At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community fundraising and individual giving to create lasting impact.
- Company: Thrive, a century-old organisation dedicated to supporting Somerset's communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine flexibility, 25 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-led culture where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community fundraising and strong writing skills are essential.
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 Bridgwater, Bristol, Somerset employer: Raise + Recruit
Thrive is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in Somerset's communities for a century, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact through meaningful fundraising initiatives. With a values-led culture that prioritises kindness and psychological safety, employees enjoy genuine flexibility in their work arrangements, alongside ample opportunities for career progression as they contribute to building a sustainable fundraising base. This role not only allows for autonomy and creativity but also connects you with real stories and communities, making your work truly rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community in Bridgwater, Bristol, Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising community. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Thrive's mission! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your genuine connection to their work. Talk about how you can help build that fundraising culture and engage the community — it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Prepare examples of your past successes in community fundraising or individual giving. Whether it’s a project you led or a campaign you helped grow, having concrete stories will demonstrate your ability to build that pipeline they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the tools and resources to help you land that Fundraising Manager role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in Somerset’s communities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community in Bridgwater, Bristol, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion 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. Share your personal connection to the cause!
Tell Compelling Stories:Remember, we’re looking for someone who can translate human stories into compelling fundraising copy. Use your written application to showcase your storytelling skills. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully engaged supporters through narrative.
Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your experience in community fundraising and individual giving.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raise + Recruit
✨Know Thrive Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Thrive's mission and recent initiatives. Understand their community impact and how they engage with supporters. This knowledge will help you connect your experience to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially in community fundraising and individual giving. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships and engaged supporters. Highlight any innovative strategies you've used to grow donor bases or manage grants.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Since strong written skills are crucial for this role, practice translating real human stories into compelling narratives. Bring a few examples of your fundraising copy or proposals to the interview. This will demonstrate your ability to create emotional connections with potential donors.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Thrive values a culture where everyone feels part of the story. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in small teams and how you can foster a fundraising culture within the organisation. Share ideas on how to engage frontline staff in fundraising efforts.
