury Cathedral, which is unparalleled in its spirituality, community, culture and history. I grew up in Virginia, USA but now live with my husband in West Malling, Kent, so this really feels like I am coming home.’

Sarah’s appointment comes at a significant time for Canterbury Cathedral. It is soon to launch a ten-year strategy under the leadership of Dean David Monteith. Sarah will be part of the senior team that leads on this strategy as well as developing more fundraising programmes and nurturing a new and talented fundraising team.

In welcoming Sarah to Canterbury Cathedral, Dean David said: ‘Sarah is extraordinarily gifted. She will bring to us new ideas and fresh ways of doing things, as well as ensuring what we are already doing is done efficiently and effectively. We have searched long and hard for someone of the right calibre to fill this role, and it was worth every step in the journey to know that she will be working alongside me in this next stage in the life of Canterbury Cathedral.’

Sarah will start work at the Cathedral in December 2024.