At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community fundraising and individual giving to build a sustainable income for Thrive.
- Company: Thrive, a century-old organisation dedicated to supporting Somerset's communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine flexibility, 25 days leave, and real career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-led culture where kindness and compassion are at the forefront.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by connecting with communities and driving fundraising initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in community fundraising and strong writing skills to tell compelling stories.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 € per year.
Thrive has been at the heart of Somerset's communities for 100 years, supporting isolated older people and running diverse community programmes and fuel poverty campaigns. This centenary year, Thrive is building its next chapter with a new chief executive who has reset the strategic direction. The organisation aims to establish a sustainable fundraising base that isn't solely dependent on statutory contracts.
This role is the cornerstone of that ambition, focusing on community fundraising, individual giving, and trusts and foundations. The target is to achieve 2,000 active supporters by year end, with a clear pathway to converting them into regular givers over time.
What you'll be doing:
- Building a structured community fundraising programme — creating frameworks that enable supporters, staff, and volunteers to fundraise on Thrive's behalf.
- Growing the individual giving base from a low starting point — developing supporter journeys, regular giving, and stewardship.
- Managing a grants pipeline and writing compelling applications to trusts and foundations.
- Leading digital acquisition campaigns in partnership with the marketing team.
- Line managing the Fundraising Administrator and helping them develop grant-writing skills over time.
- Helping build a fundraising culture across the organisation where frontline staff feel part of the story.
What we're looking for:
- A track record in community fundraising, individual giving, or events fundraising.
- Some experience of trusts and foundations — this doesn't need to be your primary specialism.
- Strong written skills — the ability to translate real human stories into compelling fundraising copy.
- A self-starter who works well with autonomy in a small team.
- Genuine connection to Thrive's mission and the communities it serves.
- Based in Somerset or within easy reach of Taunton — primarily home-based with approximately one day per week in the office.
What Thrive offers:
- £35,000–£40,000 FTE.
- Genuine flexibility — hybrid working that reflects how the organisation operates.
- A values-led culture where kindness, compassion, and psychological safety aren't just policies.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Real scope for career progression — if the fundraising function delivers, the trajectory in salary, responsibility, and seniority is genuine.
This role will suit you if:
- You want to be a Head of Fundraising one day.
- You're frustrated by being siloed.
- You want breadth, autonomy, and the chance to build something that matters — in a place where the mission is real and the communities are real.
This role is being recruited exclusively through Raise Recruit, an independent not-for-profit executive search adviser. All enquiries are handled in complete confidence. For a confidential conversation, contact John Austin — no obligation, no lengthy application process at this stage.
Locations
Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community in Bath, Bristol, Devon employer: Raise + Recruit
Thrive is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in Somerset's communities for a century, offering a values-led culture that prioritises kindness and psychological safety. With genuine flexibility in hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth, this role provides the unique opportunity to shape a sustainable fundraising base while making a real impact on local lives. Join us to build something meaningful and be part of a mission that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community in Bath, Bristol, Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising community. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Thrive's mission! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the organisation, make sure to express why you care about their work. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Thrive’s recent projects and campaigns. Bring ideas to the table on how you could contribute to building their fundraising base. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community in Bath, Bristol, Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Thrive's mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about community fundraising and the impact it has on real lives.
Tell Your Story:Use your written skills to weave in personal stories or experiences that connect you to the role. We love compelling narratives, so make sure to highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your fundraising journey.
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Highlight your achievements in community fundraising and individual giving without fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Thrive.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raise + Recruit
✨Know Thrive's Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Thrive's mission and values. Understand their community impact and how they support isolated older people. This will help you connect your experience in fundraising to their goals, showing that you're genuinely invested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Successes
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in community fundraising or individual giving. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with supporters and turned them into regular givers. Use metrics to highlight your achievements — numbers speak volumes!
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Since strong written skills are crucial for this role, practice translating real human stories into compelling narratives. Think about how you can present these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to engage potential donors and inspire action.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Thrive's current fundraising strategies and future goals. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to building a sustainable fundraising base. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if Thrive is the right fit for you!
