Grants funding officer jobs

Care workers give everything to the people they support. When life gets hard, The Care Workers' Charity is there for them - providing grants, mental health support, and a community that has their back.

We're a small, passionate team and we're growing. We're looking for a Marketing and Events Officer who's creative, organised, and ready to make their work mean something.

This is a genuinely varied role. One day you might be crafting a social media campaign, the next you're coordinating our presence at a national sector conference. You'll create content, manage our channels, write newsletters and press releases, produce video case studies, and help run events that raise both awareness and funds. You'll work closely with our Marketing and Events Manager and have real ownership over your work.

We're not looking for someone who just wants to tick boxes. We want someone who's curious, takes initiative, and cares about doing things well. Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential - what matters more is that you bring solid digital and content skills, a head for logistics, and genuine enthusiasm for the cause.

In return, you'll get a home-based role with flexible working, 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, a working from home allowance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Most importantly, you'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about what it does.

Based in England with easy rail access to London. Some travel to events and meetings required.

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Grants Officer/Coordinator
 London Hybrid (2 Days Office / 3 Days Remote)
 £16.22 per hour
 Immediate Start | Fixed-Term Contract | June - end September 2026

Are you a highly organised science graduate or research professional looking for an opportunity to support life-changing medical research?

We're recruiting for a Grants Coordinator to join a leading health research organisation on an immediate-start basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the centre of a major research funding programme, collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and patient representatives to help drive innovative research forward.

The Opportunity

You'll play a vital role in coordinating the peer review and funding process for research grant applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for applicants, reviewers, and committee members.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the peer review process for research funding applications
• Source and assign expert reviewers while managing conflicts of interest
• Act as a key point of contact for applicants, reviewers, and committee members
• Organise committee meetings, agendas, papers, and meeting logistics
• Maintain accurate records and grant documentation
• Support governance processes and committee administration
• Assist with the implementation of a grants management system
• Provide general administrative support across the research funding team

About You

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running and bring excellent organisational and communication skills.

You'll have:

• A degree in a scientific, biomedical, health, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Strong administration and project coordination experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• Research funding or grants administration
• Supporting committees, boards, or governance groups
• Patient and public involvement (PPI) activities
• Experience with grants databases or CRM systems

What's on Offer?

? Immediate start
? Hybrid working (2 days office, 3 days remote)
? £16.22 per hour
? Meaningful work supporting pioneering health research
? Exposure to leading researchers and funding programmes
? Collaborative and supportive team environment

Interested? Apply today to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation aims to deliver a successful grant-making programme that encourages strong applications from voluntary groups and charities, critically assesses them and makes recommendations to donors to distribute funds. As Grants Officer you will play a pivotal role in the programme team – assisting with marketing, planning, delivering and reporting on our grant-making programme to ensure targets are met.

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is the charity for Cambridgeshire, working towards a better quality of life for people across the county. We identify the most critical needs of local communities, raise funds and award grants to non-profit organisations that make a big impact in addressing those needs. Working at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in Cambridgeshire and be part of shaping a better future for the local community.

Cure Parkinson’s is looking for two Research Grants Officers to join its Research Team. One Grants Officer will work on pre-award grants and one Grants Officer will work on post-award grants, with some collaborative working between the two roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced team and help us as we expand our funding schemes and work to achieve our aim of funding research to slow, stop or even reverse Parkinson’s.

These roles are responsible for the administration of the grant management process including managing external reviews, communicating with funded researchers about project reports, contracting new research projects and responding to funding enquires, as well as the organisation of the Research Committee meetings and review papers. As our Research Grants Officer you will have excellent organisational skills including experience of office and team administration such as scheduling meetings and taking minutes. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and seeks to appoint a 12-month maternity cover Grants Officer.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is seeking a motivated and organised Grants Officer to help secure vital funding for nature's recovery across Yorkshire. Working closely with the Grants Manager and colleagues across the Trust, you will research funding opportunities, develop compelling grant applications and manage relationships with trusts, foundations and other grant-making organisations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a direct role in supporting conservation, community engagement and wildlife recovery projects across the region.

