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Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy
Permanent | Full-time (37.5 hours per week) - Flexible working arrangements considered.
Salary: £45,056–£49,417 (dependent on experience)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Bristol (Hybrid working)
Help Transform the Future of Rivers Across the Bristol Avon
This is a rare opportunity to build something that will have a lasting impact.
Over the past several years, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) has become one of the UK's fastest-growing Rivers Trusts, securing investment to restore rivers, reconnect habitats, reduce flooding and engage communities across the Bristol Avon catchment.
Now we're ready for the next stage of our journey.
We are looking for an ambitious and experienced fundraising leader to build and lead an entirely new area of our organisation - developing sustainable voluntary income that enables us to do more than project funding alone can achieve.
This is an opportunity to create something from the ground up. You will shape our fundraising strategy, diversify our income, build long-term relationships with supporters and partners, and unlock investment that will directly improve rivers, wildlife and communities across our region.
If you're motivated by building successful fundraising programmes with genuine environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.
About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Founded in 2012, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust works across the Bristol Avon catchment to restore rivers for wildlife, people and the local economy.
Everything we do is guided by the best available science and a catchment based approach, working across entire catchments to improve biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality and flood resilience.
Since 2023, the Trust has experienced significant growth. We now employ around 20 staff, deliver approximately £1.3 million of projects annually, and work alongside local partnerships, farmers, landowners, communities, local authorities, businesses and government agencies.
Our ambition over the next five years is even greater.
To deliver our Strategy 2025–2030, we need to complement our strong track record in project funding with a sustainable programme of unrestricted and philanthropic income.
About the Role
Help shape the future Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART).
This is much more than a fundraising role.
You'll have the opportunity to design and lead BART's long-term fundraising strategy, creating entirely new income streams that will support restoration of rivers, education, community engagement, project development and organisational resilience.
Our immediate priority is to diversify our income beyond project grants by growing:
- Individual giving
- Philanthropic and charitable foundation support
- Corporate partnerships
- Major donors
- Legacy giving
- Unrestricted income opportunities
While these priorities have been identified strategically, we are looking for someone with the experience and creativity to refine the approach, test new ideas and build a sustainable fundraising programme for the future.
Success during your first 12 months will include:
- Developing and launching BART's fundraising strategy
- Building a compelling case for supporting the Trust’s work
- Establishing a strong pipeline of unrestricted income opportunities
- Growing relationships and excellent communications with supporters and funders
- Embedding fundraising across the organisation
- Creating clear KPIs and reporting frameworks with the CEO and Trustees
This is a highly strategic position reporting directly to the Chief Executive.
The successful candidate will work closely with an engaged Leadership Team and supportive Board of Trustees, who recognise fundraising as a strategic priority for the organisation's future growth.
Our CEO has extensive experience securing major grant funding and developing partnerships, and will work closely alongside you to help establish and grow this new function.
As with any investment in fundraising, success will be measured against mutually agreed objectives and long-term growth rather than immediate financial return. We recognise that developing sustainable fundraising takes time, and we are committed to supporting the successful candidate to build a lasting programme.
What You'll Be Doing
You will:
- Develop and implement BART's Fundraising and Philanthropy Strategy.
- Diversify unrestricted income from individuals, trusts and foundations, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, legacies and other voluntary income streams.
- Develop a compelling organisational Case for Support aligned to BART's Five-Year Strategy.
- Work with the CEO and Leadership Team to establish fundraising priorities and KPIs.
- Lead fundraising campaigns, communications, and supporter engagement initiatives.
- Manage and develop BART's supporter journey using our Beacon CRM system.
- Work closely with our Trust Administrator, who provides administrative support to the organisation, including support for CRM administration and fundraising processes.
- Coordinate fundraising activity across the Trust and ensure opportunities are maximised.
- Build strong relationships with major donors, funders and strategic partners.
- Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice.
- Report regularly to the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
Why This Role is Different
This is an opportunity to build a fundraising programme with exceptional foundations already in place.
You will benefit from:
- A highly respected and growing environmental charity.
