Public fundraising assistant jobs in bristol, city of bristol

JOB TITLE: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

LOCATION: Flexible, with regular travel to London

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Full time, 35 hours per week

DURATION: SALARY / GRADE: £65,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits

TEAM SIZE: 6 FTE (with growth plans of up to 12 fte by 2030)

JOB PROFILE

ABOUT ADOPTION UK

Adoption UK is the leading national voice for adoptive families. We exist to ensure that every child and young person who cannot grow up with their birth parents gets the right support at the right time – from childhood into adulthood.

Every year, thousands of children in the UK are adopted – most having experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Adoption transforms their futures, but it is rarely the end of the story. Adoptive families face unique challenges: children struggling to trust, thrive in school, or feel safe; parents battling to secure the right support; young people navigating identity and belonging. Without the right help, too many families reach breaking point. Adoption UK is there to change this. We are a lifeline for families – offering community, advice, advocacy, and practical support. We champion their voices with government and professionals, driving changes in policy and practice so that no adoptive family feels they are facing the journey alone.

With over 6,000 members, strong credibility with policymakers, and a powerful lived experience community, we are uniquely placed to influence change. Our mission is urgent and nationally significant: to ensure that every adoptive family can thrive, and every adopted child has the chance to fulfil their potential.

DIRECTORATE PURPOSE

The Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate is responsible for:

• Income generation across trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, public donations, and legacies, alongside relationships with commissioners and public sector funders.

• Partnership development, engaging businesses, philanthropists, trusts, and volunteers.

• Marketing of services and membership to families, adoptees, commissioners, and professionals in health, education, and social care.

• Awareness raising and thought leadership, ensuring adoption and permanence issues have a strong voice nationally.

Currently a team of six, the directorate has strong ambitions to grow in size and scope, with scope to re-imagine its structure to meet future needs.

THE ROLE

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, marketing and communications at a charity of national importance.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications you will:

• Build unrestricted income in a competitive funding environment

• Lead the transformation of Adoption UK’s income model, scaling from £500k to £2m+ contribution (by 2030) to organisational income growth from a £4.2m baseline.

• Develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and profile with families, adoptees, commissioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.

• Inspire, coach, and grow a talented team, embedding a culture of confidence, creativity, and innovation.

• Personally cultivate and steward high-value donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and ambassadors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.

• Act as a cultural change leader, shifting from risk-averse to confident, outward-facing engagement.

• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance, and financial planning.

Income Growth & Diversification

• Oversee all voluntary income streams – trusts, major donors, corporates, community/public fundraising, legacies – while also strengthening public sector and commissioning relationships.

• Oversee marketing and growth of membership as a core element of income and impact.

• Deliver long-term growth targets.

• Use and promote data-driven decision-making, supporter journeys, and digital fundraising/marketing effectively.

• Design and deliver a signature annual Showcase event, alongside new products such as a Giving Circle and Corporate Club, ensuring clear ROI and upgrade potential.

• Personally lead cultivation of transformational donor and partner relationships, supported by trustees, ambassadors, and patrons.

• Identify and test new funding streams and partnerships to diversify income and reduce risk.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy covering fundraising, membership, services, training, campaigns, and advocacy.

• Ensure a compelling and consistent case for support and brand identity across all channels.

• Raise Adoption UK’s national profile with media, commissioners, professionals, and the public.

• Lead digital transformation: CRM upgrade, supporter journeys, analytics, social media, and digital marketing.

• Manage media relations and reputation, including crisis communications alongside the CEO.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, inspire, and grow a team of talented and motivated individuals.

• Model authentic, adaptive, and inclusive leadership – balancing ambition with staff wellbeing.

• Act as a coach and mentor, supporting professional growth and building the next generation of leaders.

• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and embed values-led behaviours across the team and all external engagement.

• Foster cross-organisational collaboration so fundraising and marketing are understood and supported across Adoption UK.

Financial & Governance

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for the directorate.

• Report regularly to CEO and Board of Trustees on progress, opportunities, and risks.

