Head of research jobs in bristol

Job title: Senior Supporter Engagement Officer

Responsible to: Fundraising Operations Manager

Salary: £30,900 FTE pro rata (£20,085 actual)

Hours of work: Part time (0.65FTE/22.75 hours per week). Exact days/times to be agreed upon appointment. We consider flexible working requests

Annual leave: 30 days with 8 additional Bank Holidays pro rata

Location: Remote - location is flexible with option to be home based anywhere in the UK. Hybrid/office based also available (head office is in Bristol)

Closing date: 15th September - midday

About Action for ME

Action for ME is the only charity in the UK providing support, including healthcare, to people of all ages affected by ME. The charity was founded by Sue Finlay in 1987 and since then has been taking holistic approach so we can make an impact on multiple fronts - from amplifying the voices of people affected by ME in Government and leading on breakthrough research, to providing "lifeline" support and unique healthcare services on a daily basis.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes referred to and diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a chronic, fluctuating disease, causing symptoms such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), sleep problems, problems with thinking and memory (brain fog), pain and crushing fatigue. There are an estimated 1.3 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, including PEM, in the UK alone.

Even in its so-called mildest form, ME can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, and not just on their health. A lack of understanding and awareness about ME means patients can experience disbelief, and even discrimination, from friends, family, health and social care professionals, employers and teachers.

For the first time there is an increased awareness of post viral illness because of the Covid -19 pandemic. After decades of neglect this offers Action for ME an opportunity to accelerate our work for people with ME in a way we have never been able to do before. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

Job purpose

This role will deliver an exceptional supporter experience to our donors, building and maintaining strong relationships with our supporters. Working closely with other members of the fundraising and communications teams, you will deliver our supporter journey, maintain regular communication with donors and be an integral part of our fundraising campaigns and appeals.

Key duties

• Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager to deliver our supporter journey, engaging current and prospective donors with our work and giving them an excellent experience of supporting Action for ME.
• Be responsible for creating the methods that ensure each supporter relationship is maximised, increasing retention rates for a growing supporter base. As such you will be required to engage with supporters so that they feel valued, and relationships can be developed further for the benefit of the charity.
• Lead on thanking donors, including making phone calls to donors as part of stewardship.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Operations Manager and the team to support the growth of income streams, including but not limited to, individual giving, Gift Aid, legacies, trading, community fundraising and membership.
• Work with the communications team on the delivery of digital communications, including social media and e-communications for a diverse range of audiences.
• Play a key role in fundraising appeals and campaigns including our yearly Big Give Christmas Challenge, Summer Appeal, Thanking Campaign and any other fundraising initiative or project as directed by the Fundraising Operations Manager or Director of Fundraising.
• Ensure excellent supporter care and maintenance of accurate database records.
• Create inspiring donor communications, including stories and impact from our wider work (support & healthcare services, research and policy work)
• Work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to identify potential major donors.
• Develop innovative and creative ways of widening our supporter base and increasing donations.

Other duties

• To attend and contribute constructively to team meetings and other meetings as required.
• Supervise fundraising volunteers as required.
• Occasional attendance at fundraising events.
• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times.
• To contribute to the team’s overall strategy, ongoing workplan and annual planning.
• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Fundraising Operations Manager, Director of Fundraising or the Chief Executive.
• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

Person specification

Experience and knowledge

• Minimum 2 years previous fundraising experience
• Demonstrable skills in stewarding supporters and donors.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for work, including basic excel functions, basic formulas and list tools.
• Experience of using a CRM database, preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Proven experience of effective donor stewardship approaches

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including creating engaging donor communications
• Ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload.
• Ability to use own initiative, work independently and to work well in a remote team.
• An understanding of data protection including UK GDPR related to fundraising
• An understanding of ME, the impact on people affected by it and associated current political, health, policy and social issues (desirable).

Attitudes and values

• Enthusiasm
• Integrity
• Resilient

Key competencies

• Effective communicator
• Results driven
• Attention to detail

Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) is the national charity caring for historic churches at risk. As the operator of the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK, our 356 historic churches include examples of irreplaceable architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of English history.

CCT has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in our care are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without our care, these buildings might have disappeared entirely. Instead, they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational and cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of their communities.

Overall job purpose

Our Health and Safety Officer will help us embed, maintain, and develop high standards of Health and Safety, across CCT’s estate and its people. They will work closely with our small Health and Safety Team to create, implement, and establish our Health and Safety policies and procedures, in accordance with current legislation. They will advocate for, and set an example around, best practice in Health and Safety.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Thursday 11th September 2025.

