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, flexible hybrid working, 25 days leave, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a values-led culture focused on kindness and collaboration.
- 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.
Thrive has been at the heart of Somerset's communities for 100 years, supporting isolated older people through village agents, 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 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, are frustrated by being siloed, and desire breadth, autonomy, and the chance to build something that matters in a place where the mission and 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.
Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community 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 community fundraising and individual giving. With a values-led culture that prioritises kindness and psychological safety, employees enjoy genuine flexibility in their work arrangements, ample annual leave, and clear pathways for career progression. This role not only allows you to contribute to meaningful initiatives but also empowers you to shape the future of fundraising within a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community
✨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 colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a leg up!
✨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. Share your own experiences and how they align with their goals. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Thrive’s recent projects and campaigns, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Be ready to discuss specific ideas for building that community fundraising programme they’re after. Show them you’re the builder they need!
✨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. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in community fundraising and individual giving.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager — Individual Giving / Community
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for community fundraising and Thrive's mission shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and why you’re excited about making a difference in Somerset.
Tell Compelling Stories:Use your strong written skills to translate real human stories into your application. We love hearing about the impact you've made in previous roles, so share those experiences that highlight your ability to connect with communities and inspire support.
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Highlight your relevant experience in community fundraising and individual giving without overwhelming us with too much information.
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 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 plan to build a sustainable fundraising base. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with 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've built supporter journeys or managed grants. Highlighting tangible results will demonstrate your capability for this builder's role.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Since strong written skills are crucial, practice translating real human stories into engaging fundraising narratives. Bring a few examples to the interview that showcase your ability to connect emotionally with potential supporters.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Thrive values a culture where everyone feels part of the story. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles, especially in small teams. Show them you're a self-starter who thrives on autonomy but also values teamwork.
