Business support administrator jobs

About the role

We are looking for an excellent and experienced relationship fundraiser, who excels at identifying and building inspiring and genuine connections with high net-worth individual donors, who have the capacity to give six- and seven- figure gifts.

This role requires a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. The role will help shape the Business Development and Philanthropy Team’s plans to deliver outstanding donor engagement and stewardship so that our donors are inspired and proud to support us and enjoy their philanthropic giving experience. This role will make a vital contribution to delivering a step change in our philanthropic income growth to support Practical Action’s strategic ambition and mission.

About you

We are seeking a motivated, creative and confident individual, who thrives on getting out and about and meeting with supporters. You will have at least 5 years’ experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.

Accountabilities

• Lead the process of identifying and cultivating individual donor prospects (UK and international) capable of giving six- and seven- figure gifts, fully understanding their funding preferences, criteria and fit with Practical Action.
• Steward a portfolio of loyal and high-quality donors, giving five and six figure annual gifts and ensure our donors receive exceptional stewardship, feel valued for their support and become advocates of Practical Action to their friends, family and networks.
• Work with autonomy and represent Practical Action at one-to-one meetings and networking events with high net-worth individuals.
• Work with senior colleagues and the Board of Trustees to identify prospects, build relationships and secure gifts from high net-worth individuals.
• Distil complex information and messaging into powerful, emotive and high-quality tailored communications (including pitches, cases for support, bespoke proposals and donor reports) that demonstrate impact and inspire giving by individual donors and family trusts.

Person Specification

To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

• Significant fundraising experience (5 years+) of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals making gifts privately, or through family trusts, donor advised funds and corporations.
• Excellent knowledge about philanthropy sector developments, trends and key philanthropic organisations and networks in the UK and internationally.
• A strong and proven track record of building new prospect pipelines and of managing a portfolio of donors, including demonstrable experience of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• An experienced and confident networker with a proven ability to build and maintain a diverse group of contacts, at all levels, both internally and externally, and represent Practical Action to inspire, secure commitment and support.
• Knowledge of data protection principles, legal requirements, and ethical fundraising practice is essential.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to summarise and distil complex issues in an inspiring way.
• Ability and confidence to influence and manage successful internal relationships including writing reports and donor meeting briefings for senior colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment, ensuring our donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with Practical Action.
• Strong project management skills to lead approaches backed up by an appropriate level of research and analysis.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to trial, learn and adapt — whether building on existing major giving experience or trialling new ideas and approaches to reach new donors audiences, for example next generation or diaspora giving.
• You will contribute to a culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability.
• Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration
• Strong administrative, time-management, IT and numeracy skills.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Why join us?

The opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives of people worldwide, a friendly and supportive culture, and working with values-driven and highly engaged colleagues are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.

This role will be based in the UK.

The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the UK.  The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Rugby office on regular occasions.

Additional information

Practical Action believes that having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture based on respect will enable us to be an effective organisation. We seek to create an inclusive workplace in which people are accepted as individuals, regardless of their differences and where they feel their contribution is valued.  Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 1st March 2026.  Please note that should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.

Interviews: It is anticipated that first round online interviews will take place week of 9th March and final interviews will take place in person at our Rugby office week commencing 16th March 2026.

If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

HOW TO APPLY

If you want to work for a charity with significant people ambitions, then we would like to hear from you. For more information, please visit our careers page. To apply please submit a copy of your CV (A MAXIMIUM OF 2 PAGES) and send us a supporting statement that includes the answers to the following question:

1.Why are you an excellent candidate for the Philanthropy Executive role at Practical Action, please provide examples from your career to evidence your answer?

• The Director will work primarily from the Shrewsbury office for a minimum of 2 days per week
• Free parking is available
• Statutory leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays calculated on a pro rata basis
• Auto enrolled in a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme; Omega matches up to 5% of employee contributions
• Responsible to the Trustee Board through the Chair of Trustees
• The post holder will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to confirmation of employment

We are looking for a leader who can demonstrate an understanding of, and empathise with, the challenges of social isolation, whilst being passionate about making a difference to those experiencing disconnection/loneliness. The position will appeal to someone who is keen to continue to develop their professional expertise whilst leading the charity. Applicants should have a degree, professional qualification or other evidence of relevant knowledge and experience. They will also be able to show evidence of successful fundraising experience and continuing professional development. Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate:

• Clear strategic thinking, able to develop a vision to take Omega forward on a journey to increase the scope and range of its services
• Proven leadership and management in a relevant sector, able to manage and motivate staff, volunteers, and supporters
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
• Excellent listening skills and a willingness to learn from others, providing a strong lead derived from observation and shared understanding
• Ability to communicate clearly on a one to one and group basis as well as externally, both verbally and in writing
• Good level of numeracy and comfortable with IT
• Ability to understand charity finances, budgeting, and planning

To apply:

Once you click 'Apply via Website' / 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be taken to Omega's Vacancies page, where you can download the recruitment pack for full details about the post and instructions on how to apply.

About Young Roots

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people. 

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an influential charity at a pivotal point in its development.

