Senior Government and Research Fundraising Manager

Soil Association

Hours
28 hours per week

Length of contract
14 months

Start date
5th October 2026

About the Organisation

Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity that works across the spectrum of human health, the environment, and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation. We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors, and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.

About the role

2026 is our 80th year and an exciting time to join the Soil Association.  We have an ambitious strategy to 2030 with inspiring, scalable projects which deliver impact across the food system.  We are seeking our Senior Government and Research Fundraising Manager to lead on significant funding opportunities through collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

We are looking for an experienced fundraiser with specific experience in securing and managing researcher-led and government funding, managing processes from horizon scanning through application to reporting and claiming and relationship stewardship. You will: 

• Be an expert in horizon scanning for relevant funding opportunities  
• Have extensive experience in managing multiple internal and external stakeholders , including senior leadership teams 
• Have a proven track record of securing and managing significant six-figure plus funding from Government and research funding sources (both UK and international)  
• Be a confident communicator with the ability to translate complex food systems and sustainability programmes into compelling, tailored applications 
• Be self-motivated, process-driven and thrive in a fast-paced environment  

Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Delivery:

• Work to the Fundraising Directorate strategy and organisational 3 - year plan to support growth in restricted and unrestricted income.
• Develop and lead a process for identifying and applying for government - funded and researcher - led funding opportunities. 

Income Generation and Relationship Management:

• Through extensive knowledge of the Trust and Statutory fundraising sector, identify and secure government - funded and researcher - led funding for strategic priorities.
• Lead on the development of significant funding applications and support the wider fundraising team with other priority funding applications.
• Develop and implement a fundraising and stewardship plan that will inspire
• Statutory funders to support the Soil Association.
• Build strong relationships with existing and prospective funders.
• Work with the senior leadership team, Board of Trustees and other stakeholders to identify and grow the prospect pool. 

Budgets and Finance:

• Work closely with the Head of Trusts and Foundations to effectively monitor team expenditure budget and income targets.
• Work closely with the wider organisational leadership team and project leads to develop accurate project budgets for applications.

Leadership:

• Lead on government - funded and researcher - led fundraising for the directorate, positively engaging with a range of internal stakeholders.
• Positively represent and raise the profile of the Soil Association, both internally and externally.
• Maintain up - to- date knowledge of code of fundraising practice and trends and insights in Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
• As a s enior member of the Fundraising Directorate, contribute to effective ways of working and support the team to deliver best practice fundraising.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Knowledge and Experience Essential:

• Proven track record of meeting key performance targets.
• Significant experience of securing 6 - 7 figure sums (ideally including UK / international government funding and researcher - led funding).
• Significant experience of high - level external representation.
• Significant experience of using multiple platforms to identify and research suitable opportunities, including effective use of a CRM as a prospect and relationship management tool.
• Significant experience of applying a due diligence process.
• Significant experience of managing a portfolio of prospects, building, maintaining and stewarding relationships.
• Significant experience of writing factual and inspiring funder reports.
• Significant experience of working to structured fundraising processes.
• Experience in establishing new processes and developing a new role.
• Excellent understanding of the UK and global fundraising environment.
• Working knowledge of fundraising best practice and legislation.

Personal Qualities & Skills:

• Results - driven and solutions - focused.
• Strategic thinker.
• Effective and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident self -starter, able to make decisions.
• A brilliant collaborator and team player.
• Able to work with people at all levels, internally and externally.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills, especially at a senior level.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Presentation and information sharing skills.
• Empathy with and understanding of the aims and objectives of the Soil Association.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software to develop budgets, proposals, presentations and reports.

Desirable:

• Organising and managing face-to-face events.
• Working knowledge of Data Protection legislation.

Compensation & Benefits

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service , plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)  
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service  
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce  
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives  
• Family-friendly policies and flexible working   
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Probationary period: 6 months
• Notice period: 2 months
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce  

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Bristol office and remotely
• Able to travel in the UK and available to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings and events.

How to apply

• Apply online to submit your  CV and Cover Letter. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.  
• For any queries, please contact [email protected]
• We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.   Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.  

Interviews

• Interviews will be held on Friday 14th August 2026 (with Wednesday 19th August reserved for 2nd stage interviews if required) 

Policies

The Soil Association and FFL are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults that we work with. In accordance with this commitment, we ensure that we follow a thorough and safe recruitment and selection process for all roles that work with children. This includes checking against the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where appropriate. Please note that if you are successful in your application to the role, any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

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