The interviews will take place in, Bristol, on Tuesday 23rd September. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Job title: Development Assistant

Hours: 35 hours per week full time. We are open to flexible working and hybrid options for this role.

Reporting to Development Manager

Salary £24,000

Wells Cathedral is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, renowned for its astonishing beauty, historical significance and its international reputation for music.

It stands as one of the most impressive cathedrals in the UK and is a world-class centre for worship and mission, inspirational music and creative engagement with young people and visitors from around the world.

Are you an ambitious, pro-active and confident self-starter looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to expand your knowledge of fundraising and help to conserve and maintain Wells Cathedral for future generations?

Would you like to bring your exceptional administration skills to an important place of worship and a world renowned heritage organisation?

The Development Assistant is an essential part of the Cathedral’s fundraising function and provides important support to the team, streamlining processes, acting as a first point of contact and managing the fundraising database for the organisation.

As Development Assistant you will:

· Have fantastic communication skills and excellent customer service as the first point of contact for all enquiries and managing the Fundraising inbox.

· Enhance the development team through robust administration processes and providing essential administrative support across all income streams, including administering the Cathedral’s Planned Giving scheme.

· Work with the Finance team to efficiently manage payment processes and administration and ensure timely acknowledgement of gifts.

· Support excellent donor engagement and stewardship through thank you letters, mailings, creation of literature and event co-ordination and support.

· Assist collating information and co-ordinating regular supporter communications across different channels to inspire people and demonstrate the impact of support.

· Deepen supporter relationships through accurately recording all income and activities on the Cathedral’s CRM system. Maximise the effectiveness of the CRM and keeping records up to date. (We are currently reviewing our systems, and this role will be instrumental in supporting implementation of any new systems.)

· Assist in the preparation and analysis of data and reports for use by the wider team to support future plans and activity.

· Amplify the prospecting work of the team by undertaking preliminary research and preparing briefing materials, in consultation with members of the team.

· Showcase the work of the Cathedral through supporting event organisation.

· Be keen to develop your fundraising skills and undertake relevant training and skills development to keep up to date with the changing requirements of the role.

· Support the team through additional duties as reasonably required to assist the smooth and efficient running of the Development Team and maximise the impact of the fundraising function. Some weekend and out of hours working may be required.

We would like to hear from you if you:

· Have enhanced the work of a team by providing excellent administrative support.

· Are passionate about working for Wells Cathedral and making an impact on an important heritage organisation.

· Are keen to expand or develop your fundraising experience. Previous fundraising experience is not essential for this role. We welcome applicants with enthusiasm and a willingness to develop your skills in an exciting and supportive environment.

· Enjoy building relationships with people and offering exceptional customer service.

· Have experience of using a CRM or a similar database system and can process data accurately and efficiently and in line with all appropriate regulatory requirements.

· Realise the importance of accurate record keeping and have excellent attention to detail and strong numeracy skills.

· Enjoy connecting with people and inspiring them through strong written and verbal communication skills

· Enjoy a varied workload and can meet deadlines and prioritise.

· Have a positive and creative approach, with experience working collaboratively.

The successful applicant will also be expected to share in Wells Cathedral’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We currently operate a hybrid model of working and are open to discussing flexible ways of working. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people need more flexible working patterns. Please get in touch to arrange an informal conversation ahead of applying to learn more about us and why this opportunity is right for you.

To apply, please fill in the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form available on the Vacancies section of Wells Cathedral's website and return them to the HR Manager.

In return we offer:

· 6.6 weeks of annual leave per annum inclusive of bank holidays. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

· A discount of 10% is available in the Cathedral Shop and Café.

· Staff training and opportunities to develop your skills.

· Pension Defined Contribution Scheme. Contributions as % of salary:

Age Employee Employer

<50 3% 5%

50–55 4% 8%

>55 5% 10%

· Parking spaces are available in the Cathedral car park. Cars are parked at the risk of the owner.

· All reasonable working expenses will be met in line with Cathedral policy.

The appointment will be conditional on the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks, including a basic DBS check. A probationary period of 6 months will apply to this post.

