Fundraising Manager

THE SOUTH WEST HERITAGE TRUST; Taunton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to strengthen our financial sustainability and grow charity fundraising activity. This is a unique opportunity to lead as our first dedicated fundraising professional, working across our heritage services.

You will identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support, and establish efficient fundraising systems to support our strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising.
• Ability to develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support.
• Establish systems and processes to support successful charity fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, developing a strong pipeline for exhibitions, learning programmes and collections work.
• Develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support to strengthen financial sustainability.
• Work within the Central Services team and report to the Head of Development and Partnerships to drive fundraising strategy.

Job description

Fundraising Manager

Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SFSalary: £39,909Hours:: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)Contract: Permanent

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) via email:
[e-mail].

Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026Interview date: Wednesday 11 November 2026