Job Vacancies

Job Title: Business Development Manager 

Location: Hybrid (Monday & Wednesday office days in Aust).  Happy to discuss other working options. 

Role Type: 24-month fixed term contract with possibility of extension, 37.5hrs pw preferred but would consider 30hrs pw  

Salary: £40,000 pro rata 

Start date: ASAP 

Context and background: 

There are 1.5 million children and young people with a disability (CYPD) in the UK.  Over 3/4 cannot access regular leisure facilities which massively impacts their health and well-being. Furthermore, the impact of living with a disability can have a significant impact on the wider family, with over 72% of parents reporting mental health challenges and over two thirds saying they feel isolated some or all of the time.  

Gympanzees’ mission is simple. We want all children and young people living with any disability to have access to high-quality, fully inclusive leisure facilities so that they can enjoy fun, fitness, and friendships and support their families out of isolation.     

Sounds simple, but it’s a huge task.  There is nowhere in the UK like this. Anywhere. At all.  But we’re changing that, and we want you to join us! 

Since 2018 we’ve been hosting Pop Up’s during easter and summer months, across Bristol, in various special schools which has seen us welcome over 23,500 visitors.  Each one has helped hone and improve our delivery model, and longer-term plans.  These Pop Ups have seen some incredible firsts, including: 

• A 6-year-old taking their first steps 

• A 12-year-old sleeping through the night for the first time 

• A 3-year-old having his first laugh 

• An 18-year-old standing independently for the first time 

Families have travelled from all over the country to enjoy the Pop Ups, some covering 6-hour journeys just for their afternoon of fun! 

During COVID we quickly adapted our offer to include a Lending Library which continues to this day, offering nearly 300 items of specialist equipment, free of charge. 

In 2023 we purchased a new site to develop into a permanent home which will open in summer 2026.  Redevelopment is underway, and so too is an £8 million campaign to support this extraordinary project. 

This will be a game changer for the children and families we support.  Truly transformational and life-changing.   Want to be part of it? 

Where you’d fit in 

Gympanzees is a growing team which currently consists of 16 people.  The fundraising team consists of 6 people.  This role is a crucial member of the fundraising team and will be delivering on a vital income stream that is both financially and strategically significant for the capital project.  Overseeing a total income budget in the region of £1.4m across Corporate, Events and Groups fundraising, this role will lead and deliver on the strategy to identify, engage and steward key supporters from across these income streams, with a heavy focus on our corporate partnerships. 

Job description 

As the Business Development Manager, you will play a pivotal role in securing vital income from across the corporate partnerships funding stream, whilst leading a small team to maximise their own fundraising efforts from across small events and group fundraising.  

This position is ideal for someone with proven experience delivering the above and especially those with capital campaign experience, but this is not a pre-requisite.  The main focus is on developing new business through corporate relationships. 

You’ll be tasked with distilling complex information into compelling narratives that effectively convey our mission and objectives while aligning with a corporate partners CSR and ESG strategy.  Energy, confidence and excellent communication skills are essential.  

To do this you will need to use your experiences of identifying, developing and winning new corporate support utilising and developing our Corporate Champion scheme, Charity of The Year as well as commercial & strategic opportunities. 

Your approach will be highly organised and methodical to ensure effective and efficient processes lead to meaningful corporate partnerships.   

At Gympanzees, we offer a working environment that enables everyone to perform at their best with flexible hours and remote working options to suit your home life. The role is hybrid with time split between our office at Aust and home working. We are open to discussing working patterns that work best for you whilst keen for you to be an active team member. 

Main Responsibilities – include but are not limited to. 

• Utilising your expertise and corporate partnerships knowledge to identify, develop, engage and win corporate partnerships to help deliver Gympanzees mission.  

• To be accountable for meeting and exceeding annual income targets and key performance indicators. 

• To monitor and evaluate income against budget, taking corrective action as required.   

• To develop a fully researched and engaged prospect pipeline of five, six and seven figure prospects for short, medium and long term opportunities. 

• To help maintain a comprehensive Charity of the Year Calendar. 

• To play a key role in maximising income for Gympanzees from existing commercial partnerships and relationships, with high quality proactive support and development.  

• To work collaboratively across Gympanzees to maximise the potential value of corporate support, such as assisting Gift in Kind and budget alleviating opportunities relating to the redevelopment of the permanent site. 

• Line management and support of one corporate & events fundraising officer who stewards our corporate partners and oversee a small events calendar.  

• Line management and support of one fundraising administrator who provides admin support across fundraising, Just Giving reporting, direct comms with groups and individual supporters, whilst also delivering discrete projects such as pieces of research.    

• Ensure that our database and supporter information systems are updated on a regular basis in line with Data Protection legislation and Gympanzees policy and procedures to ensure all records are up-to-date and accurate. 

