Development officer jobs in Bristol, city of, bristol
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About the Role
The Business Development Officer will play a dynamic and influential role within Sands’ Partnerships & Philanthropy team, helping to shape the charity’s growing presence across corporate, commercial, and digital landscapes. You’ll contribute directly to our income generating ambitions by uncovering new opportunities, building a healthy prospect pipeline, and supporting outreach that amplifies Sands’ profile across professional and online networks.
This role offers an exciting blend of creativity, insight gathering, and hands‑on development work. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to elevate Sands’ visibility - including helping to craft engaging digital content, develop compelling partnership assets, and support targeted online marketing initiatives. With the space to work proactively and take ownership of your projects, you’ll play a meaningful part in strengthening our corporate partnerships and creating foundations for long‑term, high‑impact relationships.
Main Purpose of the Job
- To contribute to the growth of Sands’ commercial and strategic partnerships by generating high-quality research, intelligence, and insight to support prospect acquisition and cultivation.
- To develop and maintain a healthy, diverse pipeline of corporate, commercial, and strategic prospects through structured research, qualification, and profiling.
- To support outreach, digital engagement, and online marketing activity to increase awareness of Sands’ partnership opportunities and drive inbound interest.
- To provide essential administrative and operational support for database management, data compliance, and reporting.
- To support the development of compelling proposals, pitch materials, development assets and case studies that reflect the needs and priorities of Sands and resonate with potential partners.
Principal Tasks and Responsibilities
1. Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
- Conduct structured research to identify new prospective partners across multiple sectors, including retail, leisure, wellbeing, transport, and corporate services.
- Build detailed prospect profiles, including organisational background, alignment potential, decision-makers, and partnership opportunities.
- Maintain and update a robust cross industry prospect pipeline, ensuring all prospects are accurately categorised and tracked.
- Undertake competitor and sector analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities, supporting Sands’ strategic positioning.
- Map networks and connections (internal and external) to support the expansion of Sands’ business development reach.
2. Outreach, Marketing & Engagement Support
- Support initial outreach to prospective partners, including email approaches, LinkedIn engagement, and follow-up communications.
- Support the planning and delivery of targeted online marketing activity to increase organisational visibility among corporate audiences.
- Develop engaging content for outreach - such as partner briefs, email templates, and introductory decks.
- Collaborate with the Engagement and Communications teams to ensure all external messaging reflects Sands’ brand and partnership priorities.
3. Database, Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate, GDPR compliant records on Sands’ CRM, ensuring all research, outreach and cultivation activity are fully logged and auditable.
- Produce regular reports and dashboards to support team activity planning and income forecasting.
- Track deadlines for proposals, reporting, stewardship requirements, and internal consultations.
- Support due diligence checks for all new prospects and record documentation in line with Sands’ ethical and data protection policies.
4. Partnership Materials, Proposals & Case Studies
- Support the creation of high-quality partnership assets, including pitch decks, proposals, stewardship packs, and impact summaries.
- Collate relevant organisational information and stories to support the development of compelling case studies.
- Work with internal colleagues to gather content on Sands’ programmes, events, research, and family stories to support tailored partnership pitches.
- Assist with developing template materials for more efficient proposal creation.
5. Internal Collaboration & Organisational Support
- Work closely with the Commercial Business Development Lead to coordinate new business activity and support cultivation of prospective corporate relationships.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Engagement, Communications, Events, Fundraising and Services to ensure partnership opportunities are strategically aligned.
- Support the planning and delivery of cultivation events, webinars, and online briefings for corporate audiences.
We are here to support everyone touched by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Always.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Regional Development Officer (RDO) - Midlands
Location: Midlands (home-based with travel and use of hot desk office in Midlands)
Salary: £35,100 FTE (£18/hour £21,060)
Contract: 2-year fixed term (22.5 hours/week)
Reports to: National Fundraising & Development Manager
This is not an administrative role. It is comparable to:
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Regional Development Officer (charity sector)
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Community Development Officer
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Partnerships / Outreach Officer
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Network Growth or Membership Development roles
The role combines business development, community engagement, and programme delivery, with clear responsibility for growing Phab’s national footprint and reputation.
Why this role matters
This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up.