Young Roots has a strong track record of impact, trusted relationships with funders, and is a respected voice in work with young refugees. We are now ready to significantly increase our visibility and influence — and this role is central to making that happen.

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you will bring together fundraising, communications and impact to tell a powerful, credible story about Young Roots’ work and to unlock new, high-value funding. You will work closely with the CEO and trustees to position the organisation strategically, grow our profile, and build relationships with major donors and other senior partners.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both setting direction and making things happen. You will personally lead high-value fundraising and strategic communications, while enabling and supporting a skilled team to deliver across trusts, individual giving, engagement and impact reporting. As a member of the Leadership Group, you will help shape organisational strategy, culture and long-term sustainability.

If you’re excited by building influence, diversifying income, and using communications and evidence to drive change for young refugees, this role offers scope, autonomy and purpose in equal measure.

About you

You will bring senior experience in fundraising and/or communications within a charity or mission-driven organisation, with a strong track record of raising profile, engagement or income. You’ll be a strategic thinker who is comfortable being hands-on, credible with senior stakeholders, and motivated by working for social justice.

We’re particularly interested in people who bring:

• Experience leading fundraising and/or communications teams
• A strong understanding of high-value fundraising (e.g. major donors)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• Experience managing people, budgets and complex priorities
• A commitment to equity, empowering young people and safeguarding

Why join Young Roots

• A senior role with real influence in a respected, impactful organisation
• The opportunity to shape income, profile and strategy at a key stage of growth
• A collaborative leadership team and values-led culture
• Flexible, hybrid working

To Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role.

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions:

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? (100 words)
2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? (200 words)
3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?  Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. (500 words)

Please submit your application via Charity Jobs.

No agencies, please.

Closing date: 10th March

Interview date: 17th March

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which support people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience.

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.

Theatr Iolo are looking for a Marketing & Communications Manager to be responsible for devising and implementing all marketing, audience development and engagement strategies and campaigns for all aspects of the company’s work to deepen engagement and diversify our audience.  If you share our passion for theatre, for nurturing imaginations and creating stories that will last a lifetime, we want to hear from you! This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team and build on our incredible history, shaping the company for the future.

If you’d like to apply for the post of Marketing & Communications Manager, we will ask you to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form and send us a copy of your CV and a letter of application  We will also accept a BSL application or short video recording of less than 5 mins. We are looking forward to hearing why you are interested in this post, and what skills and experience you would bring to the company, referring to the job description and person specification. 

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 20 March 2026 and initial interviews will be held on Thursday 23 April 2026 in Cardiff. We will confirm receipt of your application by email. 

JOIN OUR WORK TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE

We are looking for an ambitious and Wellbeing and Learning Development Manager to lead two of our flagship wellbeing and employment projects, aimed at supporting purposeful activity, health and wellbeing. You will provide expert leadership and support to a small team, creating a culture that best supports our friendly community-based services. You’ll have an excellent eye for systems and structure, understand the importance of person-centred services and be able to spot and capitalise on development opportunities, from partnerships to funding. You’ll be passionate about reducing health inequalities and community work. You’ll believe in the power of partnership working to deliver the best outcomes for our community. 

ABOUT US

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride — while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites: the Greenway Centre and Southmead Adventure Playground (The Ranch). These venues host a wide range of activities including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know — we’ll do our best to support you.

ABOUT YOU

· 3+ years experience in a role supporting holistic wellbeing, employability or health

· Experience leading a team

· Experience developing cross sector partnerships for joint aims including facilitating meetings and information sharing

· Experience contributing to fundraising applications or business cases

· Understanding of the importance of employability and the connection with health and wellbeing

· Interested in health system change to support prevention and community-based models of working

· Project management experience, including programming, reporting, budgeting, evaluation

· Excellent working knowledge and understanding of managing safeguarding issues and ensuring best practice for service delivery

· Proactive and creative, with an aptitude for building relationships and problem solving

· Understanding of equalities and health inequalities

· An understanding of the complexity that may affect the participants of our services

· Good inter-personal skills with the ability to relate to others and build strong relationships

· Most importantly, you embody our values of:

· Positivity – Integrity – Excellence – Welcoming – Entrepreneurial

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be key part of our Wellbeing and Communities directorate, offering vital support and strategic direction to our Learning and Wellbeing team to achieve our vision and meet funder requirements and coordinating the development of a new partnership aimed at improving health and wellbeing for people across North and West Bristol. You will lead a team that combines wellbeing and health and employment support, as well as offering support and synergy to other teams in the directorate. This role will ensure support for wider social issues, such as debt, housing, family and health barriers faced to engage with employment and learning opportunities.

You will work closely with our Senior Wellbeing and Learning Coach to develop interventions to improve confidence, physical and mental health and employment prospects.

You will work closely with our Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager to ensure synergy between our wellbeing teams and develop our service offer.

DETAILS:

Location: Greenway Centre, Bristol, BS10

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £35, 455 - £36, 887 (with pending cost of living rise in April 2026)

Hours: fulltime, 37 hours per week

Reports to: Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager

Holiday: 33 days annual leave pro rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes.

