Head of fundraising jobs in Bristol, city of bristol

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you! 
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering, and we’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Head of Business Development & Fundraising to lead this work. This is your chance to shape the future of a award-winning national charity at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good. 
 
You will develop and deliver an integrated strategy across philanthropic fundraising (grants, trusts, high-net-worth donors) and revenue-generating business development. Reporting to the CEO/SMT and working closely with Communications, Finance, and Programme teams, you’ll ensure strong prioritisation, clear pipeline management, and robust forecasting to support decision-making. 

You’ll also play a visible external role, representing Helpforce at events, building strategic relationships, and identifying new opportunities through proactive networking. 

Since our launch in 2017, we’ve championed a vision where volunteering is integral to healthcare at its best. We work with NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations to co-create volunteering models that address key challenges, while building evidence of their impact. Our insights help health leaders invest in solutions that improve patient experience, ease pressure on staff, and deliver meaningful benefits for the volunteers who give their time and talents. 
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
Strategy & Leadership  

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated income-generation strategy. 
• Identifyand assess new fundraising and business development opportunities. 
• Work with the CEO and SMT to set annual revenue targets, KPIs and income projections, ensuringaccurateandtimelyforecasting. 
• Utilise your senior level networks toidentifynew areas Helpforce canoperatein. 
• Ensure all income-generating activities align withHelpforce’sfinancial strategy andcomply withinternal governance and approval processes.

 
Fundraising  

• Develop and manage a healthy pipeline of funding prospects including trusts, foundations, institutional funders, and HNWIs. 
• Shape and oversee compelling value propositions, funding proposals, donor reports, and stewardship plans – incorporating storytelling into high-calibre content. 
• Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring high-quality communication and reporting. 
• Ensure full compliance with restricted fund terms and grant agreements, working with Finance tomonitorallocation and utilisation of funding. 
• Uphold ethical fundraising standards and ensure alignment with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice. 
• Deliveryearonyeargrowth in fundraising income against agreed targets.

 
Business Development  

• Identifyand develop new markets, partnershipmodelsand products offerings. 
• Leverage the excellenttrack recordand reputation of Helpforce, using our sector-leading evidence of impact to generate new opportunities. Lead the preparation of bids, tenders, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring all opportunities are assessed for fit, feasibility, pricing, and margin. 
• Collaborate with programme managers to package services for sale or partnership. 
• Conduct due diligence on prospective partners and commercial clients to ensure values alignment and manage reputational risk. 

 
Relationship Management  

• Build andmaintainrelationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders. 
• Represent the organisation at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise visibility and strengthen the organisation’s profile. 
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees whereappropriate. 
• Maintain a focused approach to cultivatinga number ofhighpotentialrelationships positioned forlongtermor multiyear support.

 
Finance & Reporting  

• Set, monitor, and report on income targets, pipeline health,ROIand overall income performance against agreed KPIs. 
• Develop budgets and financial forecasts for all income streams ensuring accuracy, transparency, andtimelyupdates for senior decision-making. .
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensureaccuratetracking, reporting and audit-readiness. 
• Collaborate with Finance to ensureaccuratefunder-specific financial reporting, including restricted/unrestricted income reporting and grant reconciliations. 
• Monitor income and expenditure related to income generation activities, support financial planning, and advise on funding risks and sustainability. 
• Provideclear insights into income confidence levels, timelines, risks, and mitigation actions. 

 
Person Specification  
Essential  

• 5 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, business development, or strategic partnerships. 
• Proventrack recordof raising significant funding (6–7 figure). 
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering successful income-generation strategies. 
• Above excellent written communication and document design skills (grant writing, proposals, reporting). 
• Strong negotiation, commercialawarenessand contract management skills. 
• Highly confident in face-to-face relationship building, networking and able torepresentHelpforce effectively at external meetings, events, and conferences. 
• Proven ability toidentifyand build new strategic relationships across diverse sectors, including government agencies, NHS, philanthropy, and corporate partners. 
• Ability to work with resilience,maintainmomentum under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving opportunities. 

 
Desirable  

• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business. 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases. 
• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare]. 

 
Equality and Diversity 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce. 

Location
Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings. 
 
Closing date for applications is 9th April 2026. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered. 
 
REF-227 559

Location: Bristol(with hybrid working, 40% in office), United Kingdom.

Salary: £47,000 to £51,000 per annum

Type: Full-time (28 - 35 Hours pw), Permanent

About Us

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most. 

About the Opportunity 

2026 is our 80th year and an exciting time to join the Soil Association. We have an ambitious strategy to 2030 with inspiring, scalable projects which are delivering impact across the food system. As a fundraising department, we prioritise brilliant cross team collaboration on campaigns, events and appeals to achieve our ambitious long term growth targets across our income streams.

About You 

We are looking for an exceptional fundraiser and motivational team leader. You will be brilliant at building lasting partnerships both externally with supporters and internally with colleagues. You will accelerate opportunities to broaden our networks, develop compelling proposals, deliver inspiring events and provide outstanding stewardship.

