Executive director jobs in bath, bath and north east somerset

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Area to work as part of our Operations Team, working across Swindon, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.

The successful candidate must be able to travel regularly to locations across the region and occasional national travel throughout England

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Services Division leads the delivery and growth of our care and support services and NHS and Local Authority partnership working, aligned with our corporate strategy.  The team are responsible for ensuring services meet quality standards, contractual requirements and provide great outcomes for people we support. They ensure that in areas where we are leading or delivering partnership working that we meet any contractual requirements and develop effective governance and oversight of this area of activity, including maintaining appropriate separation between our operational service delivery and that of the Strategic Partnership & Alliances Division. The Services Division is a large and constantly growing team being commissioned to deliver care and support services through funding by Local Authorities, the NHS (local and national) and other central government initiatives.

How you will make a difference

As a Head Of Area for Rethink Mental Illness, you will work as part of the London and South East Regional Services team. You’ll engage NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and Local Authorities, as well as engaging with government level strategic programmes, developing partnerships that align with our corporate strategy ‘working together to build communities that care’ You will ensure that we utilise the experience, expertise, and reputation of Rethink Mental Illness to help shape care and support services, change the way in which services are delivered through new partnerships and grow our service offer to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness in places we operate, and beyond.

The release of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England in 2025, titled ‘Fit For The Future,’ presents new opportunities to influence the government’s three major initiatives: transitioning care from hospitals to community settings, incorporating digital technology, and focusing on prevention rather than treatment. These objectives align with our Corporate Strategy and are pursued through our internal Mission Delivery Boards.

You’ll work with other people and agencies, in a joined-up way, so that people living with severe mental illness receive coordinated support. The improved outcomes we expect to see through the delivery of Communities that Care are focussed on:

• Access to health and social care.
• Housing.
• Employment, education, training, and volunteering.
• Physical health.
• Social connectedness.
• Money.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

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