Digital marketing communications officer jobs in Bristol

Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy

Permanent | Full-time (37.5 hours per week) - Flexible working arrangements considered.
Salary: £45,056–£49,417 (dependent on experience)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Bristol (Hybrid working)

Help Transform the Future of Rivers Across the Bristol Avon

This is a rare opportunity to build something that will have a lasting impact.

Over the past several years, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) has become one of the UK's fastest-growing Rivers Trusts, securing investment to restore rivers, reconnect habitats, reduce flooding and engage communities across the Bristol Avon catchment.

Now we're ready for the next stage of our journey.

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced fundraising leader to build and lead an entirely new area of our organisation - developing sustainable voluntary income that enables us to do more than project funding alone can achieve.

This is an opportunity to create something from the ground up. You will shape our fundraising strategy, diversify our income, build long-term relationships with supporters and partners, and unlock investment that will directly improve rivers, wildlife and communities across our region.

If you're motivated by building successful fundraising programmes with genuine environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Founded in 2012, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust works across the Bristol Avon catchment to restore rivers for wildlife, people and the local economy.

Everything we do is guided by the best available science and a catchment based approach, working across entire catchments to improve biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality and flood resilience.

Since 2023, the Trust has experienced significant growth. We now employ around 20 staff, deliver approximately £1.3 million of projects annually, and work alongside local partnerships, farmers, landowners, communities, local authorities, businesses and government agencies.

Our ambition over the next five years is even greater.

To deliver our Strategy 2025–2030, we need to complement our strong track record in project funding with a sustainable programme of unrestricted and philanthropic income.

About the Role

Help shape the future Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART).

This is much more than a fundraising role.

You'll have the opportunity to design and lead BART's long-term fundraising strategy, creating entirely new income streams that will support restoration of rivers, education, community engagement, project development and organisational resilience.

Our immediate priority is to diversify our income beyond project grants by growing:

• Individual giving
• Philanthropic and charitable foundation support
• Corporate partnerships
• Major donors
• Legacy giving
• Unrestricted income opportunities

While these priorities have been identified strategically, we are looking for someone with the experience and creativity to refine the approach, test new ideas and build a sustainable fundraising programme for the future.

Success during your first 12 months will include:

• Developing and launching BART's fundraising strategy
• Building a compelling case for supporting the Trust’s work
• Establishing a strong pipeline of unrestricted income opportunities
• Growing relationships and excellent communications with supporters and funders
• Embedding fundraising across the organisation
• Creating clear KPIs and reporting frameworks with the CEO and Trustees

This is a highly strategic position reporting directly to the Chief Executive.

The successful candidate will work closely with an engaged Leadership Team and supportive Board of Trustees, who recognise fundraising as a strategic priority for the organisation's future growth.

Our CEO has extensive experience securing major grant funding and developing partnerships, and will work closely alongside you to help establish and grow this new function.

As with any investment in fundraising, success will be measured against mutually agreed objectives and long-term growth rather than immediate financial return. We recognise that developing sustainable fundraising takes time, and we are committed to supporting the successful candidate to build a lasting programme.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

• Develop and implement BART's Fundraising and Philanthropy Strategy.
• Diversify unrestricted income from individuals, trusts and foundations, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, legacies and other voluntary income streams.
• Develop a compelling organisational Case for Support aligned to BART's Five-Year Strategy.
• Work with the CEO and Leadership Team to establish fundraising priorities and KPIs.
• Lead fundraising campaigns, communications, and supporter engagement initiatives.
• Manage and develop BART's supporter journey using our Beacon CRM system.
• Work closely with our Trust Administrator, who provides administrative support to the organisation, including support for CRM administration and fundraising processes.
• Coordinate fundraising activity across the Trust and ensure opportunities are maximised.
• Build strong relationships with major donors, funders and strategic partners.
• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Report regularly to the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

Why This Role is Different

This is an opportunity to build a fundraising programme with exceptional foundations already in place.

You will benefit from:

• A highly respected and growing environmental charity.
• Strong project delivery with proven environmental impact.
• An experienced CEO with a successful track record of securing significant funding and developing strategic partnerships.
• A supportive Board committed to growing fundraising.
• A database managed through Beacon CRM.
• A recognised and trusted regional brand with significant opportunities for growth.

You'll have genuine freedom to shape the future direction of fundraising at BART.