You’ll be the person who brings Phab to new communities—connecting disabled and non-disabled people, creating life-changing social opportunities, and building a network of clubs that transform lives.
We’re looking for someone who thrives on meeting people, spotting opportunities, and making things happen—someone who can walk into a room, inspire others, and leave with new partners, volunteers, and future club leaders excited to get involved.
If you’re energised by purpose and disability-inclusion, love being out in the community, and want to play a key role in growing a national charity’s reach—this role is for you.
Role Purpose
To grow and strengthen the Phab network by:
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Launching new Phab Clubs in underserved areas in the Midlands
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Supporting and energising existing clubs
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Building strong regional relationships that drive participation, partnerships, and sustainability
A critical part of this role is identifying and supporting outstanding Club Leaders—the individuals who make clubs thrive.
What success looks like (2-year targets)
Year 1: Establish & Build Momentum
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Launch 3–5 new Phab Clubs in priority areas
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Identify and develop a pipeline of future club leaders and volunteers
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Build relationships with local authorities, schools, disability organisations, and community groups
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Visit and engage with existing clubs in the region to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities
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Generate local funding or in-kind support for new and existing clubs
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Represent Phab at key regional events and networks
Year 2: Grow & Sustain
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Support Year 1 clubs to become fully sustainable and independently run
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Launch an additional 3–5 new clubs or affiliate groups
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Increase membership and engagement across existing clubs
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Develop regional partnerships that provide ongoing referral pathways (e.g. professionals, services, schools)
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Contribute to income generation (grants, partnerships, training opportunities)
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Establish a strong regional identity and presence for Phab
Key Responsibilities
1. Network Growth & Club Development
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Identify areas of need and actively develop new Phab Clubs
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Recruit, mentor, and support Club Leaders and volunteer teams
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Set up clubs alongside the club leaders (venue, structure, governance, initial membership)
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Build relationships with professionals (e.g. SEND services, social workers, educators) who can refer members
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Reconnect with former Phab participants and supporters to re-engage them
2. Supporting Existing Clubs
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Regularly visit and engage with existing clubs
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Identify challenges and opportunities, offering practical support
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Encourage growth in membership, activity quality, and sustainability
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Share best practice and connect clubs to wider opportunities (training, funding, events)
3. Community Engagement & Partnerships
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Act as a visible, energetic ambassador for Phab
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Attend networking events and build strong regional relationships
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Develop partnerships with community organisations, corporates, and funders
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Promote Phab’s wider offer (Phab ACTS training, Phab Adventures, events)
4. Income & Sustainability
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Identify and secure local funding opportunities
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Support clubs to access grants and sponsorship
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Contribute to Phab’s broader income generation strategy
5. Internal Collaboration & Delivery
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Work closely with Marketing, Fundraising & Development, and Charity Support teams
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Use CRM (Beacon) to track engagement, contacts, and progress
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Contribute to planning and delivery of regional and national initiatives
Experience & Background
We are looking for someone who has done this kind of work before, not just worked “in charity or business”.
Essential experience:
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Experience in community development, outreach, or network growth
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Proven track record of starting or growing initiatives, projects, or groups
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Experience building partnerships and engaging external stakeholders
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Experience recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers or community leaders
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Experience working in or alongside disability, inclusion, or community services
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Knowledge of UK charity landscape and safeguarding/good practice
Desirable:
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Experience setting up or running community groups, clubs, or programmes
Experience securing local funding or sponsorship
Equal Opportunities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Phab is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where disabled and non-disabled people can thrive together as equals. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, lived experiences and identities, particularly disabled people and those who are underrepresented within the charity sector.
We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and helps us better support the communities we work alongside. Recruitment decisions are made based on skills, experience, values and potential, and we are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all applicants.
Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know.
As a Regional Development Officer, you will play an important role in promoting inclusion, accessibility and equality across our network of clubs, projects and partnerships.
Safeguarding Statement
Phab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment and to uphold a culture of safety, dignity and respect.
The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Phab’s safeguarding policies and procedures and may be subject to an enhanced DBS check, depending on the nature of the role and responsibilities.
We are looking for someone who shares our values of inclusion, respect, integrity and participation, and who is committed to helping create safe and welcoming environments for everyone involved in Phab activities.
Our mission is to build an inclusive world where everyone is valued and belongs.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.