Prospect research assistant jobs in bristol
Role Summary
As Fundraising Manager at Caring in Bristol, you will lead the growth of unrestricted income across individual and major donor as well as overseeing our corporate, and community fundraising. You’ll create and deliver inspiring campaigns, optimise donor journeys, and ensure excellent supporter stewardship. The role includes responsibility for team leadership, and database management, with a focus on generating new income streams and maintaining compliance. Your strong communication and data skills will help drive the charity’s positive impact for Bristol’s communities
Who we are
Caring in Bristol’s mission is to unite our city against homelessness. We work in innovative ways with people experiencing housing insecurity to help them navigate the barriers they face. We engage with the public and community partners to bring about lasting change in Bristol and beyond.
Our services aim to reach people where they are, targeting under-served communities and proactively designing our services to be accessible and inclusive. We maximise our impact through committed and creative outreach to key groups who would not otherwise receive support.
About the role
This new role of Fundraising Manager at Caring in Bristol is vital to the development of unrestricted income. As a charity we rely on the generosity of the communities of Bristol, from individuals to businesses, community organisations to educational facilities. The postholder will create and deliver innovative fundraising campaigns and supporter communications that engage and inspire supporters, maximise donor retention, and increase lifetime value.
The role will be responsible for the growth of income from Individual Donors and Major Donors, and oversee Community and Corporate income. Working with the Head of Fundraising you will also scope out and help to implement potential new income generation opportunities.
Individual Giving
You will help shape and take ownership of implementing our individual giving strategy in line with organisational fundraising goals, creating and delivering individual giving appeals, designing and optimising donor journeys, and ensuring all supporter communications are engaging and effective. By leveraging an analytical approach to data segmentation, you will deliver highly targeted and relevant donor experiences.
The role will lead on our use of our CRM system (Donorfy) ensuring supporter’s data is collected effectively and used in compliance with data protection legislation. You will champion the use of Donorfy, making sure it is being used to its full potential.
With this data you will manage segmentation, using a targeted approach to ensure we optimise the return on investment of our appeals and fundraising activities.
Additionally, you will manage our Gift Aid process to ensure both compliance and maximised income and oversee meaningful engagement with individual givers - ensuring all supporters are acknowledged in a timely, personalised manner and provided with tailored marketing materials at key intervals.
Major Donors
A key aspect of the role is designing and executing effective cultivation and stewardship plans for both current and prospective major donors, ensuring relationships are nurtured over time. You will also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Board members, mobilising their involvement to foster and strengthen connections with our most significant supporters.
You will develop and deliver tailored fundraising campaigns for major donors, manage and update the major donor database, and conduct thorough research to identify new prospects, preparing insightful briefing notes and supporting materials.
Line Management and Reporting
You will line-manage, support and develop the Corporate & Community Coordinator and Fundraising Assistant, providing effective leadership in the development of our proposition to organisations and supporters.
You will support the development and effective implementation of fundraising plans, helping the Head of Fundraising to ensure that all strategies align with our organisational goals.
You will be tasked with supporting the reporting from the department around particular income streams, these reports will be both financial and non-financial, detailing the work of the department and progress against targets.
About You
You’ll have excellent communications skills, be an adept writer, a warm and engaging individual with solid fundraising experience and knowledge of Individual Giving and Major Donor Fundraising. You will also have a keen eye for detail.
You will provide our donors and supporters with ‘Wow’ moments, giving them a feeling of importance and that their support is making a difference to some of Bristol’s most vulnerable people. Our supporters make our work possible and they should feel that!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £42,787
Grade: 3
Position type: Full Time, Permanent, 37.5 hours per week (Flexible working considered)
Responsible to: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships
Direct reports: Corporate Partnerships Officer
Location: Remote (UK), within reasonable commuting distance to London to accommodate regular partner & prospect meetings. This may be up to once a week.
ROLE PURPOSE:
Join ShelterBox's high-performing Philanthropy & Partnerships team, in a role that is all about ambition, collaboration and impact.
As Corporate Partnerships Manager, you'll be at the forefront of growing and diversifying ShelterBox's private sector partnerships - unlocking bold, strategic collaborations that help deliver emergency shelter to families whose lives have been devastated by disaster.
With a loyal portfolio of partners already established, this role is your opportunity to lead the charge on new business. You'll shape sector strategies, grow our pipeline of prospects and turn creative ideas into long-term, multi-faceted partnerships that drive real change.
You will work with the Corporate Partnerships Officer to support stewardship of existing relationships, ensuring partners feel valued, engaged and inspired to continue supporting ShelterBox's lifesaving work. But your focus will be outward-facing and future-focused - identifying new opportunities, crafting compelling propositions and making ShelterBox stand out from the crowd.
