At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts through partnerships and trusts to support mental health initiatives.
- Company: Join Solent Mind, the largest mental health charity in Hampshire, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape impactful fundraising strategies while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent relationship-building skills, and strong proposal writing abilities.
The predicted salary is between 35145 - 39765 £ per year.
Salary: £35,145 to £39,765 (FTE) per annum (pro rata for part time hours) - Solent Mind Band E. In line with organisational policy, new appointments will ordinarily be made at the starting salary point of the advertised grade.
Hours: 30 to 37 hours per week
Location: 15-16 The Avenue, Southampton combined with home working
Interview Date: Week Commencing 14 September 2026
Closing Date: Sunday 06 September
Role Details:
About the role
We're looking for an experienced and proactive Partnerships and Trusts Fundraising Manager to help grow income and support for Solent Mind through corporate partnerships, local business relationships, trusts and foundations. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop two important areas of fundraising. You’ll build on an existing corporate pipeline while developing a more proactive approach to trusts and foundations fundraising, identifying opportunities, building strong relationships and creating compelling proposals and applications.
Working closely with the Head of Fundraising, Communications and Marketing, as well as colleagues across services, finance, communications and senior leadership, you’ll help secure financial and non-financial support for Solent Mind’s work. This could include charity of the year partnerships, sponsorship, volunteering, gifts in kind, trust and foundation grants, and other strategic support from local businesses and charitable funders.
You’ll be responsible for managing pipelines, developing high-quality stewardship, maintaining accurate CRM records and reporting on income, activity, risks and opportunities. The role will also involve working with colleagues to gather evidence of need, impact information, case studies and project budgets to support strong funding applications and partnership proposals. This role would suit someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and turning ideas into strong funding proposals that make a real difference.
About you
You’ll be an experienced fundraiser, partnerships professional or income generator with excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work confidently with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You may have direct experience in corporate fundraising, trusts and foundations, business development, grants, sponsorship, major donor fundraising or another relationship-led income generation role. What matters most is that you can identify and prioritise opportunities, build strong relationships, write persuasive proposals and manage activity through a clear pipeline.
You’ll be highly organised, proactive and confident working to income targets, deadlines and agreed priorities. You’ll also have strong written communication skills, good attention to detail and the ability to develop compelling cases for support based on need, impact and organisational priorities.
You will ideally have experience of:
- Building and stewarding relationships with external partners, funders or stakeholders.
- Developing corporate, partnership, trust or grant fundraising opportunities.
- Researching prospects and managing a pipeline.
- Writing persuasive proposals, funding applications, reports or pitches.
- Working to income targets, KPIs or agreed performance measures.
- Using a CRM or database to manage relationships, activity and reporting.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to develop projects, budgets and impact information.
About us
Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire. It is part of a network of 125 local Minds in England and Wales, which are independent charities affiliated to Mind. Solent Mind has its own board of trustees and raises its own funds to deliver its services, support and training tailored to the needs of people living in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. Solent Mind has a gold award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and has signed up to be a Mindful Employer.
For further details on this role please email: Rachael Tyler Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Solent Mind Talent Acquisition team or Job description person specification.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS - You will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to receiving your references. We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply for a role within Solent Mind, especially those with experience of mental health problems. Offers are made based on merit. Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.
Partnerships and Trusts Fundraising Manager in Southampton employer: Solent Mind
Solent Mind is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant communities of Eastleigh and Southampton, we offer our team members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in mental health services while benefiting from ongoing training and development programmes. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering vital crisis support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships and Trusts Fundraising Manager in Southampton
✨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 Solent Mind.
✨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 Solent Mind, 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 Solent Mind. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships and Trusts Fundraising Manager in Southampton
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 Solent Mind 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 Solent Mind. 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 Partnerships and Trusts Fundraising Manager role at Solent Mind. 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 Solent Mind
✨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 Solent Mind. 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 Solent Mind.
✨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 Solent Mind. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
