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, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a values-led culture that prioritises kindness and compassion.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building a sustainable fundraising base for meaningful community work.
- 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.
The Fundraising Manager will lead across community fundraising, individual giving, and trusts and foundations, with a primary focus on community and individual giving. 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.
Fundraising Manager -- Individual Giving / Community in Bridgwater employer: Raise + Recruit
Thrive is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in Somerset's communities for a century, offering a unique opportunity for the Fundraising Manager to make a significant impact. With a values-led culture that prioritises kindness and compassion, employees enjoy genuine flexibility through hybrid working arrangements, alongside ample growth opportunities within a supportive team environment. Join us in building a sustainable fundraising base that empowers local communities and transforms lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager -- Individual Giving / Community in Bridgwater
✨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 folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Thrive’s mission! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about community fundraising and how you can contribute to their goals. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Thrive’s past campaigns and current initiatives. Bring ideas to the table about how you could help build their fundraising base. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and supporting the amazing work they do in Somerset.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager -- Individual Giving / Community in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When 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 people's lives.
Tell Compelling Stories:Use your strong written skills to weave in real human stories that resonate with us. Show how you can translate these narratives into engaging fundraising copy that inspires action.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and skills are easy to understand and directly relate to the role.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raise + Recruit
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into Thrive's mission and the communities they serve. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and how they impact local lives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience in community fundraising to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
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 and stories to illustrate your impact — 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 convey the essence of Thrive’s work in a way that resonates emotionally with potential supporters. Bring a few examples to share during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
As a self-starter, it’s important to highlight your ability to work independently. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed projects or initiatives on your own. Share instances where you took the initiative to drive results, especially in small teams, as this aligns with Thrive's working culture.
