Major gifts officer jobs in Bristol, bristol city

What we do is extraordinary.

And we need a Head of Fundraising who understands all of that.

Let’s start with the obvious.

You’ll need a sense of humour for this job.

Because we work with animals and children — and both have a habit of humbling you, daily.

HorseWorld Trust rescues abused and neglected horses and gives them a second chance at a meaningful life. Some of those horses go on to support vulnerable children and young people — including those with SEMH needs, SEND and children in care — through our Discovery – Discover Horses, Discover Yourself™ programme.

What we do is extraordinary.
It is also muddy, unpredictable, emotional, joyful, heartbreaking, funny and deeply human.

About HorseWorld (the real version)

Horses are incredible animals. They’ve carried humans into war; it’s no wonder they can read exactly what a child needs, often before the child knows it themselves.

Sadly, some people still abuse and neglect them. That’s where the HorseWorld hug comes in. With us, horses are safe. They live out all year round, form herds, roll in the mud, escape occasionally (because… horses), and get to live like horses again.

Our 160-acre farm is minutes from Bristol and Bath, but feels like a different world. In winter, photoshoots and tours involve waterproofs and wellies. In summer, it’s an outdoor oasis.

We do serious work — and we also believe in joy:

· Horse Festivals

· Carol services

· Massive corporates on their knees pulling ragwort

We are kind, committed, slightly irreverent, and very proud of what we do.

Why this role exists (the honest bit)

We raise around £1.5m a year against operating costs of around £2.5m.

Fundraising needs to grow — but more importantly, it needs to work better.

This role exists to:

• grow sustainable, controllable income
• improve return on investment (ROI)
• focus on what actually delivers impact
• stop doing things that don’t (even if they’re well-loved)

You won’t be expected to perform miracles.
You will be expected to bring clarity, judgement and leadership — with empathy and humour intact.

The role (what you’ll actually do)

As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will:

• Sit on the Senior Management Team and report to the CEO
• Lead all fundraising and marketing comms activity
• Take responsibility for income and cost-effectiveness
• Shape strategy, set priorities and make evidence-based decisions
• Personally steward a small number of key major donors and partners

You’ll lead a talented team covering:

· Individual Giving

· Major Donors & Philanthropy

· Corporate Partnerships

· Trusts & Grants

· Digital Content

• Data, CRM & Compliance

You’ll also work closely with our Heads of Equine Welfare and Discovery to fundraise for our work with vulnerable horses & children.

Who this role is for

You’ll probably thrive here if you:

· Are an experienced charity fundraiser who’s seen how things really work

· Understand that “more activity” is not the same as “more impact”

· Care about ROI and relationships

· Can make tough decisions without losing kindness

· Are both proactive and adaptable

· A great communicator and relationship builder

· Are comfortable talking to Trustees one minute and standing in a muddy field the next

· Can laugh when a horse wanders into a carefully planned moment (because it will)

You don’t need to be an equine expert — but you do need to like animals, people, and the beautiful messiness of both.

What we offer

· A genuinely senior SMT role with real authority and Board backing

· Space to think, not just react

· A values-led organisation that tells the truth

· A team that works hard, laughs often and cares deeply

-        Horses who will keep you grounded (sometimes literally)

Final thought

This is not a polished, corporate fundraising role.

It is a meaningful one — rooted in rescue, recovery, growth and second chances.

If you want to lead fundraising in a place where the work matters, the people are lovely, the horses are honest, and humour is not optional — we’d love to hear from you.

Key Details
Salary: £50,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits
Hours: 35 per week (Mon–Fri, some weekends)
Location: HorseWorld Trust, Bristol
Reports to: CEO

 DBS required

Application Details

To apply for this role please complete the  application form (available to download from our website or contact us to request the form).

 This role is subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. We are a Safer Recruitment organisation and this is mandatory.

