Thistle’s ambition is for a world of inclusion, free of isolation and loneliness - where a health crisis does not mean a life crisis. Working alongside the Head of Fundraising, the Trusts and Foundations Manager will play a crucial role in making this ambition a reality for people in Scotland living with the devastating diagnosis of a long-term health condition.

The main purpose of the role is to secure transformational income from charitable Grants, Trusts, Foundations and statutory bodies to sustain and grow Thistle’s Health and Wellbeing service. You will lead on and develop a funding pipeline, the writing of applications, co-ordinate reporting requirements in addition to liaising with funding partners and other key stakeholders.

If you are an experienced, creative and passionate person who wants to make a positive difference to those we support, staff and others who come into contact with Thistle, then we would love to hear from you.

Who we are

Thistle is a pioneering Scottish charity supporting people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and those facing challenging life situations to live well – on their terms. We focus on the person, not their condition, and tailor our support to their unique hopes.

It is an exciting time to join Thistle as we expand our health and wellbeing service nationally, with fundraising being crucial to achieving this ambition.

About you

Are you passionate about writing impactful funding applications, developing meaningful relationships and making a positive difference to the lives of others?

As Thistle’s Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for securing ambitious funding targets that will provide vital support to people living with long-term health conditions in Scotland. You will work closely with our service delivery teams, people we support and a variety of stakeholders.

What is most important to us is a passion for people and making a difference, excellent attention to detail, and the enthusiasm and ability to think innovatively and bring new and creative ideas.

If this is something that excites you, then we want to hear from you.

Your main responsibilities

• Growing income by executing Thistle’s Trusts and Foundations strategy
• Managing Thistle’s funding pipeline by identifying income generation prospects, securing ambitious funding targets and stewarding existing funders
• Identifying, researching prospective funders and writing high-level and compelling funding applications
• Co-ordinating and delivering report submissions
• Working closely with key stakeholders to deliver successful applications and provide comprehensive reports
• Working closely with Thistle’s Strategic Leaders, Development team and Health and Wellbeing service to identify and determine funding priorities
• Attending networking and sector events to generate new opportunities
• To perform an Ambassadorial role and be the primary contact for stakeholders including Thistle staff, funders and partner organisations
• Maintaining accurate records on Thistle’s fundraising database

Why work at Thistle?

• Covid-19 has changed how we live and work. Consequently, our team is moving to a hybrid working arrangement between home and in-person at our Centre of Wellbeing in Edinburgh
• A lively and supportive culture where you know you are making a difference every day
• Flexibility to shape your hours in a way that works best for you and the team, working around interests and commitments like childcare, hobbies etc.
• 35 days of annual leave, inclusive of bank holiday allowance (flexibility to take bank holidays or not)
• Fantastic paid for training opportunities
• Award-winning office space in Edinburgh and support for hybrid working

Are you a budding fundraiser with a passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion? Our supporters are at the heart of what we do at Deaf Action and the Fundraising Executive role offers a unique opportunity to work with our fantastic supporters daily.

We are a deaf-led charity working together for an equal and better future for all deaf people since 1835. We have a range of services which support our aim of empowering deaf people of all ages to fulfil their potential and thrive.

You will be someone experienced in fundraising, delivering first-rate supporter care and relationship building, ideally in the Third Sector. To succeed in this role, you will be a multi-tasker and a proven team player, with communication skills, a creative mind, and the ability to problem solve. You will be self-motivated and able to effectively prioritise whilst delivering excellent supporter care. This is the perfect opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who is keen to learn and develop new skills whilst advancing their career. You will have a commitment to empowering deaf people and be willing to learn British Sign Language as part of your role. The role reports to the Fundraising Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering first rate supporter stewardship to ensure that our supporters have the best fundraising experience
• act as an excellent and enthusiastic first point of contact for all fundraising queries
• proactively explore new opportunities and partnerships for community and corporate support
• supporter stewardship for third party events in Scotland
• thanking supporters and updating database in a timely manner
• delivering talks, pitches and being present at community events and cheque presentations
• manging volunteers in region and developing volunteering fundraising
• supporting with fundraising events and other events as required
• supporting and input with all campaigns, appeals and fundraising activities
• processing donations thanking supporters, and updating relevant supporter records
• maintaining mailing lists to ensure they are up to date with valid GDPR consent
• ensuring regular contact with subscribers and other mailing lists contacts
• managing administration of online fundraising tools (e.g., JustGiving) and preparing reports
• assisting with administration and promotion of fundraising campaigns
• assisting with event planning and coordination
• processing Gift Aid claims
• fundraising and event research such as event suppliers, raffle prizes, new third-party events, and contacts for corporate and community group pipelines
• sending out fundraising materials and merchandise across the team including supporter packs
• act as an ambassador for the charity

Additional responsibilities

• inbox and calendar management for shared inboxes / calendars
• providing updates to wider staff team on Development projects and progress
• acting as a first point of contact for a wide range of enquirers and supporters, always maintaining a professional approach
• taking responsibility for ensuring that full records are accurately maintained, and that data processing is in accordance with GDPR compliance

Person Specification (Essential):

• at least 2 years previous fundraising experience, either in a work or voluntary capacity
• sound understanding of fundraising practices and experience of supporter management and relationship building
• a desire to develop further experience in fundraising (particularly high value) and events
• excellent written and communication skills
• an aptitude for building rapport and developing relationships
• ability to work proactively, prioritise work and meet deadlines
• strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• ability to develop good working relationships internally and externally
• motivated collaborator
• strong research skills
• working knowledge of Office 365 packages
• willingness to learn British Sign Language
• enthusiastic about learning new skills in event management and fundraising

Person Specification (Desirable):

• knowledge or awareness of deaf issues and culture
• experience of working with CRM systems and data
• experience of managing volunteers

Applications from people with lived experience are strongly encouraged.

What’s on Offer

• entitlement to join the occupational pension scheme which has employer contributions of 5% (above the minimum requirement)
• more than the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement (32 days including bank holidays) with additional leave entitlement accruing with length of service
• access to an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
• access to the Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to a Mental Health First Aider
• access to an IT Voucher Scheme
• support for Learning and Development through our PDR process
• BSL Classes to Level 2
• a range of flexible working practices

Would you like to join an exciting and unique service for Armed Forces veterans with a vision impairment?

Our Linburn Centre in Wilkieston is an activity hub to support the independence of armed forces veterans with sight loss. We are looking for a driver to help us transport our members to and from the service. The role involves driving a variety of routes locally, assisting members use the transport safely and routine maintenance of minibuses and cars.

You must be eligible to drive a minibus (hold a D1 Licence if applicable) and have a clean current driving licence. Good time keeping and reliability are essential. The Linburn Centre will be open during daytime hours Monday-Friday, with some occasional requirement for weekend or evening work. Please note that the hours for this role are 20 per week, these will be worked over 5 days and you will be required to do split shifts, covering the morning and afternoon transport arrangements.

The post is subject to PVG Scheme Record/Update.