Please demonstrate to us you are, or have:

1. Experience of researching and engaging with key decision makers within a corporate environment including but not limited to C-suit and CSR/ESG leads. 
2. Experience of working with and through senior volunteers and committee members. 
3. Experience of success in delivering five, six and seven figure relationships. 
4. Experience of account management or partnership management within charity or private sector. 
5. Ability to work under pressure and manage a varied and competing workload using initiative and creativity to problem solve and deliver success.  
6. Excellent written and verbal communications skills to analyse, interpret and present complex information in a clear and persuasive way for a wide range of audiences (including senior) to inspire support. 
7. Proficiency in using Windows based software packages, MS Teams, and CRM databases. 
8. An independent, outgoing, and confident individual, who is results orientated, working on their own initiative, whilst also being a compassionate and supportive line manager who can create the environment for their team to thrive and deliver.  
9. Proven ability in accurate financial record keeping and assimilating and presenting data in a clear and accessible format. 
10. Strong business acumen and understanding of how different sectors and organisation might want to engage with a charity.

We also expect everyone who works for Gympanzees to exhibit a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion of all people from all backgrounds and share our passion for Gympanzees’ mission to build the first leisure centre of its kind in the UK.   

What’s in it for you 

At Gympanzees we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Our mission is to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our community and its employees. We are a hugely passionate and driven team; our jobs are more than work. As a small team, every opinion is valued, and we encourage risk and learning to make us as good as we can be.  

We offer 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing 1 day each year you are part of the team, up to 30 days. In addition, everyone is given their birthday off.

We also offer a healthcare plan that you can use to reclaim cash against Dental appointments and treatment, Opticians, Therapy and Specialist Consultations. 
Employee Assistance Programme. 
Training opportunities. 
NEST pension. 

Gympanzees is committed to promoting diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups (e.g., Disabled people, people from ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people). As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to all applicants who meet our essential criteria. 

To apply, please send a short covering letter explaining why you should be considered for the role, linking your experience to those listed above. We are also happy to accept your cover letter in video format. 

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. If successful, you will be asked to provide the names of two referees who have known you for at least two years preferably in a professional context. This can include employers, colleagues, teachers, tutors, support workers, community leaders, a child’s teacher, or a member of a hobby or exercise group you belong to.   

Our commitment to safeguarding 

At Gympanzees, we take very seriously our responsibilities for the safety and welfare of the people who use our services, our volunteers, staff, and the organisation as a whole. 

All applicants successful at the interview will be asked to disclose unspent convictions under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended in 2013). 

If you would like this document in any other format or if you are experiencing difficulties applying, please get in touch by email, phone or in writing. 

For more information or an informal chat about the role, please contact Emily Thorn on 07551615969 or contact Sally Howse at sally@gympanzees.org

Address: Gympanzees, Brightside Park, Aust, BS35 4BL 

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager : Trusts and Statutory

Location: Hybrid (Monday & Wednesday office days). Happy to discuss other working options.

Role Type: 24-month fixed term contract with possibility of extension, 37.5hrs pw preferred, but would consider 30hrs pw

Salary: £40,000  

Start date: ASAP 

Context and background:

There are 1.5 million children and young people with a disability (CYPD) in the UK. Over three quarters cannot access regular leisure facilities which massively impacts their health and well-being. Furthermore, the impact of living with a disability can have a significant impact on the wider family, with over 72% of parents reporting mental health challenges and over two thirds saying they feel isolated some or all of the time.

Gympanzees’ mission is simple. We want all children and young people living with a disability to have access to high-quality, fully inclusive leisure facilities so that they can enjoy fun, fitness, and friendships and support their families out of isolation.

Sounds simple, but it’s a huge task. There is nowhere in the UK like this. Anywhere. At all. But we’re changing that, and we want you to join us!

Since 2018 we’ve been hosting Pop Up’s during easter and summer months, across Bristol, in various special schools which has seen us welcome over 23,500 visitors. Each one has helped hone and improve our delivery model, and longer-term plans. These Pop Ups have seen some incredible firsts, including:

• A 6 year old taking their first steps
• A 12 year old sleeping through the night for the first time
• A 3 year old having his first laugh
• An 8 year old rolling over for the first time

Families have travelled from all over the country to enjoy the Pop Ups, some covering 6- hour journeys just for their afternoon of fun!

During COVID we quickly adapted our offer to include a Lending Library which continues to this day, offering nearly 300 items of specialist equipment, free of charge.

In 2023 we purchased a new site to develop into a permanent home which will open in summer 2026. Redevelopment is underway, and so too is an £8 million campaign to support this extraordinary project.

This will be a game changer for the children and families we support. Truly transformational and life changing. Want to be part of it?

