Executive assistant to executive director jobs

Haven House Children’s Hospice cares for children and young people who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across North and East London, West Essex and East Herts. Our mission is to provide the highest quality palliative and holistic care services to children and their families in our local communities.

Since the hospice opened its doors in 2003, it has gone from strength to strength both in terms of the care we provide to children and their families as well as the close bonds we have developed and nurtured with individuals and organisations who are inspired by our work.

This role sits within the High Value partnerships team, working within the Corporate fundraising team, and alongside Philanthropy, Trusts and Grants, and Special Events. It reports into the Assistant Director of IGM/ Head of High Value Partnerships.

The team pride themselves on their fantastic partnerships and results, and it’s a great time to join as they are currently developing a high value strategy, to underpin the organisation wide strategy and the overall IGM strategy.

At Haven House the focus within the Income Generation and Marketing Team is to put the supporter and donor at the centre of everything we do, ensuring they feel inspired by our work and the children and families we support; engaged and committed to our cause and ultimately make a commitment to do something amazing.

We’re looking for an individual who is has the experience, confidence and skills to win new corporate partnerships and manage our current relationships with existing partners to a high standard.

We want someone to join us who loves being part of a hardworking and collaborative team and who is willing to try new things, bring fresh ideas and who has the energy and personal drive to execute them.  

If this role sounds right for you and you have the right skills and experience, please download the job description and apply.

As an employee you will be entitled to the following range of benefits:

· Hybrid office/home based arrangement

· 27 days' annual leave (pro rata)

· Pension scheme (company matches contribution up to 7%)

· Free onsite parking

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Eye care voucher scheme

· Cycle to work scheme

· Life cover (if eligible)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Interview date: w/c 22 September 2025

Role Description:

Prospect Research & Lead Generation

· Conduct comprehensive desk-based research to identify new grant, trust, and foundation funding opportunities.

· Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders aligned with strategic priorities.

· Assess and prioritise prospects based on fit, likelihood, and potential value.

Bid Writing & Income Generation

· Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies.

· Collaborate with internal teams to gather information and project details for compelling proposals.

· Monitor deadlines and proactively plan submissions to maximise success rates.

Grant Management & Impact Reporting

· Manage a portfolio of secured grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

· Develop and deliver timely, accurate reports that demonstrate project impact, notably contributing and leading on the Annual Impact Report

· Track and deliver funder required reports for each grant received.

· Maintain strong funder relationships through regular updates, meetings, and stewardship.

Systems Development & Departmental Support

· Create and implement systems to track funding applications, deadlines, income targets, and reporting requirements.

· Develop tools to assess and prioritise new funding opportunities.

· Contribute to building a collaborative fundraising and communications function.

· Ensure compliance with legislative/regulatory requirements and best fundraising practice.

· Provide regular financial, KPI, and impact reports.

General/Administrative

· Be a champion for Bristol Charities, representing the vision, values and purpose of the charity at external networking and professional events, as and when required.

· Support and attend staff meetings, staff away days and events as requested. ·

· Work always in accordance with all policies and procedures of Bristol Charities including social media, Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality Policies.

· Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the line manager that are commensurate with the level of the post.

· Comply with the data protection regulations

Reporting to: Director of Fundraising & Communications

Based: The Vassall Centre, Bristol, BS16 2QQ (Hybrid working considered)

Salary: c.£40,000 FTE, negotiable for the right candidate, pro rata

Term: Permanent

Hours: 28 hours per week

(full-time – 35 hours - may be considered for the right candidate).

Flexible, family-friendly employer.

(working hours/days can be flexible and may include occasional evenings and weekends)

Annual Leave: 29 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)

Person Specification: Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

· Proven experience in fundraising from grants, trusts, and foundations, with a strong track record of success.

· Excellent research skills with the ability to identify and assess new funding opportunities.

· Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and tailored funding proposals.

· Experience of managing grant reporting and demonstrating impact to funders.

· Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Ability to develop and implement systems and processes to support fundraising activity.

· Collaborative approach with excellent relationship-building skills both internally and externally.

· Relevant professional qualifications, or qualified by experience.

· Ability to forecast and manage budgets.

Desirable

· Understanding of the charity sector in Bristol, particularly work relating to social justice, older people, or community-led initiatives.

· Experience of working in a small or developing fundraising team.

· Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM systems.

Key Competencies (competencies and behaviours)

· Ability to meet deadlines and income targets, demonstrating resilience and determination.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to funders and stakeholders.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

· High degree of confidentiality and professional integrity.

· Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

· Flexible, reliable attitude with strong team-working skills.

· Commitment to continuous improvement and best practice in fundraising.

Why Join Us?

· Be part of a charity with over 600 years of impact in Bristol.

· Play a key role in shaping and growing a new department.

· Join the Charity at a time of change and growth.

· Opportunity to make a tangible difference to communities across the city.

· Supportive, inclusive working environment.

· Flexible, hybrid working arrangements.

· Competitive salary.

How to apply: Please send your CV, along with a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) explaining:

· Your motivation for applying for the role.

· Your areas of knowledge and expertise and the value you can bring to Bristol Charities.

Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 29th September 2025

Interviews: Panel interviews will be held on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October