About You

We're looking for someone who is ambitious, entrepreneurial and excited by creating something new.

You'll ideally have:

• At least five years' experience in fundraising or philanthropy.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of trusts, foundations, philanthropy, individual giving or corporate fundraising.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Experience using CRM systems (Beacon experience welcomed but not essential).
• Excellent written communication, storytelling and bid-writing skills.
• The ability to translate complex environmental work into compelling fundraising propositions.
• A passion for rivers and their recovery and creating meaningful impact.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Holiday increases with length of service.
• 9% employer pension contribution.
• Life Assurance.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Professional development opportunities.

Why Join BART?

Healthy rivers are fundamental to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, flood resilience and community wellbeing.

Joining BART means becoming part of a passionate, ambitious organisation that delivers measurable environmental change every day.

Most importantly, this role gives you the opportunity to build something with lasting impact.

The fundraising programme you create will enable thousands more people to connect with and restore rivers across the Bristol Avon catchment for generations to come.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role before 11:59pm on Friday 17th July 

Further Information

To learn more about our work, visit:

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Role Purpose

Responsible for helping to ensure the effective delivery of the Regional Fundraising strategy in relation to generating sustainable income from third parties and campaigns. You will primarily focus on recruiting support from community groups and associations, businesses and individuals across the North as well as supporting the growth and diversity of the challenge events portfolio.

You will plan, market, deliver and grow your portfolio ensuring all objectives, financial and non-financial are achieved, with an active focus on cost-effective ideas, growth and contingency plans.

Working closely with our service delivery teams across the UK to develop fundraising lead networks, building a robust and community driven income pipeline. You will build powerful, local relationships across your region, and ensure every supporter has an exceptional fundraising experience.

Main Responsibilities

· Support the development and implementation of a fundraising plan to maximise income generation across the designated area, in line with the overall fundraising strategy

· Build knowledge of Child Bereavement UK supporters in the area and develop a community of supporters who have a tangible relationship with our work

· Build relationships with individual supporters, community organisations, faith groups, schools and education facilities, regional corporates and challenge event participants

· Contribute to the development of annual income and expenditure budgets, monitoring results and contributing to regular reforecasts, mitigation and contingency planning to ensure budget is achieved.

· Attract new support and nurture and develop existing support by providing excellent stewardship to maximise supporter journey, value and retention and in-turn income.

· Work alongside the Head of Regional Fundraising and Challenge Event team to develop and promote successful and engaging off-the-shelf fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and challenge events to engage and encourage potential supporters, using research to spot trends and popular initiatives.

· Work collaboratively with the Challenge Event team and Communications team to develop and implement marketing and social media plans for all events/activities.

· Analyse the potential risks and benefits of fundraising events/activities considering risk, time/cost ratios, and overall ROI, to focus effort accordingly.

· Ensure all associated activities are compliant with charity law, regulatory requirements, and best practice, including Data Protection Act and GDPR.

· Develop and follow processes and systems to ensure the effective management of all relevant information, including maintaining and assuming responsibility for accurate information on the charity’s Sales Force database and the community section of the website.

· Work with the Head of Regional Fundraising to recruit Fundraising Committees across the region

· Support with the recruitment of Community

Person Specification

Essential

· Ability to self-motivate and organise yourself to manage multiple priorities, to set and meet deadlines in order to keep projects moving forwards

· Experience in at least one of: fundraising, sales, partnerships, business development, or community engagement

· Confidence and experience in public speaking, both offline and online, and demonstratable ability to represent a cause to a wide range of audiences

· Outstanding relationship-building skills and an ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively and creatively

· Experience of working to targets and managing budgets

· A positive, proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration

· Confidence working independently and as part of a team

Desirable

· Experience in community fundraising or charity income generation

· Experience of delivering a regional-focused role in the same geographic area

· Experience of managing and supporting volunteers

· Familiarity with CRM systems and data management

Benefits

· 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 26th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

The Pepper Foundation is a local charity funding children’s hospice care at home, specialised play and family days for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The Community Fundraiser will be joining Pepper at an exciting time as we launch our new three-year fundraising strategy. Backed by committed investment and with full Board approval, we are delighted to be growing the charity to deliver sustainable income that directly supports local children and families with hospice care in the comfort of their own homes. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship-builder to lead and grow community fundraising and challenge events activity, helping to raise vital income for The Pepper Foundation.

