Head of Fundraising and Communications

  • Merrifield Consultants
  • Bristol, Gloucestershire
  • Apr 02, 2026
Full time Other

Job Description

Merrifield Consultants are delighted to be supporting a well-established youth charity to recruit a Head of Fundraising and Communications. Reporting to the Chief Executive, this role will lead fundraising across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors, and events. It will also oversee communications activity that supports income generation and helps the charity share its impact clearly.

This is a senior leadership role with a high level of autonomy. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, manage a small team, and help turn services and ideas into sustainable income. The charity works with young people through open access provision, community-based programmes, and wider opportunities across the city. They are now looking for someone who can build income, strengthen external relationships, and support its next stage of development.

Key details
Salary: 38,000 to 43,000 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office based in the Bristol, with some flexibility by agreement
Benefits include generous annual leave, pension contribution, wellbeing support and work-related expenses

About the role
This role is suited to an experienced fundraiser who is confident working at both strategic and operational level. The main focus of the role is fundraising, particularly trusts and foundations and corporate partnerships.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and deliver the fundraising strategy
  • Secure income from trusts and foundations, with a focus on strong multi year funding
  • Develop corporate partnerships, sponsorship and supporter relationships
  • Build and manage relationships with major donors and key funders
  • Maintain a clear pipeline of opportunities and income forecasting
  • Support fundraising events and wider supporter engagement
  • Oversee communications activity that supports fundraising
  • Lead and support the fundraising and communications team
  • Contribute to senior leadership planning and decision making

Person specification

  • A strong track record in fundraising across trusts and foundations, corporate income and donor development
  • Experience of writing successful bids and securing larger grants
  • Strong relationship building skills and confidence with external stakeholders
  • Experience of leading work at both strategic and delivery level
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied pipeline
  • A collaborative and grounded approach

To apply
Please apply today with your CV for further information and a confidential conversation with Merrifield Consultants. Applications close on 22 April. Interviews are expected to take place on 29 April and are likely to be held in person.

Benefits
Benefits include 32 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays and closure days, an extra day off for your birthday, matched pension contributions up to 3%, flexible working by agreement, reasonable expenses, and charity worker discounts.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.