- Strong project delivery with proven environmental impact.
- An experienced CEO with a successful track record of securing significant funding and developing strategic partnerships.
- A supportive Board committed to growing fundraising.
- A database managed through Beacon CRM.
- A recognised and trusted regional brand with significant opportunities for growth.
You'll have genuine freedom to shape the future direction of fundraising at BART.
About You
We're looking for someone who is ambitious, entrepreneurial and excited by creating something new.
You'll ideally have:
- At least five years' experience in fundraising or philanthropy.
- Experience developing fundraising strategies and delivering income growth.
- Knowledge of trusts, foundations, philanthropy, individual giving or corporate fundraising.
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Strong planning and project management skills.
- Experience using CRM systems (Beacon experience welcomed but not essential).
- Excellent written communication, storytelling and bid-writing skills.
- The ability to translate complex environmental work into compelling fundraising propositions.
- A passion for rivers and their recovery and creating meaningful impact.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
- Holiday increases with length of service.
- 9% employer pension contribution.
- Life Assurance.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- A supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Professional development opportunities.
Why Join BART?
Healthy rivers are fundamental to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, flood resilience and community wellbeing.
Joining BART means becoming part of a passionate, ambitious organisation that delivers measurable environmental change every day.
Most importantly, this role gives you the opportunity to build something with lasting impact.
The fundraising programme you create will enable thousands more people to connect with and restore rivers across the Bristol Avon catchment for generations to come.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.
How to Apply
Please send a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role before 11:59pm on Friday 17th July
Further Information
To learn more about our work, visit:
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
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!
Job Summary
To manage and ensure control of the funding, financial and corporate resources of the Charity to ensure a financially secure service, delivering value for money.
Work with the Co-Directors to advise and develop the financial strategy, model new projects, prepare annual and project budgets, and report on financial performance, contributing to the overall future strategic direction of the Charity.
Manage the day-to-day finances for the Charity. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and up to date, including banking, sales and purchase ledgers, payroll and cash management.
The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships with all staff, volunteers, senior colleagues and trustees.
The postholder will be expected to attend the following meeting groups:
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Monthly All Staff: regular attendance
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GDPR/Data Working Group
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Finance and Income Generation (FING) Committee Meetings
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Responsibilities to and attendance at all other meetings: attendance only as and when required and/or at the direction of the Co-Directors
Key Responsibilities
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Supervision and management of Senior Finance & Admin Officer (SFAO)
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Day to Day Financial Management
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Provision of accurate reports to Board and senior managers
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Payroll, Pensions, and Tax Management overview and control
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Budget Process Management
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Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance
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Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors
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Financial Risk Management
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Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees
Core External Relationships
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Payroll Provider
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TPT Pensions
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HMRC
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All Banks
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Charity Commission
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Companies House
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Charity Auditors
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IT Contractor & Insurers
Day to Day Financial Management
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Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures.
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Review the monthly reconciliations carried out by the SFAO thereby ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded.
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Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of Restricted Funds, ensuring the monies are allocated according to the donor’s wishes and ensure that records are always maintained
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Regularly review and make recommendations for improvements to financial controls and ensuring methods are documented and made clear to staff.
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Support with funding bids and reports back to donors
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Management of all charity bank accounts, acting as authorised signatory with Banks
Payroll, Pensions and Tax Management
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Supervise the payroll process carried out by SFAO
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Responsible for the effective management Charity’s Pension Scheme
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Ensure payments to HMRC are made accurately and on time, and ensure all available allowances are claimed.
Budget Process Management
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Take the lead on preparing the Annual Budget, working closely with SLT to capture all spending plans Develop and run a process which is thorough, consistent and inclusive of all managers.