• Lead fundraising due-diligence and reputational risk processes, with regular reporting to Trustee-led committees (e.g. Finance & Risk).

• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code, GDPR, charity law, and safeguarding standards.

• Embed robust CRM, data, and analytics to support continuous improvement.

External Engagement

• Act as a visible ambassador for Adoption UK with donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, policymakers, and media.

• In collaboration with the CEO and Chair, direct ambassadors and patrons to open doors, advocate, and steward transformational relationships.

• Represent Adoption UK externally at events, forums, and national platforms.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.

• Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.

• Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.

• Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.

• Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.

• Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).

• Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.

• Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

• Contributes to an open and honest culture

• Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

• Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

• Leads by example.

• Values transparency and consistency.

• Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

• Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

• Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

• Shares skills and knowledge.

• Promotes Cross Functional team working.

• Offers outstanding service to members.

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

• Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

• Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

• Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

• Takes pride in own development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

• Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

Desirable

• Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.

• Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.

• Existing networks in philanthropy, corporate CSR/ESG, or foundations relevant to Adoption UK’s mission.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

The Opportunity

This is more than a fundraising role — it is an opportunity to lead transformational change for a cause of national importance. You will:

• Shape and lead a directorate spanning fundraising, marketing, and communications.

• Deliver transformational income growth and secure Adoption UK’s sustainability.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and reputation as the national champion for adoptive families.

• Market services, membership, and campaigns so more families and professionals engage with our work.

• Lead cultural change, inspiring a confident, outward-facing, and innovative fundraising and marketing function.

Few roles offer such scope to combine fundraising growth, brand leadership, and culture change in a mission of such national importance. This is your chance to make a lasting impact – on Adoption UK, on your career, and on thousands of children and families across the UK.

Timetable:

The closing date for this role is 20th October 2025. However, Adoption UK reserves the right to end the application period sooner so we would recommend you complete the application form as soon as possible.

Shortlisting will be carried out on 22 to 24 October 2025 and you should be notified of an outcome within fifteen working days of the closing date.

The panel will shortlist based on those applicants who best meet the criteria for the role.

The date(s) scheduled for first interviews will be 3rd November 2025. These dates may be subject to change and applications will be advised in advance should this happen.

About This Job

As Marketing Assistant at sister charities, ACCT UK and CCFA, you will play a key role in planning, creating and delivering impactful marketing and communications. Working closely with the wider Development team, you will help to deliver campaigns that inspire donors, attract corporate sponsors, and tell the powerful impact stories of cadets and adult volunteers across the UK.

Essential Skills

• Highly organised 

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written 

• A flair for storytelling and content creation for a variety of audiences

• Knowledge of digital marketing tools and channels

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

You will join a small, friendly and supportive team who believe collaboration is the key to success. By joining our team you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our London office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by 23:59 hrs on Sunday 9th November 2025.

Interviews will be held at Holderness House, 51-61 Clifton St, London EC2A 4DW during the week commencing Monday 24th November 2025.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergoing a Disclosure and Barring Service check. In addition, we will follow up references.

Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

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Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

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Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

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If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

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​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 06th November 2025

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity, are seeking a talented individual to join our ambitious fundraising team as the Events Manager. You’ll be experienced in event management, have excellent organisational skills and the ability to multitask. You’ll work across fundraising teams to engage our incredible supporters through specific events including Wrong Trousers Day, Great Bristol Run, Grand Walk, and other stewardship and engagement events. 

Are you a talented communicator who shares our passion for using scientific evidence to benefit the lives of animals? Can you help us to disseminate knowledge about animal welfare to a wide range of audiences?

We, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), are two sister charities focused on the promotion of scientific, evidence-based approaches to animal welfare. We fund research, support the animal welfare science community, and advocate for evidence-based improvements to animal welfare worldwide. Communicating animal welfare science to both specialist audiences and the wider public is key to turning knowledge into real-world improvements in animal welfare. We are seeking a Scientific Communications and Content Assistant to join our talented Scientific Communications Team during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities.

