Fundraising and Membership Manager

Who are we?

We are an award-winning zoo set in 100-acres of beautiful countryside just six miles outside Bristol.  In April 2023, after 25 years of operating successfully as a zoo and popular visitor attraction, we became a charity; our charitable aims are Conservation, Education and Wellbeing.

This is an exciting time as we launch our new strategic plan and look to grow and develop the zoo and increase our impact for the good of people and planet.

We are a friendly, inclusive and flexible employer and we're happy to work with you on a working pattern that fits with your life and other commitments.  Please get in touch if you would like to explore how this might work for you.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced fundraising professional who is looking for a new challenge and who can hit the ground running in this exciting new role.  Therefore, you will have a strong track record of professional, broad fundraising experience from a relevant charity sector along with lots of enthusiasm and creativity.

This fundraising role will have a special focus on public fundraising and developing our fast-growing community of 3,000+ members and developing and engaging this natural group of supporters.

We are looking for someone who is flexible and has experience of a wide variety of types of fundraising including community fundraising, partnerships, trusts and grants.

To be successful, you will be able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and you will be able to apply these skills across all channels including social media.  You must have the ability to initiate and develop professional relationships with a kind, but persuasive communication style.

This role will sit within our marketing team and work closely with digital marketing and the wider marketing team as well as the senior leadership team.

Days and Hours:

• We are open to flexible working patterns from between 3 to 5 days per week and hybrid working is also possible.  Please speak to us about what works for you.
• Our normal office hours are 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday but we can be flexible on hours worked to fit around other life commitments.

What you could be doing:

• Lead public fundraising campaigns working closely with our marketing team including social media campaigns and web donations.
• Identifying new funding opportunities - spot opportunities and write compelling proposals and drive ongoing engagement to increase our income to the zoo.
• Writing grant applications to relevant trusts and organisations and working with colleagues to develop projects for funding.
• Lead on fundraising through our membership and on-site fundraising including contactless payment and QR codes.
• Be a driving force for the recruitment and retention of members - growing our community of supporters.
• Communication and development of our membership community including emails, newsletters, and occasional events.
• Ensure compliance with good fundraising practices.
• Development of other fundraising initiatives as required.

Skills and Experience:

• At least 3 years working in a professional fundraising role.
• A strong tract record of leading successful fundraising campaigns.
• Ideally experience of membership or supporter development.
• Sound knowledge of the charity sector.
• Passionate about animals, wildlife, and conservation.
• Creativity and persuasion skills.
• Excellent written and vernal communication skills.
• Understanding of GDPR and data protection regulations.
• A full UK driving licence.

Salary: £32,000 per annum (full-time). 

Benefits: 

• Zoo membership for you and the family members you live with.
• Free car parking.
• Pension scheme.
• Sick pay policy (after probation).
• Discount within our zoo's gift shop and food barn.