You'll manage and mentor the Corporate Partnerships Officer, report directly to the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, and collaborate with the wider Philanthropy & Partnerships team. You will also be backed by colleagues across the organisation, and our global affiliate network. Together, you'll maximise opportunities, deliver powerful partnerships, and help shape the future of corporate giving at ShelterBox.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for a strategic, creative, and proactive individual who will play a key role building strong relationships with decision-makers within businesses to help us deliver emergency shelter to the most vulnerable people hit by conflict, disaster and climate crises.
You must be confident in presenting a compelling case for support, both in writing and verbally, and be able to build relationships easily - both externally and internally. We're especially looking for someone who brings strategic thinking and planning, and who can focus their energy on targeted, high-impact work that drives results. Previous experience in corporate fundraising or within a high-value partnerships team is strongly preferred.
This position is for someone looking for a dynamic and varied role, working with a huge range of stakeholders to identify and unlock opportunities to connect the private sector with meaningful impact. It is a perfect opportunity for a forward-thinking, articulate, and personable relationship fundraiser who wants to play a pivotal part in helping communities around the world rebuild after disaster.
Duties will include but not be limited to:
New business
Lead on new business development by proactively identifying and cultivating high-value corporate prospects, with a focus on building a strong and diverse pipeline.
Conduct targeted sector research in collaboration with the Stewardship and Research Officer & Philanthropy & Partnerships Assistant to uncover new opportunities and develop tailored engagement strategies that align with ShelterBox's mission and values.
Leverage networks and connectors - including the Philanthropy Advisory Board - and attend relevant industry events and conferences to expand ShelterBox's reach within priority sectors.
Design bespoke cultivation plans for prospects in the pipeline, using creative and varied approaches to engage new audiences and convert interest into long-term support.
Develop compelling proposals, pitches, and partnership packages by working cross-functionally with teams across the organisation, especially the International Programme Department and Brand & Content team.
Deliver engaging presentations and pitches to a wide range of audiences, inspiring support and showcasing the impact of partnering with ShelterBox.
Collaborate with international colleagues, particularly in the USA, to explore and respond to global corporate partnership opportunities as they arise. Proactively contribute to establishing new ways of working across markets to unlock shared value and international engagement.
Ensure alignment with ShelterBox's Ethical Partnerships Policy by supporting due diligence screening in partnership with the Stewardship and Research Officer and Philanthropy & Partnerships Assistant.
Relationship management
Personally manage relations with ShelterBox's most valuable partners: taking time to understand partner needs and decision-making drivers, and utilising insight into objectives, motivations and internal priorities to tailor engagement strategies to maximise partnerships.
Seek opportunities to uplift and add value to partnerships by having a thorough understanding of ShelterBox's work, networks and funding needs.
Work with and support the Corporate Partnerships Officer to effectively manage and steward their portfolio of accounts.
Deliver creative stewardship and communication plans to ensure our corporate partner's key stakeholders and staff feel part of ShelterBox; providing them with inspiring stories, unique staff engagement opportunities, and strong impact reporting.
Deliver first-class grant management when securing restricted income (including tracking pipeline, contracting, reporting requirements etc.)
Strategy, engagement and data
Working with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, to refine and implement the Corporate Partnerships Strategy, ensuring it is targeted, aligned with organisational priorities, and translated into work plans.
Drive strategic planning and income generation, working towards agreed targets and supporting the effective management of the Corporate Partnerships budget.
Shape and deliver ShelterBox's corporate engagement offering, collaborating with the Learning and Development team to create impactful training and staff engagement experiences for partners.
Prepare for and lead emergency fundraising appeals to corporate audiences, to mobilise and maximise support in response to major disasters.
Develop and coordinate events to deepen corporate partner's engagement, and contribute to the delivery of wider Philanthropy & Partnerships events that showcase ShelterBox's mission and impact.
Maximise the benefits of the CRM system (Microsoft Dynamics) to create and implement strategic cultivation and stewardship journeys for corporate partners, keeping records updated and following Data Protection rules. Stay informed on global trends in corporate giving, and the humanitarian sector, using this insight to inform strategic decision-making and partnership development.
Leadership
Provide strategic and supportive line management to the Corporate Partnerships Officer, ensuring clear objectives, success indicators, and personal development plans are in place and regularly reviewed.
Foster strong, collaborative relationships across ShelterBox, working closely with colleagues in the UK and internationally to align efforts and maximise partnership impact.
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in private sector partnerships, sharing knowledge, insight, and best practice with the wider ShelterBox team and our global affiliate network.
Contribute flexibly and proactively to the wider work of the Philanthropy & Partnerships team, undertaking other reasonable duties as required to support team goals and organisational priorities.
Role Description:
Prospect Research & Lead Generation
· Conduct comprehensive desk-based research to identify new grant, trust, and foundation funding opportunities.
· Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders aligned with strategic priorities.
· Assess and prioritise prospects based on fit, likelihood, and potential value.
Bid Writing & Income Generation
· Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies.