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Alongside the Co-Director, present the Draft Budget to Board for approval
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Present monthly management accounts and Cost Centre reports for all managers
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Work closely with all SLT to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget
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Monitor variations against spend and integrate within an overall Cashflow analysis
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Recommend corrective actions to Co- Directors and/or Board as necessary
Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance
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Act as lead member of staff with the Charity’s Auditors
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Oversee the preparation of the Annual Accounts plus any supporting papers required to enable an efficient and effective annual audit to take place
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Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts/agreements
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Ensure the Charity is fully compliant with statutory bodies and key external institutions, and act as lead on behalf of the charity with the following bodies:
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Charity Commission
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Companies House
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Pensions Regulator
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HMRC
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Valuation Office
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All Banks
Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors
Insurance
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Take the lead in managing the insurance renewals process, and ensure that a comprehensive suite of insurances is in place to cover key risks across the Charity
Financial Risk Management
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Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels.
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Develop, update and produce long term cashflow forecasts to evidence that the Charity can operate as a going concern.
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Provide up-to-date dashboards and reports of the financial position, projections and scenarios, considering the financial implications of alternative business models, advice on new and current business income generation initiatives and analysis of financial risk and performance.
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Work with the Co-Directors, to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the charity, advising on the financial consequences of proposed actions
Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees
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Assist the Chair of FING Committee (Treasurer)
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Prepare all associated papers and minutes
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Prepare finance papers for Treasurer to deliver to Board of Trustees
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Attend Board of Trustees meetings and present information as requested
General
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Postholder to adhere to their relevant Code of Ethics as laid down by their professional body, being mindful that adherence to the code takes precedence over charity policy and practice should a conflict ever arise. [NB Sections A + C of the current professional code are applicable.]
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Keep abreast of financial developments across the charity sector and ensure any opportunities for tax reliefs, cost reduction, value for money and more effective systems are seized as appropriate.
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Undertake any other duties as determined by the Co-Directors.
Personal Specification
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Personally committed to Caring in Bristol’s vision and values and collaboration-focused method of work.
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Committed to reflection and learning, including sharing failures and uncertainties; openly taking feedback from the team and members of the community on your behaviour and work.
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Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate.
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Awareness of your own needs: the homelessness sector can be challenging – you will be good at knowing your limits under pressure and will be confident to ask for help when you need it. You will receive support from your team, and we are keen to nurture an environment where no-one feels worried about asking for help or support when they need it.
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Resilience working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback.
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Willingness to work the extra hours where needed, with a flexible working policy.
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Growing levels of self-awareness, including an understanding of how your background has shaped the opportunities afforded to you and how you relate to people from different backgrounds to you.
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Willing to develop emotional intelligence, including a growing ability to empathise with and appreciate others, creating opportunities for those you work with to grow.
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A passion for social justice and to change Bristol for the better.
Essential
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Minimum part qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the whole charity.
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Specialist knowledge of Charities required, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
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Ability to work with the Co-directors to lead the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies which will influence the long-term direction of the charity.
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Experience in developing major finance policy development.
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Experience in budgeting and financial planning.
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Experience in management accounting.
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Ability to receive, process and provide highly complex or sensitive financial information including ability to analyse and clearly communicate financial information.
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Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases.
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Solid organisational skills including consistency, accuracy, and an eye for detail.
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Experience of line management and supporting and developing staff.
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Knowledge and understanding of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion practices.
Desirable
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Experience in using QuickBooks accounting software is desirable or transferrable knowledge of similar online accounting packages.
First stage interviews to take place on 17 June 2026
To apply for this role, please complete the Caring in Bristol application form.
This job advert closes on 12 July and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Pepper Foundation is a local charity funding children’s hospice care at home, specialised play and family days for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The Community Fundraiser will be joining Pepper at an exciting time as we launch our new three-year fundraising strategy. Backed by committed investment and with full Board approval, we are delighted to be growing the charity to deliver sustainable income that directly supports local children and families with hospice care in the comfort of their own homes.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship-builder to lead and grow community fundraising and challenge events activity, helping to raise vital income for The Pepper Foundation.
You will take ownership of a varied portfolio of community fundraising activity, building and developing relationships with volunteers, schools, clubs, local businesses and community groups, while also nurturing existing supporters and creating an excellent experience for everyone who engages with us. You will lead the day-to-day delivery of our community fundraising and challenge events activity, proactively identifying new opportunities, developing a strong pipeline of support and managing your portfolio to grow income and deepen engagement with The Pepper Foundation.