Timetable

Closing date: 7 September 2025

Interviews: 24 September 2025

Job title: Community Engagement Fundraising Officer
Reporting to: Director of Income Generation and External Engagement
Location: Jessie May office, Kingswood, Bristol and community based (80%) and home based (20%)
Salary: £28,840 - £32,917 per annum, pro-rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week

About Jessie May

At Jessie May, we provide specialist nursing care, at home, for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. We support parents, siblings and wider family members in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and Wiltshire.

Through life and death, bereavement, and grief, we are here for families for as long as they need us - support for weeks, months, and years.

With us, seriously ill children can still be children, and their families can make memories to look back on when they need them most.

Our families let Jessie May into their homes, both physically and emotionally, offering expert care and much-needed space for parents and carers to rest, and recharge.

Purpose of Post

The Community Fundraiser will lead on efforts to develop and grow community fundraising initiatives and engage with schools, community groups, faith groups, and individuals.

You will help deliver key community events and campaigns, manage volunteers, cultivate long-term relationships, and secure vital support to fund Jessie May’s work.

We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual with experience of community fundraising to deliver agreed income targets and deliver long term sustainability within community fundraising.

Main Responsibilities

Community Fundraising and Engagement

• Coordinate the delivery of community fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and events, ensuring high levels of participation and engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, schools, faith groups, and individuals, encouraging their ongoing involvement and support
• Act as the main point of contact for community fundraisers, providing guidance, support, and resources to help them succeed in their fundraising efforts
• Develop and implement an events calendar of activity to include UK and overseas activities, Jessie May organised events, own place events and purchased places.

Volunteer Fundraising Support

• Recruit, train, and support a network of volunteer fundraisers to support community fundraising activities.

Relationship Management and Stewardship

• Lead on the development and delivery of stewardship plans for community supporters, ensuring their efforts are recognised and celebrated.
• Maintain accurate records of community supporters and events in the CRM system, tracking engagement and financial contributions.

All Employee Responsibilities

• Maintain an awareness of and actively follow and promote Jessie May policies, including (but not limited to), Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Date Protection and Confidentiality.
• Complete all Jessie May mandatory training, within the required timescales.
• The welfare of children and young people with who we support and come into contact with, either directly, or indirectly, is paramount to all staff at Jessie May and it is our responsibility to ensure that best practice is followed and that you adhere to the Jessie May values and Code of Conduct at all times.

To Note

• This is not an exhaustive list of tasks; Jessie May employees will be asked to undertake other ad hoc tasks relevant to the scope and purpose of the role. This job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed subject to amendment in consultation with the post-holder. 
• Jessie May Culture and Code of Conduct
• The Jessie May team has created a ‘code of conduct’, which outlines the organisational culture. The behaviours that all team members adhere to are that:
• We are caring and compassionate, actively looking out for one another and supporting workloads where we can. 
• We support and understand each other’s priorities. 
• We are friendly and inclusive of everyone we come into contact with. 
• We maintain a professional attitude, fostering a culture of openness and actively encouraging constructive feedback among ourselves. 
• We are ambitious and hardworking and celebrate one another’s achievements.

Terms & Conditions and Employee Benefits

Conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Checks: The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, DBS check and a probationary period of six months. 
• Salary:  £28,840 - £32,917 per annum, pro-rata depending on experience. Salaries are reviewed annually, at the discretion of the Trustees, where the budget allows, with any increases effective from April. 
• Pension: There is a group personal pension scheme that you are entitled to participate in, subject to the rules of the scheme.  You will be automatically enrolled into the scheme, however there is the option to opt out.  The employer’s contribution is 5 per cent while the employee’s contribution is 4 per cent of the pensionable salary. 
• Death in Service Provision (once successfully passed probation)
• Work base: Jessie May office and throughout the Jessie May service area.
• Holiday entitlement: Annual leave is 27 days pro rate, plus bank holidays.  Some annual leave is pre-allocated to cover some of the time between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed. This amount increases with service.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Team Away Days and Social Events 
• Free on-site parking (if available)
• Free office refreshments 

Closing date: Monday 1st September
Interview date: Wednesday 11th September 
Interview location: Jessie May, 35 Old School House, The Kingswood Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8DB.
As part of our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to anyone who identifies as disabled (as defined by the Equalities Act 2010) that meets the essential criteria set out in the person specification.

Interest? 
If you would like to find out more information about this role, please scroll down to download our job pack. To complete your application, simply click the apply button to be taken to our application form - here you will just need to complete and submit this form, and also send your CV as instructed on the form to the given email address. 

No agencies please.