The Scientific Communications and Content Assistant will support us to deliver our scientific communications strategy by helping to draft, design and publish engaging content for our print and digital platforms. This includes assisting with the creation of visual and written content that effectively convey complex scientific information to our diverse audiences.

The role will report to our Scientific Communications and Outreach Manager and work closely with the Public Affairs Lead and other internal teams to create engaging content for our audiences. We are seeking candidates with strong written, editing and visual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of our small multi-disciplinary team and be confident to work unsupervised when necessary. You will be happy working across multiple projects, adapting to different communication styles and priorities, and keeping messaging clear and consistent across varied audiences.   

This role will be home-based. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. You will be expected to occasionally attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required and attend meetings. Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for you in these situations. The role may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for events and other relevant activities - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening. 

What you’ll be doing

• Drafting copy, designing graphics/visual materials (eg using Canva) and producing content for print, web, email, and social media 
• Overseeing the Charities’ day-to-day social media activity, including scheduling posts, monitoring channels, and responding to engagement.
• Assisting with the creation and dissemination of the Charities’ content including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and digital campaign materials.
• Liaising regularly with internal teams to stay up to date on the Charities’ activities and to plan and schedule content across channels.
• Monitoring social media analytics and Mailchimp performance metrics to support reporting and strategy development.
• Collaborating with internal teams, for example Fundraising, to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Occasionally creating, editing and publishing video content.
• Liaising with external agencies, partners and stakeholders.
• Ensuring all materials and communications are accessible and inclusive.   
• Occasionally travelling within the UK and overseas for conferences, meetings and other events - some of which may take place during evenings or weekends.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in digital communications, content creation and social media.
• Demonstrable writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms (eg LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky and YouTube) and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite.
• Experience using graphic and content design tools such as Canva.
• Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret performance analytics from platforms including Mailchimp, social media, Hootsuite etc.
• Proven organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of working collaboratively with diverse teams, with well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
• Experience working within brand and tone of voice guidelines.
• Experience creating content tailored to a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• An understanding of and comfort with the Charities’ approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industry, as well as laboratory animal researchers. Whilst both charities promote the highest standards of animal welfare, they do not oppose the use of animals by humans for research or food.

It would be great if you have

• Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.
• A background in science such as a BSc or relevant experience in a scientific charity or setting.
• Knowledge of animal welfare science and practices.
• Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress.
• Experience creating and editing video content. 
• Understanding of policy communications or advocacy work.
• Understanding of SEO, engagement metrics, and digital advertising.

How to apply 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October. 

First round interviews will be held online on 3 November 2025, and second round interviews held in London on 10 November 2025. 

We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to enable an inclusive recruitment process.   

What we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after ten years of service*.   
• Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.
• Day one employer pension contributions of 8% of salary, into our pension scheme.
• Access to AonProtect Assistance which includes access to counselling services, legal, tax, medical and bereavement advice   
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders with two wellbeing days* per year to rest, recharge, and focus on mental, emotional, or physical health - without using annual leave.
• Optional childcare salary sacrifice scheme.
• Pet bereavement leave.   
• Generous sick pay policy.
• Training and development opportunities.

*Pro-rata for part-time employees. 

Head of Income Generation and Marketing

• FTE £37- £42k dependant on experience.

• 35 hours a week (flexible for right candidate).

• Home based with travel for events and meetings.

The PDA Society is looking to recruit its first ever Head of role and we believe the right person could be transformative for our organisation. We are a small charity that makes a big impact – and we are excited to recruit someone who is hands on, pragmatic and experienced in raising income onto our team.

We are looking for a goal oriented, entrepreneurial individual who can help us maximise our fundraised and earned income through effective relationships and online communications. Over the next three years, we must significantly expand our free services and support offers for the people who most need them – and this role will be entrusted with ensuring we can afford to do that.