Where you’d fit in Gympanzees is a growing team which currently consists of 16. The fundraising team consists of 6 people. This role is a crucial member of the fundraising team and will be delivering on a vital income stream that is both financially and strategically significant for the capital project.

Job Description:

As the Senior Fundraising Manager for Trusts and Statutory, you will play a pivotal role in securing vital income from across these funding streams, whilst leading a small team to maximise their own fundraising efforts from similar sources.

This position is ideal for someone with proven experience in researching and crafting successful grant applications from both traditional grants as well as local and national statutory source. It will especially appeal to those with capital campaign experience but is not a pre-requisite.

You’ll be tasked with distilling complex information into compelling narratives that effectively convey our mission and objectives while aligning with grant requirements. Excellent copywriting skills are essential, as you’ll need to create engaging and informative content that tells our story authentically and passionately.

Your approach will be highly organised and methodical to ensure accuracy and compliance with grant briefs. Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, you’ll collaborate closely with a high-level fundraising team to maximize funding opportunities and drive positive impact. Additionally, you shall line manager the Trust and Foundations Manager.

At Gympanzees, we offer a working environment that enables everyone to perform their best with flexible hours and remote working options to suit your home life. The role is hybrid with time split between our office at Aust and home working. We are open to discussing working patterns that work best for you whilst keen for you to be an active team member.

Main Responsibilities: 

Include but are not limited to.

1. Grant identification and Research: Conduct thorough research to identify potential grant and statutory funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources aligned with Gympanzees’ mission and projects.
2. Grant Proposal Development: Lead the development of compelling grant proposals, including conducting needs assessments, defining project objectives, outlining budgets, and articulating impact metrics.
3. Grant Application Process: Manage the end-to-end grant application process, including drafting, editing, and submitting grant proposals within deadlines, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
4. Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing and potential funders, including government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and corporate partners, to enhance funding prospects and collaboration opportunities.
5. Budgeting and Financial Management: Collaborate with the finance team to develop project budgets, monitor spending against grants, and ensure accurate financial reporting to funders.
6. Grant Compliance: Ensure compliance with grant agreements, reporting requirements, and regulatory guidelines, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to fulfill reporting obligations.
7. Grant Performance Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of grant-funded projects, collecting and analyzing data to assess outcomes and inform future funding strategies.
8. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with program managers, finance staff, and other team members to align funding strategies with organizational priorities and project needs.
9. Knowledge Sharing: Stay informed about trends and best practices in grant funding and statutory funding opportunities relevant to Gympanzees’ mission and share insights with the team.
10. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the organization’s grant-seeking efforts and overall fundraising strategy.

Management of Grants and Trust Officer and grants consultants that we are working with.

Skills you’ll need:

1. Proven experience in grant writing, fundraising, or development, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
2. Strong understanding of grant funding mechanisms, including government, foundation, and statutory funding programs.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive grant proposals and communicate complex ideas effectively.
4. Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure when needed.
5. Financial acumen, including budget development, financial reporting, and grant compliance.
6. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a results-oriented approach to achieving funding targets.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and grant management software platforms.
8. Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
9. Passion for Gympanzees’ mission to be the first leisure centre of its kind in the UK.

What’s in it for you:

At Gympanzees we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Our mission is to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our community and its employees. We are a hugely passionate and driven team; our jobs are more than work. As a small team, every opinion is valued, and we encourage risk and learning to make us as good as we can be.

We offer 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing 1 day each year you are part of the team, up to 30 days. In addition, everyone is given their birthday off.

We also offer a healthcare plan that you can use to reclaim cash against Dental appointments and treatment, Opticians, Therapy and Specialist Consultations.

Employee Assistance Programme.

Training opportunities.

Sick pay.

NEST pension.

Gympanzees is committed to promoting diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups (e.g., Disabled people, people from ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people). As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to all applicants who meet our essential criteria.

To apply, please send a short covering letter explaining why you should be considered for the role, linking your experience to those listed above. We are also happy to accept your cover letter in video format.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. If successful, you will be asked to provide the names of two referees who have known you for at least two years preferably in a professional context. This can include employers, colleagues, teachers, tutors, support workers, community leaders, a child’s teacher, or a member of a hobby or exercise group you belong to.

Our commitment to safeguarding;

At Gympanzees, we take very seriously our responsibilities for the safety and welfare of the people who use our services, our volunteers, staff, and the organisation as a whole.

All applicants successful at the interview will be asked to disclose unspent convictions under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended in 2013).

If you would like this document in any other format or if you are experiencing difficulties applying, please get in touch by email, phone or in writing.

For more information or an informal chat about the role, please contact Emily Thorn on 07551615969 or Sally Howse at sally@gympanzees.org

Address: Gympanzees, Brightside Park, Aust, BS35 4BL