Predominantly home-based with regular travel to locations across the UK
up to £45,000 per annum
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Office facilities are available at our Newark office at The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT, for those within easy travelling distance. There is a requirement to attend in-person the monthly team meetings at the Newark office

Closing date for applications: 10th May 2026

First interview:  27th May 2026 (Online)

Second interview: 3rd June 2026 (Online)

About Us

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing transformational support for nature in the UK and beyond. Working with senior leaders to build and steward high-value donor relationships, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious Major Gifts Fundraiser with exceptional relationship-building, communication and storytelling skills, and a commitment to inspiring philanthropic support for nature’s recovery.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute not only to income growth but also to strengthen major donor fundraising across The Wildlife Trusts.

We are looking for an exceptional Major Gifts Fundraiser to join one of the UK’s most cherished nature charities at a pivotal moment for nature’s recovery.

In this influential role, you will be instrumental in expanding our network of high-net-worth supporters. Working closely with our Head of Major Donor Fundraising, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and our Wildlife Trust colleagues, you will focus on identifying and cultivating meaningful, long-term relationships, that delivers transformational support for nature’s recovery in the UK.

You will be a confident, compelling communicator, and engaging Major Gifts Fundraiser, with the ability to express The Wildlife Trusts’ case for support in tackling the nature and climate emergencies, both through our work on nature’s restoration on the ground to driving change through policy, influencing and campaigning. You will be highly experienced in inspiring donors by connecting their values with our mission to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

We are looking for an experienced Major Gifts Fundraiser with a track record of securing significant restricted and unrestricted income. You will be skilled at initiating and developing mutually beneficial relationships, motivated by ambitious targets and driven by the opportunity to make a genuine difference for nature.

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and, as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack. As part of our Disability Confident Scheme, RSWT offers an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities and therefore not all applicants with disabilities would be entitled to an interview as they must still satisfy the minimum requirements for the job. This commitment is designed to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity. We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place.

At RSWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy. Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.

Salary: £20,500–£23,000 pro rata (£41,000–£46,000 FTE equivalent), plus £2,000 London Weighting (pro-rated) where applicable

Contract type: Permanent; part-time (2.5 days per week, spread across 3–5 days)

Location: London, Birmingham or Bristol

Hybrid: Envision operates a hybrid working policy with one day per month in a regional office, plus an expectation to travel in and across regions for donor meetings, events and team training. 

Role: This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development and stewardship of Envision's major donor programme, playing a central role in securing and nurturing the significant philanthropic investment we need to fulfil our mission. 

As Philanthropy Manager, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), building a well-researched prospect pipeline and securing five- and six-figure gifts through compelling proposals, presentations and face-to-face asks. You will maintain high-integrity, personalised stewardship for existing and lapsed donors, producing bespoke communications and impact reports that keep supporters connected to our work. 

You will join a supportive and collaborative Philanthropy and Partnerships team that has grown income year on year, diversified its funding base and built lasting partnerships with a growing community of donors and supporters. You will champion the transformative impact of Essential Skills on young people from under-represented backgrounds, translating that impact into inspiring asks that motivate donors to give generously and sustainably. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Identify and qualify new major donor prospects and manage a healthy, well-researched pipeline 

• Secure significant philanthropic gifts working towards an annual financial target 

• Deliver personalised stewardship and high-quality communications for existing and lapsed donors 

• Coordinate donor engagement opportunities including events and programme visits 

• Contribute to income planning, reporting and Salesforce records management 

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: 

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from HNWIs at all stages of the donor journey 

• Demonstrable success in building and maintaining relationships with significant donors and prospects 

• Experience cultivating new relationships through networking, events and research 

• Ability to write high-quality, compelling donor-facing materials including proposals and impact reports 

• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Commitment to Envision's vision, mission and values 

Envision seeks to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. We actively encourage applications from candidates from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from socio-economically less-advantaged backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. Envision graduates will be guaranteed a first-round interview. 

To apply, please submit your application via Charity Job. For an informal chat about the role, contact our Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Robyn, whose contact details can be found in the application pack.

Deadline — Midnight, Sunday 17th May 

Please note: 

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately we are unable to sponsor visas at this time. 

• We will only be contacting candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

• Successful candidates will be subject to a full Enhanced DBS check and reference checks. 

- We will be interviewing as we go along, so early applicants are encouraged.  