Sick Pay: 4 weeks over rolling year, pro rata

Training & Development Opportunities: All mandatory training and job specific training offered, e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Management and Leadership, Trauma Informed Practice and Reflective Practice.

Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)

Benefits: free membership to Greenway Gym and classes, cycle to work scheme, cafe discount.

Sick Pay: 4 weeks at full pay over rolling year, pro rata

Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)

Interview process: if you are successful in the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an in person interview. This will consist of a series of questions, short presentation on your vision for the role and an admin task.

Deadline: 9am, Wednesday 4th March

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Partnerships

· To develop and contribute to forums and partnerships that support the growth of our work in North Bristol, including working closely with health partners (community health, Primary Care and acute services) and the learning and employment sectors to develop collaborative services.

· To oversee the Learning and Wellbeing Service and activities, ensuring they meet funder requirements, targets, and quality standards, and are safe, effective and well-managed, including oversight of reporting and budgets and providing leadership and guidance to the Senior Coach.

· To support the development and delivery of the Healthy Ageing Research Project and Community Consortium, working closely with the CEO and Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager.

· To deputise for the Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager at relevant meetings and support the ongoing development of the Communities and Wellbeing team to meet Southmead Development Trust’s strategic objectives.

· To embed community development principles across all work, including strength-based approaches, participant involvement, engagement, and the nurturing of volunteers to help build a resilient community.

· To ensure the safe and effective delivery of activities, interventions and services, including oversight of risk assessments, safeguarding processes, data recording and quality assurance, in collaboration with the Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager.

· To work alongside research partners to develop effective methods for evidencing the impact and effectiveness of interventions, activities and services.

Team Leadership and Line Management

· To lead and inspire the team to create a positive and collaborative culture.

· Coordinate, manage and supervise our Learning and Wellbeing team, and other practitioners as appropriate.

· To provide proactive performance management of staff via the Trusts’ processes, to include but not limited to, holding monthly one-to-one meetings, establishing development opportunities and training.

· To lead team meetings and ensure all practitioners have access to reflective practice and appropriate training

Systems and Marketing

· To work with SDT colleagues and others to improve systems and processes to best support services and other contractual obligations

· To be a key advocate for Beacon database

· To work alongside SDTs Communications Manager to ensure that our services and activities are known and understood by residents of Southmead and North Bristol

Relationship Development, Fundraising New Opportunities 

· Build relationships with external agencies, organisations and stakeholders to best support staff and participants and develop new opportunities for delivery and collaborative working. 

· Coordinate the Learning and Wellbeing steering group meeting, gathering feedback, advice and ideas to continually improve the service

· Work with teams across Southmead Development Trust to develop engagement and volunteering opportunities for participants.

· Produce content, with the support of the communications team, for social media, mail shots and other channels, to promote and celebrate our wellbeing and learning work

· To develop external funding bids and proposals to sustain and expand our programmes, working with colleagues from the Senior Leadership Team and across the Trust; supporting other income generating activities including supporting the development of tender responses to sustain health and wellbeing initiatives

General Responsibilities

All staff at Southmead Development Trust are expected to:

· Follow all Trust policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements.

· Model our values: Positivity, Integrity, Excellence, Welcoming, Entrepreneurial.

· Work proactively, use initiative, and collaborate well with colleagues and the community.

· Maintain confidentiality, data protection standards, and a safe, inclusive environment.

· Take part in training, development, staff meetings and occasional evening/weekend work when required.

· Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

· Passion, empathy and desire to support residents to lead healthier and happier lives through holistic, person‑centred, community‑based models.

· Experience of successfully developing and delivering community‑based wellbeing, health or employment services/interventions.

· Track record of developing proposals and securing funding for new wellbeing or health interventions.

· Experience implementing project plans, managing budgets, producing reports and meeting deadlines, and performance managing contracts or projects

· Experience of implementing systems and processes to improve service delivery and evidence.

· Experience of outreach, engagement and working directly with residents to shape and inform services.

· Excellent people management skills with proven experience of supporting, motivating and managing staff and volunteers.

· Experience implementing monitoring and evaluation systems and reporting to funders/stakeholders.

· Experience working holistically with people in 1‑2‑1 or group settings and achieving change.

· Excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building and communication skills with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.

· Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, email, web research and presentations.

· Understanding of health inequalities, complexity and barriers to employment/learning, and knowledge of community‑based interventions.

· Highly motivated with the ability to creatively problem‑solve.

· Capacity to work under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.

· Commitment to continual professional development and a personal drive for excellence.

· A flexible team player able to work collaboratively and adapt to changing needs.

· Ability to act as a positive role model and remain calm under pressure.

· Commitment to the charitable objectives and values of Southmead Development Trust.

· Willingness and ability to work outside normal office hours and across multiple sites when required.

· Flexibility to travel locally and work outside core hours as part of service delivery.

DESIRABLE

· Relevant employment, health or wellbeing qualification.

· Management and/or leadership qualification.

· Proven track record of working successfully with partner agencies (health, employment, GPs, NHS, VCSE partners) to deliver measurable outcomes.

· Up‑to‑date knowledge of public health, NHS service developments and funding sources.

· Knowledge of Southmead, North Bristol or similar communities and the issues facing residents.