Hours: 30 hours per week (37.5hrs FTE) working from home - applicants must live within Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire (or surrounding counties)
Salary: £25,600 pro-rata (£32,000 FTE)
Key Responsibilities:
Financial
• Deliver or exceed agreed income targets across community and challenge event fundraising activities.
• Manage agreed budgets for community fundraising activities and challenge events, monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring activity is delivered in line with agreed targets and plans.
• Ensure activities are delivered as cost-effectively as possible, monitoring expenditure and helping to maximise return on investment.
• Develop and refine fundraising products, activities and supporter experiences that put supporters at the centre of what we do and encourage long-term engagement.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of community fundraising opportunities, identifying prospects, converting enquiries and building repeat support from individuals, groups and local organisations.
• Help convert one-off supporters and new enquiries into repeat fundraising relationships through strong stewardship, follow-up and tailored engagement.
Communication
• Build and develop strong long-term relationships with community groups, schools, clubs and individuals to increase awareness, support and donated income.
• Support and manage key fundraising volunteers to help deliver income and activities.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising and marketing partners to ensure community and challenge fundraising activities are promoted effectively through suitable online and offline channels.
• Confidently communicate the work of The Pepper Foundation and inspire support through a variety of channels, including informal conversations, networking, presentations, written materials, newsletters and website copy.
• Deliver a high standard of donor and supporter care to maximise fundraising potential and encourage long-term support.
• Contribute ideas and content for promotional materials within agreed budgets and timelines.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to broaden participation in community fundraising and increase supporter engagement across the region.
• Proactively identify, develop and secure new community fundraising opportunities with local schools, groups, businesses and supporters to grow income and broaden engagement.
• Ensure relevant staff and volunteers are well briefed on community fundraising activities.
• Always represent The Pepper Foundation positively and professionally.
• Communicate confidently with a wide range of supporters and stakeholders, handling queries and resolving issues in a calm and professional way.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the fundraising team to ensure community fundraising activity is aligned with the wider fundraising strategy and income goals.
Management
• Recruit, train, support and motivate fundraising volunteers to help deliver community fundraising activities and events.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and partners, such as venues and event providers, to support successful delivery.
Planning and Organisation
• Develop and deliver activity, stewardship and campaign plans for community and challenge event fundraising within agreed priorities, budgets and income targets.
• Deliver high-quality fundraising events that raise awareness of The Pepper Foundation across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.
• Use Donorfy, our fundraising CRM, to administer and manage fundraising activity accurately and effectively, working with the Database Volunteer as needed.
• Produce post-event evaluations and recommendations in line with agreed requirements.
• Use insight, pipeline information and performance data to review results, identify trends and recommend improvements to future activity.
• Manage the day-to-day planning and delivery of key events and campaigns, making decisions within agreed plans, budgets and fundraising procedures.
• Take responsibility for health and safety in community fundraising activities, ensuring appropriate risk assessments are completed and relevant fundraising and safety procedures are followed.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected incidents at community fundraising events, following agreed procedures and escalating where needed.
• Take an active role in setting up and clearing down events and community fundraising activities, including periods of standing and occasional unsocial hours.
• Arrange appropriate Pepper Foundation attendance at local community events when needed.
• Manage resources effectively, including volunteer support, to maximise reach, income and engagement.
Reporting
• Produce regular reports on pipeline, activity, outcomes, income performance and learning for the Head of Fundraising, highlighting opportunities, risks and recommendations.
How to apply: For further details about the role, please download our recruitment pack. Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you would make a great candidate for this role and how you meet the job description.
Closing date: Monday 13th July 2026 at 5pm
Interview dates: First-round interviews on 22nd and 23rd July with second-round interviews on 29th July 2026.
Interviews will take place at our office in Berkhamsted. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.
If appointed, an enhanced DBS check will be required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