- We also regret to inform you that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will be unable to provide you with feedback regarding your application.

Prospectus is excited to be supporting our client in their search for a Philanthropy Manager.

Our client is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change. From small beginnings in 2008, they have grown into a global network of women and allies from all walks of life who are bonded by the collective aim to live in a world where women and girls’ equal rights and equal opportunities are the norm.

The organisation are reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. Please do apply now and we will be in touch!

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract role (with view to become a permanent position), paying a salary of £40,000 to £42,000 per annum. This is primarily a homebased role; the postholder is expected to travel to London at least twice a month for meetings and events.

The Philanthropy Manager will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the CEO to develop fundraising opportunities and drive income via major donors, corporates, global foundations and special events. You will support with cultivating and stewarding key relationships and funders, deepening relationships and maximizing their potential by creating new funding opportunities and calls to action.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced high-value fundraiser and a confident relationship manager. You will have demonstrable experience in securing 5-figure gifts from major donors and trusts and foundations and a track record of working with high profile supporters.

If you are interested in applying to this position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Prospectus and the organisation are invested in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.

Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via its network of baby banks and partners such as Family Hubs, community organisations and all of London’s maternity units, the charity passes on pre-loved goods from one family to another – clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more children have the essential things they need to thrive.

Families are supported through welcoming hubs or home deliveries, and connected into a wider network of support in community settings, while Little Village also raises its voice to highlight the realities of child poverty.

Little Village is entering an exciting new phase as it approaches its 10-year milestone and prepares to launch its next strategy. QuarterFive are partneruing with Little Villag to find a Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to play a central role in shaping its future – leading how the organisation grows income, strengthens its brand and amplifies its voice. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a newly integrated fundraising, marketing and communications department, driving a cohesive, high-performing function and building on strong foundations to deliver a more strategic, scalable and insight-led approach.

With an income base with high potential for growth and particular strength in high-value fundraising, there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify income further, while also increasing visibility and influence at a time when public awareness of child poverty is rising.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader with a track record in delivering income growth. You will be motivated by impact and excited to help drive Little Village’s next phase, strengthening long-term income and increasing its influence.

This role is home-based with regular travel to Little Village hubs across London. Core hours: 09:30-15:00. Weekly or fortnightly team and SLT meetings in London plus other meetings as needed.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will:

• Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Set and achieve ambitious income targets across multiple streams, including high-value philanthropy and partnerships
• Develop a more structured, data-informed approach to fundraising, including pipelines, forecasting and performance management
• Oversee brand and communications, ensuring a clear, compelling and consistent narrative
• Build and steward relationships with major donors, partners and senior stakeholders
• Act as a senior ambassador, raising Little Village’s profile and influence
• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream fundraising strategies, weighted towards high value income streams including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations
• Proven success in securing significant and multi-year funding
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Exposure to or interest in mass fundraising
• Strong financial, forecasting and pipeline management skills
• Expertise in working with senior stakeholders/volunteers, ideally including reporting to Committees and Trustee boards
• A successful track record of involvement in launching, managing, and evaluating campaigns
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels
• Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics
• A data-informed approach, with experience using insight and systems to drive performance
• Excellent influencing, relationship-building and storytelling skills

Desirable:

• Experience leading an integrated fundraising and communications function within a frontline charity
• Experience of using Beacon CRM
• Lived or personal experience of the issues faced by the families Little Village supports

Diversity and Inclusion:

Little Village operates in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The charity are working towards a goal where their team fully reflects that diversity and difference in lived experiences and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups including: people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty either personally or through family, experience of the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. As part of their commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed without names and any protected characteristics.

As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for this role, as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic backgrounds and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the GIS. We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview/ assessment. See the applicant pack for further details.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for those working fewer than 35 hours per week)
• Team members are usually given time off between Christmas and New Year, which doesn’t come off your allowance
• Pension contributions matched by 3%
• A period of sick leave at full pay regardless of length of service
• Enhanced family friendly policies including Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption pay, with a Fertility Policy designed to support employees during fertility investigations and treatment
• Death in Service benefit (x3 annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Rewards Gateway and Tickets for Good