· Collaborate with internal teams to gather information and project details for compelling proposals.
· Monitor deadlines and proactively plan submissions to maximise success rates.
Grant Management & Impact Reporting
· Manage a portfolio of secured grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
· Develop and deliver timely, accurate reports that demonstrate project impact, notably contributing and leading on the Annual Impact Report
· Track and deliver funder required reports for each grant received.
· Maintain strong funder relationships through regular updates, meetings, and stewardship.
Systems Development & Departmental Support
· Create and implement systems to track funding applications, deadlines, income targets, and reporting requirements.
· Develop tools to assess and prioritise new funding opportunities.
· Contribute to building a collaborative fundraising and communications function.
· Ensure compliance with legislative/regulatory requirements and best fundraising practice.
· Provide regular financial, KPI, and impact reports.
General/Administrative
· Be a champion for Bristol Charities, representing the vision, values and purpose of the charity at external networking and professional events, as and when required.
· Support and attend staff meetings, staff away days and events as requested. ·
· Work always in accordance with all policies and procedures of Bristol Charities including social media, Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality Policies.
· Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the line manager that are commensurate with the level of the post.
· Comply with the data protection regulations
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising & Communications
Based: The Vassall Centre, Bristol, BS16 2QQ (Hybrid working considered)
Salary: c.£40,000 FTE, negotiable for the right candidate, pro rata
Term: Permanent
Hours: 28 hours per week
(full-time – 35 hours - may be considered for the right candidate).
Flexible, family-friendly employer.
(working hours/days can be flexible and may include occasional evenings and weekends)
Annual Leave: 29 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
Person Specification: Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
· Proven experience in fundraising from grants, trusts, and foundations, with a strong track record of success.
· Excellent research skills with the ability to identify and assess new funding opportunities.
· Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and tailored funding proposals.
· Experience of managing grant reporting and demonstrating impact to funders.
· Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
· Ability to develop and implement systems and processes to support fundraising activity.
· Collaborative approach with excellent relationship-building skills both internally and externally.
· Relevant professional qualifications, or qualified by experience.
· Ability to forecast and manage budgets.
Desirable
· Understanding of the charity sector in Bristol, particularly work relating to social justice, older people, or community-led initiatives.
· Experience of working in a small or developing fundraising team.
· Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM systems.
Key Competencies (competencies and behaviours)
· Ability to meet deadlines and income targets, demonstrating resilience and determination.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to funders and stakeholders.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
· High degree of confidentiality and professional integrity.
· Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
· Flexible, reliable attitude with strong team-working skills.
· Commitment to continuous improvement and best practice in fundraising.
Why Join Us?
· Be part of a charity with over 600 years of impact in Bristol.
· Play a key role in shaping and growing a new department.
· Join the Charity at a time of change and growth.
· Opportunity to make a tangible difference to communities across the city.
· Supportive, inclusive working environment.
· Flexible, hybrid working arrangements.
· Competitive salary.
How to apply: Please send your CV, along with a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) explaining:
· Your motivation for applying for the role.
· Your areas of knowledge and expertise and the value you can bring to Bristol Charities.
Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 29th September 2025
Interviews: Panel interviews will be held on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to help us secure vital funding to support Bristol’s underserved communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications without supporting statements will not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, proactive and driven Fundraising Manager to join our team at Brain Tumour Support. You will be joining the team at an exciting time as we seek to grow our supporter base both locally and nationally.
You will assume responsibility for the delivery of the fundraising strategy to achieve ambitious unrestricted income targets through Corporate Partnerships, Community Fundraising and Individual Giving. Motivating and line managing a small, but growing fundraising team, you will ensure activity levels are on track to achieve both income and awareness targets for the charity.
Ideal candidates must come from a charity fundraising background, with the drive to inspire a team, grow income, build relationships and initiate opportunities for development of the fundraising function. This role will suit a dynamic and positive individual, with a proven track record and extensive experience of meeting demanding income targets within various income streams, one of which should be Corporate, community or individual fundraising. Experience of developing and leading a team to success is desirable for this role.
This in an exciting and varied role, that you will be able to really put your stamp on, working with a really engaged charity team and reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Operations.
We value our staff and offer a welcoming working environment with an enthusiastic and committed team. We can offer you:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Enhanced sickness pay scheme
- Flexible working and hybrid working patterns
- Family friendly and carer supportive policies
- Opportunities for training and development
- Robust supportive supervision, and 1:1’s
- Whole team working practices and opportunities to feel close to the support delivery
- Whole team charity away days once a year, with overnight stay and socials
- Staff engagement incentives throughout the year
- Wellbeing and mental health support
Our mission is that no-one feels alone when facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis and this is an exciting time to join the team as we look to the future.
The role has a requirement to work some evenings and weekends to meet supporter needs, and will require some travel. A full UK driving licence is essential.
If you would like an informal chat regarding the role, please contact Sarah or Emma
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.