You will take ownership of a varied portfolio of community fundraising activity, building and developing relationships with volunteers, schools, clubs, local businesses and community groups, while also nurturing existing supporters and creating an excellent experience for everyone who engages with us. You will lead the day-to-day delivery of our community fundraising and challenge events activity, proactively identifying new opportunities, developing a strong pipeline of support and managing your portfolio to grow income and deepen engagement with The Pepper Foundation.

Hours: 30 hours per week (37.5hrs FTE) working from home - applicants must live within Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire (or surrounding counties)

Salary: £25,600 pro-rata (£32,000 FTE)

Key Responsibilities:

Financial

• Deliver or exceed agreed income targets across community and challenge event  fundraising activities.
• Manage agreed budgets for community fundraising activities and challenge events, monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring activity is delivered in line with agreed targets and plans.
• Ensure activities are delivered as cost-effectively as possible, monitoring expenditure and helping to maximise return on investment.
• Develop and refine fundraising products, activities and supporter experiences that put supporters at the centre of what we do and encourage long-term engagement.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of community fundraising opportunities, identifying prospects, converting enquiries and building repeat support from individuals, groups and local organisations.
• Help convert one-off supporters and new enquiries into repeat fundraising relationships through strong stewardship, follow-up and tailored engagement.

Communication
• Build and develop strong long-term relationships with community groups, schools, clubs and individuals to increase awareness, support and donated income.
• Support and manage key fundraising volunteers to help deliver income and activities.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising and marketing partners to ensure community and challenge fundraising activities are promoted effectively through suitable online and offline channels.
• Confidently communicate the work of The Pepper Foundation and inspire support through a variety of channels, including informal conversations, networking, presentations, written materials, newsletters and website copy.
• Deliver a high standard of donor and supporter care to maximise fundraising potential and encourage long-term support.
• Contribute ideas and content for promotional materials within agreed budgets and timelines.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to broaden participation in community fundraising and increase supporter engagement across the region.
• Proactively identify, develop and secure new community fundraising opportunities with local schools, groups, businesses and supporters to grow income and broaden engagement.
• Ensure relevant staff and volunteers are well briefed on community fundraising activities.
• Always represent The Pepper Foundation positively and professionally.
• Communicate confidently with a wide range of supporters and stakeholders, handling queries and resolving issues in a calm and professional way.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the fundraising team to ensure community fundraising activity is aligned with the wider fundraising strategy and income goals.

Management

• Recruit, train, support and motivate fundraising volunteers to help deliver community fundraising activities and events.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and partners, such as venues and event providers, to support successful delivery.

Planning and Organisation
• Develop and deliver activity, stewardship and campaign plans for community and challenge event fundraising within agreed priorities, budgets and income targets.
• Deliver high-quality fundraising events that raise awareness of The Pepper Foundation across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.
• Use Donorfy, our fundraising CRM, to administer and manage fundraising activity accurately and effectively, working with the Database Volunteer as needed.
• Produce post-event evaluations and recommendations in line with agreed requirements.
• Use insight, pipeline information and performance data to review results, identify trends and recommend improvements to future activity.
• Manage the day-to-day planning and delivery of key events and campaigns, making decisions within agreed plans, budgets and fundraising procedures.

• Take responsibility for health and safety in community fundraising activities, ensuring appropriate risk assessments are completed and relevant fundraising and safety procedures are followed.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected incidents at community fundraising events, following agreed procedures and escalating where needed.
• Take an active role in setting up and clearing down events and community fundraising activities, including periods of standing and occasional unsocial hours.
• Arrange appropriate Pepper Foundation attendance at local community events when needed.
• Manage resources effectively, including volunteer support, to maximise reach, income and engagement.

Reporting

• Produce regular reports on pipeline, activity, outcomes, income performance and learning for the Head of Fundraising, highlighting opportunities, risks and recommendations.

How to apply: For further details about the role, please download our recruitment pack. Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you would make a great candidate for this role and how you meet the job description. 

Closing date: Monday 13th July 2026 at 5pm

Interview dates: First-round interviews on 22nd and 23rd July with second-round interviews on 29th July 2026.

Interviews will take place at our office in Berkhamsted. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

If appointed, an enhanced DBS check will be required.