Fundraising and Communications Manager

We’re looking for an experienced fundraiser and natural communicator to become Nell Bank’s first dedicated Fundraising and Communications Manager, growing income through grants, corporate partners and individual givers. You’ll help shape our anniversary campaign, support our marketing and PR, and build the pipeline that keeps every child getting outside for years to come.

About Nell Bank

Nell Bank was founded in 1977 by Paul Hockney, former Lord Mayor of Bradford and brother of the artist David Hockney.

Nell Bank is a 25-acre outdoor learning centre near Ilkley, welcoming more than 24,000 visitors a year, most of them children and young people from across the Bradford district. We hold Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accreditation and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a UK voluntary group can receive, in recognition of the volunteers at the heart of Nell Bank. We help children build confidence, resilience, teamwork and wellbeing through time outdoors.

Around a quarter of our visitors attend through a free or subsidised place, funded by our fundraising. Our commitment for 2027 to 2030 is simple: “Every child included”. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we want to protect and grow that commitment, and fundraising is how we will do it.

Why this role, and why now?

Around a third of Nell Bank’s total income comes from grants, events, corporate supporters and individual donors. Today, most of that fundraising is led by the CEO, supported by a committed group of 30 trustees and  regular volunteers. Historically, there has been no dedicated fundraising post, given the focus on core operations.

In October 2026 our Board approved investment in this new role as the first step in a hybrid model: one experienced, paid fundraiser working alongside the CEO, existing staff and a strong volunteer network.

Purpose of the role

To lead and grow Nell Bank’s voluntary income through grant applications, individual giving and partnerships, and to tell Nell Bank’s story through marketing, social media and the press in a way that raises our profile and brings in new supporters. The postholder turns fundraising strategy into a steady, well-organised programme of applications, approaches, campaigns and stewardship, and builds the systems and playbooks that make it possible.

Nell Bank Charitable Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.