You will manage a portfolio of grant applications and reports, identifying and developing new funding opportunities while maintaining excellent relationships with existing funders. Working collaboratively with teams across the organisation, you will gather project information, develop persuasive funding proposals, coordinate reporting and stewardship activities, and maintain accurate records of fundraising activity. You will contribute to achieving fundraising targets and help ensure funding opportunities align with the Trust's strategic priorities.

We are looking for someone with excellent written communication skills and the ability to present complex information in a clear, compelling and engaging way. You will have experience of researching, writing or supporting funding applications, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. You should be confident building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and working collaboratively across teams. Experience of fundraising, grant-making trusts and foundations, project development, CRM databases or the environmental, charitable or conservation sector would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will share our passion for creating a wilder Yorkshire and be committed to helping secure the resources needed to achieve our vision.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: 5th July 2026 at midnight

Interview date: 24th July 2026

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We want our people to flourish, just like nature, and so we are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.

We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. This means we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. Where a post is oversubscribed (i.e. there are more candidates meeting the minimum criteria than we can offer interviews to), we will carefully balance inviting a mix of the highest scoring disabled and non-disabled applicants.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support our Grant Fundraising programme.
We are in a key point of our strategy, expanding our programmes to support more young people than ever before. To do this, we need to focus on building on the success of our grants programme to expand our income.

The role will work closely with the Head of Fundraising and Communications to build on our existing grant programme. They will focus on researching new opportunities, liaising with the delivery team for project ideas and working with them to create impact reports, and taking the lead on lower level grant applications.

This role is part funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Responsibilities

Grant Applications

• Write fundraising applications for grants under £10,000.
• Support the development of our unrestricted and core application to send to family foundations.
• Support the Head of Fundraising and Communications with larger grant applications.

Research and Prospecting

• Create pipeline of potential funders 
• Work with the delivery teams to create a list of potential projects to fund.

Stewardship

• Create and send detailed impact reports to funders on time and in line with their requirements
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with our supporters
• CRM Management

Person Specification

Experience

• Working in a similar events or fundraising role
• Working with people and building up relationships across different audiences
   

Knowledge

• Funding and charitable sectors
• Proven track record of developing and managing relationships
• Aware of opportunities in the local area
• Computer literate in MS Office
• Previous use of CRM systems

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Outstanding writing skills and ability to write clearly and concisely
• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding communication skills
• Outstanding networker capable of developing relationships
• Able to plan, prioritise and manage a varied workload
• Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines
• Able to effectively represent Youth Options and promote core brand messages
• A creative thinker who can bring fresh outlook and ideas
• Collaborative, able to work in a small, informal team

Trusts & Grants Officer

Salary:£31817 per annum

Location:Midlands Wide, Hybrid Working (2

Benefits:25 days holiday, pro-rata, 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution including Life Cover, Occupational Sick Pay Benefits & Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Leave and Pay, plus more

Reporting to: Trusts, Grants & Foundations Fundraising Manager

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands. Learn more here or read our latest Annual Report Snapshot by going to our website.

The Role

The Trusts & Grants Officer is responsible for delivering income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders through proactive prospect research, high quality applications, relationship management and timely reporting, contributing directly to FareShare Midlands’ income targets and growth plans.

Trusts & Grants Delivery

• Manage a portfolio of trust, foundation and grant funders
• Writing applications and reports
• Budget management for restricted funds
• Working with FSM and FSUK colleagues on bids
• Build strong relationships with programme officers, grant managers, funding panels.
• Managing restricted funding compliance
• Coordinating evaluation and evidence collection for funder reports
• Monitoring funder requirements and deadlines

Pipeline Development & Prospect Research

• Identify a pipeline of new opportunities in trusts, grants, foundations and corporate to secure new income for FareShare Midlands
• Maintain a rolling 12 to 18 month pipeline
• Regular prospect research using databases (e.g. funds online, the charity commission website, idox etc)
• Prioritising opportunities by value, likelihood and strategic fit
• Assisting on project development working with colleagues to build in the needs and preferences of funders to ensure projects can attract support

Funder Stewardship & Reporting

• Professional stewardship of trusts and foundations funders
• Managing funder communications in line with grant agreements
• Working with the stewardship officer and comms team to identify and develop impact stories and relevant data.

