Bid Writer and Income Generation Lead (Female)

The Nelson Trust is an award winning charity supporting people affected by addiction and multiple disadvantages to build lives free from dependency. 

Alongside our residential rehabilitation services, we run Women’s Centres across the South West and Wales, supporting women experiencing challenges such as criminal justice involvement, domestic abuse, health inequalities and poverty. 

We believe that with the right support at the right time, everyone has the capacity to change. 

As Bid Writer & Income Generation Lead, you will play a vital role in securing funding that enables us to sustain and grow our services across Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wales. 

You will be responsible for writing high-quality bids, tenders and grant applications, developing new funding opportunities, and managing relationships with trusts, foundations and other key stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will have a direct impact on the long‑term sustainability of the organisation. 

Due to the nature of the work carried out in our Women’s Centres this role is restricted to female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).

The Nelson Trust is committed to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 

Hours: 35 hours per week - 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday. 

Holidays: 25 days pa plus statutory 

Pension: Auto enrolment pension (6% employer contribution) 

Location: Base location will be one of the Women’s Centres, with hybrid/home working arrangements. The role requires travel to other Nelson Trust centres across the South West. You could be based at any of the following centres: 

• Bridgwater, Somerset 

• Swindon 

• Bristol 

• Gloucester 

What you will do

• Write compelling, high quality bids, tenders and funding applications that align with funder requirements and Nelson Trust values 

• Lead income generation from trusts and foundations, delivering against agreed income targets 

• Research, identify and prioritise new funding opportunities and maintain a strong funding pipeline 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders 

• Coordinate grant handovers, reporting and compliance, ensuring outcomes and impact are clearly evidenced 

• Continuously improve bid success rates using feedback, data and learning 

• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to gather accurate service and impact information 

• Support wider fundraising activities where required 

What we offer

• Join a values driven, award winning charity making a real difference 

• Flexible hybrid working 

• A supportive and dynamic work environment. 
• Opportunities for professional development and training. 

What we are looking for

• Full UK Driving Licence 

• Demonstrable experience of successful bid writing, tenders and grant applications is desirable 

• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail 

• Good knowledge of the UK funding and commissioning landscape 

• Strong research, analytical and project management skills 

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively under pressure 

• A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong internal and external relationships 

• A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

If you are passionate about securing funding that transforms lives and want to be part of a committed, supportive organisation, we would love to hear from you. 

We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services.  While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce. 

We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society. 

This is an opportunity for new, challenging and highly rewarding experiences. Our staff make a real difference to people’s lives and in return for your commitment and enthusiasm, we offer a comprehensive training and development programme a generous pension scheme and a positive working environment.