At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure vital funding for heritage projects and initiatives.
- Company: Join the South West Heritage Trust, a dynamic charity dedicated to preserving history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in heritage conservation while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and a passion for heritage and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 39909 - 39909 £ per year.
Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SFS
Salary: £39,909
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)
Contract: One year fixed-term contract
About the role
South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising Manager to help strengthen our long-term financial sustainability and grow our charity fundraising activity. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a key point in its development and to shape our approach to fundraising as our first dedicated fundraising professional. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the Fundraising Manager will identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support, and establish effective systems and processes to support successful charity fundraising. The role will build a strong pipeline of funding opportunities to support exhibitions, learning programmes, collections work and the Trust’s wider strategic priorities.
This post sits within the Central Services team and reports to the Head of Development and Partnerships. The South West Heritage Trust is a charity which delivers a broad range of heritage services across Somerset and Devon. We are a growing organisation, founded on services that were previously delivered by Somerset and Devon County Councils. With a turnover exceeding £5 million, we manage and run three museums (including the Museum of Somerset), two Archives and Local Studies services and look after the historic environment in Somerset. We are committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve.
Your application for this role will be welcomed whatever your background and regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership.
If you would like to have an informal discussion or experience any difficulties with the recruitment process, please contact Ann Bradford HR and Governance Manager.
Closing date: 9am Monday 1st June 2026
Interview date: Monday 8th June 2026
Fundraising Manager in Taunton employer: The South West Heritage Trust
Contact Detail:
The South West Heritage Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fundraising sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that perfect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help us tailor our responses and show genuine interest in the South West Heritage Trust.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Fundraising Manager. We want to highlight our unique contributions and how we can help grow their charity fundraising activity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at South West Heritage Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Fundraising Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission and values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for fundraising and heritage shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about making a difference in our community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Bullet points can be your best friend here!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The South West Heritage Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Fundraising Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial sustainability. Brush up on key metrics related to fundraising, such as donor retention rates and average gift sizes. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns you've led in the past. Highlight what strategies you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved. This will help the interviewers visualise how you can bring similar success to their organisation.
✨Understand Their Mission
Research the South West Heritage Trust thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, values, and strategic priorities. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current fundraising strategies or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.