Communication

• Writing funder-facing materials
• Ensuring clarity, evidence and compliance in all submissions
• Coordinating case studies and impact data for bids

Compliance, Monitoring & Administration

 Application tracker ownership

• Reporting calendar management
• Income forecasting for trusts & grants
• Document management for funder requirements

You will be successful in this role by:

• Consistently securing income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders in line with agreed targets
• Maintaining a strong, well-researched pipeline of trust and grant opportunities
• Submitting high-quality funding applications and reports to deadline
• Achieving a healthy success rate across applications through strong prospecting and proposal quality
• Ensuring full compliance with restricted funding requirements
• Building positive, professional relationships with funding partners
• Providing accurate income forecasting and pipeline reporting
• Bringing creativity and passion in communicating FSM’s central mission to inspire funders to support us.

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of restricted funding
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong analytical and written skills
• Confidence working with budgets and impact data
• Experience of supporting or developing fundraising partnerships and maximising fundraising opportunities
• Experience of securing gifts from trusts, grants and foundations
• Experience in writing compelling funding applications and impact reporting
• Experience in prospecting for new business and stewarding donors face to face
• Willingness to work flexibly including events and occasional weekends.
• To subscribe to the ethos, vision and mission of FareShare Midlands
• Full clean driving license and have access to a vehicle so that travel between depots or to stakeholder meetings is possible (all travel costs reimbursed)

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Knowledge of trust, grant and foundation fundraising, particularly around restricted funding
• Excellent communication skills, good persuading skills and good writing skills
• Excellent numeracy skills and use of Excel
• Good relationship building skills, both inside and outside an organisation
• Ability to work to meet objectives and deadlines
• Ability and experience of working well in a team

Values and behaviours 

• A commitment to Equal Opportunities
• An appreciation of FareShare Midlands’ mission and vision
• Flexibility of approach and ability to work in a team
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relations, with both internal and external audiences

How to Apply:

If you would like to apply for this role, please create a supporting statement to demonstrate your suitability and to explain your interest in both the job and FareShare Midlands. Please send your supporting statement with a copy of your CV.

We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands. 

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 24th June 2026. 

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We’re looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Trusts & Grants Fundraising Officer to join our Philanthropy Team and help bring Thrive’s mission to life. This role is all about producing compelling, high-quality funding applications and reports that help secure income to support Thrive’s work across the UK.

If you have strong writing and organisational skills, an eye for detail, and want to make a real impact within a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information and full JD please refer to the attachement below. 

#Trusts and Grants Fundraising #Trusts and Grants #Fundraising # Fundraising officer #Funding #Grants Fundraising 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client with the recruitment of a Grant Programmes Manager.

The organisation is a charitable foundation that brings together local donors with voluntary and community organisations to enable positive, sustainable change across Surrey. Through strategic grant-making, research, and long-term partnerships, the organisation supports initiatives that address local needs and help communities to thrive.

This role is available on a permanent basis and can be either full-time or part-time. The salary range is £29,000–£40,000 FTE, depending on experience. This is a role with flexible working arrangements, all staff attend the Woking office on Mondays and with the option to work remotely on other days.

As the Grant Programmes Manager, you will report to the Deputy Director of Grants & Programmes and play a key role in designing, delivering, and evaluating targeted funding programmes such as our Heritage for All, Clearer Care and Mental Health scale Up Fund Programmes. You will work closely with colleagues across Grants, Programmes, Development, and Communications teams to steward donor relationships and ensure that their funding reaches the communities where it will have the greatest impact.