You will:
•  Have a proven track record of securing and managing significant six-figure plus donations 
•  Be a confident, persuasive communicator with the ability to translate complex food systems and sustainability programmes into compelling, tailored propositions
•  Be an experienced leader who thrives on supporting their team to reach their potential

Our Benefits 

• We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time) 

• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service 

• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce 

• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives 

• Family friendly policies and flexible working

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce 

To Apply 

Click ‘apply now’ to submit your CV and Cover Letter application form. Please note we look at applications on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early. 

Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage. 

We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association. 

Lead the future of youth opportunity in Bristol.
Drive income, build partnerships, and change young lives every day.

Young Bristol is looking for an ambitious and passionate Head of Fundraising & Communications to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and the thousands of young people we support.

This is more than a fundraising role. It’s a unique opportunity to take ownership of income generation at one of Bristol’s leading youth charities, working at a time of exciting growth as we approach our 100-year anniversary. You’ll lead our fundraising strategy, grow a diverse income portfolio, and build meaningful partnerships that directly enable young people to thrive.

Working closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, you will drive sustainable income across trusts, corporates, major donors and events, while also leading communications that bring our impact to life. From powerful storytelling to strategic relationship-building, your work will ensure more young people have access to safe spaces, trusted adults, inspiring activities, and life-changing opportunities.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach — a confident communicator, relationship builder and leader who is motivated by purpose and driven to make a difference.

In return, you’ll join a values-driven, supportive team who truly believe in every young person and are committed to helping them discover what they are capable of.

If you’re ready to lead, inspire and create lasting impact across Bristol’s communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 22nd April

Interviews will take place on the Wednesday 29th April, in person at our main offices. BS14 Youth Centre, Stockwood Lane, Bristol. BS14 8SJ

Head of Face to Face Fundraising
Reference: MAR20265489
Location: Home-based, Flexible in UK + Regular UK Travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £70,490.00 - £75,275.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

The Head of Face-to-Face Fundraising provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the RSPB’s face-to-face fundraising programme across the UK.

This role is responsible for delivering significant annual supporter acquisition volumes, ensuring an exceptional supporter experience, maintaining sector-leading compliance and safeguarding standards, and building high-performing in-house fundraising teams.

As a senior leader within Fundraising, you will shape the future of the RSPB’s acquisition strategy, drive innovation within the face-to-face channel, and ensure sustainable long-term growth in regular giving and lead generation to support our mission of creating a world richer in nature.

Key Duties:

• Develop and implement an ambitious multi-year Face-to-Face strategy that drives sustainable acquisition growth and contributes to long-term supporter value.
• Lead budgeting, investment planning and forecasting for all F2F channels, ensuring accountability for ROI, cost-effectiveness, and delivery against income and acquisition targets.
• Lead the evolution of F2F propositions, messaging and materials to ensure they are insight-led, compliant, and aligned with the RSPB’s brand and fundraising strategies.
• Champion innovation across the programme, introducing new approaches to optimise ROI and reach new audiences.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes and competitor activity to ensure the programme remains compliant, competitive and forward-thinking.
• Act as the organisational lead for face-to-face fundraising compliance, ensuring all activity adheres to the Fundraising Regulator Code, Charity Commission guidelines and data protection legislation.
• Lead, develop and inspire a multi-disciplinary F2F team by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement and supporter-centred behaviour.
• Work closely with insight teams to analyse performance data, supporter quality, attrition levels and long-term value across channels.
• Develop KPIs and reporting frameworks to provide senior leadership with clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including fundraising, digital, data and technology, communications, brand, marketing and marketing operations, finance and UK country teams to deliver integrated acquisition strategies.
• Champion the role of Face-to-Face fundraising within the RSPB, working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to increase its prominence and ensure strategic alignment.
• Work closely with the Head of Membership Marketing & Retention to ensure seamless integration between acquisition, onboarding and stewardship journeys.
• Oversee procurement, contract management and ongoing performance of external delivery partners to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
• Lead relationships with external partners, suppliers and agencies, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong return on investment and value for money.

Essential Criteria:

• Able to design and deliver a UK-wide face-to-face or high-volume acquisition programme that achieves agreed supporter and income targets.
• Able to lead and develop regionally dispersed, field-based teams, including setting objectives, monitoring performance and holding managers accountable for results.
• Able to analyse performance data (e.g. conversion, attrition, ROI and quality metrics) and use insight to optimise programme performance.
• Able to manage and monitor programme budgets, including forecasting expenditure and assessing return on investment.
• Able to communicate strategic plans, performance outcomes and risk clearly in written reports and verbal presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to align acquisition activity with organisational strategy.
• Able to travel regularly across the UK to support field operations (by public transport or other means)
• Knowledge of Fundraising Regulator guidance, safeguarding requirements and quality assurance processes relevant to face-to-face fundraising.
• Experience of leading large-scale, multi-site face-to-face fundraising or high-volume acquisition activity in a charity or commercial environment.
• Experience of managing external agencies or suppliers and implementing operational processes that improve performance, compliance and supporter experience.

Additional Information

• This is a home-based role with regular travel across the UK to support teams, partners and operational activity.
• This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week.
• A full, valid UK driving licence is required as the role involves frequent travel to remote locations across all four countries.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 29th March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th April.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our recruitment partner's website to complete your application for this position.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

No agencies please.