At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate fundraising strategies to support river restoration and community engagement.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing environmental charity making a real impact on local rivers.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Why this job: Create a lasting impact on the environment while building a sustainable fundraising programme.
- Qualifications: Five years in fundraising with strong relationship-building and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 of 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 covering letter outlining your suitability for the role before 11:59pm on Friday 17th of July to Email: info@bristolavonriverstrust.org. Please include “Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy Application” in the subject line.
Further Information: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Simon Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Email: simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org. To learn more about our work, visit: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust Website. We look forward to hearing from candidates who want to help shape a healthier, more resilient future for the Bristol Avon catchment.
Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy in Bristol employer: Ecology Training UK Ltd
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a new fundraising strategy that will have a lasting impact on the environment and local communities. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative team culture, and generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave and a 9% employer pension contribution, BART fosters an inclusive workplace where creativity and ambition are encouraged. Join us in making a meaningful difference in river restoration and community engagement across the Bristol Avon catchment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy in Bristol
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Ecology Training UK Ltd.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Ecology Training UK Ltd, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Ecology Training UK Ltd. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Ecology Training UK Ltd supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Ecology Training UK Ltd. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy role at Ecology Training UK Ltd. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ecology Training UK Ltd
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Ecology Training UK Ltd. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Ecology Training UK Ltd.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Ecology Training UK Ltd. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
