Job Title: Marketing and Fundraising Officer

Reference: FM-01
Contract Type: Part-Time (21 hours per week)
Salary: £28,000 FTE
Location: Root Connections CIC, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, BA3 4QF
Reports to: CEO

About Root Connections CIC

Root Connections is a values-driven Community Interest Company working from a beautiful rural farm in Somerset. We support individuals experiencing homelessness, isolation, or social disadvantage through meaningful opportunities for reconnection, rehabilitation and recovery.

At the heart of our organisation is a 1.5-acre community market garden that provides fresh, chemical-free vegetables and flowers for local veg box and flower schemes. Alongside this sits The Dairy House, a residential hostel providing a safe and supportive environment for people to rebuild their lives.

We believe in the healing power of land, food and human connection. To help us sustain and grow this important work, we are looking for a passionate and proactive Fundraiser and Marketing Officer to join our team.

Role Purpose

This exciting new role will lead on developing and delivering fundraising and marketing strategies that raise the profile of Root Connections CIC and secure sustainable income. You will be responsible for strengthening donor engagement, developing compelling communications, writing successful funding bids, and building strong relationships with individual supporters, partners and grant-giving organisations.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

Identify and pursue income opportunities including grants, trusts, foundations, corporate sponsorship, and individual giving.
Write compelling funding proposals, reports, and grant applications tailored to funder requirements and deadlines.
Maintain a fundraising pipeline and calendar of opportunities.
Work closely with colleagues to identify projects and impact stories that align with fundraising goals.
Steward relationships with funders and donors through timely communication and updates.

Marketing & Communications

Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy to raise awareness of Root Connections’ mission, services and social enterprises.
Manage content creation for digital and print platforms including social media, newsletters, website, and press releases.
Develop and maintain Root Connections’ brand identity across all channels.
Create marketing materials to support our veg box scheme, flower subscriptions, wellbeing hub, events, and volunteering programme.
Work with the team to plan and promote seasonal campaigns, open days, and fundraising events.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

Proven experience in fundraising and/or marketing roles.
Demonstrable success in securing income from a variety of sources (e.g. grants, donations, crowdfunding).
Excellent writing skills with the ability to craft persuasive funding applications and engaging communications.
Confident with social media platforms, content creation tools, and basic design.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines.
Passion for community, social justice and the values of Root Connections.

Desirable

Experience working in the non-profit or social enterprise sector.
Familiarity with CRM tools or supporter databases.
Knowledge of homelessness, mental health, or rural disadvantage issues.
Ability to use basic design software (e.g. Canva, Adobe Express) and email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp).

What We Offer