You will be part of a fast moving, high performing team who are determined to make a difference. This is a small organisation where senior team members do as well as plan. So while you’ll be setting direction and leading strategy, you’ll also be rolling your sleeves up and delivering directly alongside colleagues. You’ll be supported by a small communications team and a small budget to commission trust applications, and you’ll hold responsibility for maintaining trust funder relationships and ensuring reporting is timely and accurate.

If you have provable experience in growing income in a small charity or training organisation, are excited by growth, and want to make a difference to some of the most underserved disabled people in the UK this could be the job for you.

We’re looking for a super organised, efficient and supportive Operations Lead to make We Own It run smoothly so we can win public services for people not profit. This is a fast-paced role in a small team with a big mission!

You’ll lead on creating and maintaining effective systems and processes, and supporting the team on logistics so that everything runs like clockwork. You’ll also make sure we’re thanking the brilliant individual donors who fund 93% of our work. We’re looking for someone who has a track record of creating efficiency and order for themselves and other people - and can do so in a remote context! You'll need to be happy to carry out a variety of tasks and be flexible about your role.

This role is a crucial part of the We Own It team and central to increasing our impact. Part of a small, high performing team working mostly remotely and sometimes in London, you’ll need to be extremely self-motivated and able to work efficiently and autonomously.

Background

Social AF are experts in Social Media Moderation. Established in 2021, we work with some of the biggest names in the third sector and have supported charities to raise over £25 million.

Our reputation for delivering an excellent social media moderation service has helped the company grow at a rapid pace. Our services include: 

• Social Media Moderation 

• Facebook Group Moderation

• On-page messaging for Facebook Fundraisers

We are on the lookout for talented comms experts who understand the importance of effective, accurate, and timely online communications and can enhance the work of our expanding social media moderation team.

** The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years' professional social media moderation experience, working with a large charity with an active social media following. They will understand the importance of building positive engagement and relationships with the public and be committed to acting in the best interests of our charity partners. 

If you do not have 3 years of professional social media moderation experience, working in-house for a charity please do not apply. You will not be shortlisted. 

About the role

Our dedicated team moderates our full-service accounts (all organic content and paid ads) as well as one-off campaigns and appeals for some of the most recognisable charities in the sector. 

This role is perfect for skilled comms experts who can provide excellent supporter care and is best suited as an additional source of income (the majority of our team are freelancers and consultants). You must be able to begin moderation at 9 am (or earlier), wrap up by 9 pm and adhere to our sub-three-hour response time. 

Our moderators must have a minimum of three years’ in-house, third-sector comms experience. 

As a Social Media Moderator, you would be responsible for:

• Becoming the voice of the cause you are representing, adhering to their brand guidelines and tone of voice at all times

• Identifying, escalating and signposting any safeguarding issues

• Managing your own time and work on own initiative

• Working across a range of social media management tools

• Responding/actioning to all comments and queries in under three hours

• Maximising donations when required 

• Going above and beyond at all times to provide supporters with an incredible experience

Our moderation takes place between 9 am and 9 pm, Monday-Sunday. 

Different accounts will require varying levels of ‘active’ hours (defined as time spent taking action). You will split your active hours between 9am and 9pm. For example, for an account which requires three active hours, you might carry out your work in six, thirty minute instalments throughout the shift.

As you gain experience, you will be allocated multiple accounts which will enable you to increase your hours worked. 

Whilst you need to be on hand to monitor your accounts during 9am-9pm, the role does allow for a great deal of personal flexibility.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years' professional comms experience, working with a large charity with an active social media following. They will understand the importance of building positive engagement and relationships with the public and be committed to act in the best interests of our charity partners.

Full training will be provided alongside regular one-to-one and team catch-ups. Here’s what some of our moderators say about working at Social AF:

“I love the flexibility of the role. The team are great and are very helpful, but the flexibility allows you to still do things whilst working.” Megan

“Working with Social AF has been so rewarding - I’ve been able to work with some amazing national charity partners. The team are so friendly and the flexibility of this role has been really beneficial to me, my family and my work-life balance”  Sarah 

Please read our full job description before applying. Applicants that don't meet our minimum criteria won't be considered for interview.