Philanthropy and Marketing Director
About us
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.
We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.
For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.
By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.
SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.
The opportunity
There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset
As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.
This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.
We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.
The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.
This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities.
Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.
Recruitment timeline
Closing date: Midnight, Wednesday 7 January 2026
First interviews (in person in Shepton Mallet): Monday 19 January 2026
Second interviews (online): Monday 26 January 2026
Handover day: We would love the successful candidate to spend a handover day with our current Philanthropy and Marketing Director during the week of 9 February 2026. We recognise this is likely to be before the new appointment starts but feel this will be particularly helpful for ensuring a smooth handover of the team and key relationships. We will offer payment or time off in lieu for this.
How to apply
To apply, please send us a CV along with a covering letter. Please clearly outline your experience and how you meet the requirements of the role within your covering letter. If you do not include a covering letter with your CV, your application will not be considered.
Please send this by email to apply@somersetcf.org.uk
If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Kelly Hall, Operations Director kelly.hall@somersetcf.org.uk to book a time to speak with us.
Is this role perfect for you?
The Details
Hours
30–37.5 hours per week (to be agreed)
Salary
£50,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience)
Length of Contract
Permanent
Apply By
Midnight, Wednesday 7 January 2026
Interviews
Interviews are likely to take place on Monday 19 January 2026 in person at our office on the Bath and West Showground.
Questions?
If you’d like to have a chat with us about the role, please email: info@somersetcf.org.uk to book a time to speak with one of our team