Fundraising Manager – Grants, Trusts & Foundations
Based at The Vassall Centre, Bristol, BS16 2QQ. 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 with potential for occasional evenings and weekends.
Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 29th September 2025. Interviews: Panel interviews on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October.
Job purpose
* Lead on generating income through charitable grants, trusts and foundations to support Bristol Charities’ strategic priorities.
* Secure new funding, manage existing funder relationships, and report on impact.
* Develop systems to track and prioritise prospects, building a sustainable pipeline of grant income.
* Contribute to the development of a new Fundraising Department during a period of organisational growth.
Reporting to
Director of Fundraising & Communications
Responsibilities
* Prospect Research & Lead Generation
o Conduct comprehensive desk-based research to identify new grant, trust, and foundation funding opportunities.
o Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders aligned with strategic priorities.
o Assess and prioritise prospects based on fit, likelihood, and potential value.
* Bid Writing & Income Generation
o Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies.
o Collaborate with internal teams to gather information and project details for compelling proposals.
o Monitor deadlines and proactively plan submissions to maximise success rates.
o Manage a portfolio of secured grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
o 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.
o Maintain strong funder relationships through regular updates, meetings, and stewardship.
* Systems Development & Departmental Support
o Create and implement systems to track funding applications, deadlines, income targets, and reporting requirements.
o Develop tools to assess and prioritise new funding opportunities.
o Contribute to building a collaborative fundraising and communications function.
o Ensure compliance with legislative/regulatory requirements and best fundraising practice.
o Provide regular financial, KPI, and impact reports.
* General/Administrative
o Be a champion for Bristol Charities, representing the vision, values and purpose of the charity at external networking and professional events, as required.
o Support and attend staff meetings, staff away days and events as requested.
o Work in accordance with Bristol Charities policies including social media, Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality Policies.
o Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the line manager; comply with data protection regulations.
Person specification
* Knowledge, Skills & Experience
o Proven experience in fundraising from grants, trusts, and foundations with a strong track record of success.
o Excellent research skills to identify and assess new funding opportunities.
o Strong written communication skills to craft persuasive and tailored funding proposals.
o Experience of managing grant reporting and demonstrating impact to funders.
o Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
o Ability to develop and implement systems and processes to support fundraising activity.
o Collaborative approach with excellent relationship-building skills both internally and externally.
o Relevant professional qualifications, or qualified by experience.
o Ability to forecast and manage budgets.
o Understanding of the charity sector in Bristol, particularly work relating to social justice, older people, or community-led initiatives.
o Experience of working in a small or developing fundraising team.
o Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM systems.
* Key Competencies
o Ability to meet deadlines and income targets, demonstrating resilience and determination.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored to funders and stakeholders.
o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
o Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
o High degree of confidentiality and professional integrity.
o Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
o Flexible, reliable attitude with strong team-working skills.
o 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
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.
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.
Send applications to: miranda.frost@bristolcharities.org.uk, FAO Miranda Frost, Executive Assistant. Quote Ref: FM2025
Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 29th September 2025. Interviews: Panel interviews on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October.
Recruitment process
Applications will be assessed against the requirements listed in the specification. The recruitment panel will use information provided in your application. All candidates will be asked the same core questions, with a technical question, presentation or written assessment. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in practice.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Non-profit Organizations
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