You will manage the end‑to‑end delivery of funding programmes. You will engage with voluntary and community organisations, public sector partners, and donors to shape programme design and share learning. You may also be required to line manage a Grants Officer or Administrator providing support on programme delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will be a proactive and highly organised individual with experience managing the full lifecycle of grant or funding programmes. You will have strong project management skills, excellent attention to detail, confidence interpreting complex information and communicating this to a range of audiences.

You will bring a friendly, professional approach and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of stakeholders, from grassroots community groups to donors and trustees. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities and working both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team. You will have strong digital skills and experience using Microsoft Office.

Experience working in the charity or voluntary sector is desirable. Additional desirable experience includes, familiarity with CRM systems, experience working with communities within Surrey, and an interest in supportive grant‑making practices such as IVAR principles of open and transparent grant-making.

How To Apply
To apply, please submit your CV in Word format in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact George Cook at Prospectus.
 

We are recruiting two permanent Funding Officers in the South West: one full-time and one 0.9FTE (33.5 hours per week). Funding Officers in these roles will primarily be part of a South West regional team delivering our Reaching Communities programme, with opportunities to be involved with other programmes and aspects of the Fund’s wider operations as they arise. As a Funding Officer for the National Lottery Community Fund you will be integral to supporting the organisation to deliver our strategy It Starts With Community.  

These roles will contribute to ensuring that vital funding reaches communities and projects who need it most in our region. As a Funding Officer you will work as part of our South West regional team, working day-to-day alongside fellow Funding Officers, supported by a Funding Manager.

Across the two posts we are looking for people who will provide support across the region, with a focus on developing relationships and being a key point of contact for either Exeter & East Devon or Swindon & Wiltshire.

Ideally (but not essentially) you will live in or near one of these areas and have good knowledge of the respective local area.

The Funding Officer role is classed as mobile working which means you will be expected to work from home primarily and visit various locations across the region, as needed. The ability to drive and have access to a vehicle is therefore beneficial, although not essential.

Responsibilities & Expectations of the Role

• You will assess applications for funding and manage grants using local knowledge, best practice and thematic expertise and you will harness the experience of customers and stakeholders to improve our grant making and inform our decision making.
   
• Being responsible for supporting local people and communities, you will have a strong understanding of our vision, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and our funding products.
   
• Being responsible for a pipeline of projects you will need to understand and respond to the different needs of our customers by providing advice and considered feedback, and be willing to have challenging but constructive conversations.
   
• You will ensure that both grant management and application assessment play an effective part in contributing to the Fund’s knowledge and learning as a grant maker. You will manage your own caseload, liaise with grant recipients, undertake project visits, identify and manage risk, support organisations to meet their grant requirements and measure their impact.
   
• You will be an active and integral member of the South West regional team, as well as the wider hub and Fund. You will contribute your skills, knowledge and expertise to a range of work and programmes as need arises. Within an organisation and sector experiencing on-going change, an agile & flexible approach to the role will be essential for success.
   
• You will represent the Fund, including at funding fairs and external meetings, creating opportunities for people to come together. You will share learning from your role with other colleagues so that we can maximise our impact.
   
• You will need to work within the Fund’s policies and procedures and relevant legislation, and in a way that is in line with our vision and values.

We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The SW regional office is in Exeter.

Interview details: 

• Date: 29th & 30th June 2026

• Format: Face-to-face

• Location: SW Regional Office, Exeter

We will be hosting a briefing session on Monday 1st June, 12pm. To register for the session or for any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team.

If you would like an informal conversation about the Funding Officer role, please contact the recruitment team.

How to Apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (max 1,000 words) to align with the criteria below. We will use this to score your application. 

Essential criteria  

• Communication skills: Strong listening, written and verbal communication with an emphasis on written communication for assessment purposes. 
   
• Analytical skills: Ability to assess a high volume of applications, make good judgements, challenge when appropriate and manage risk. 
   
• Relational skills: Ability to build, develop and promote effective relationships with colleagues, community organisations and other external agencies with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.
   
• Organisational skills: An ability to use your initiative and manage your own workload and time, meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
   
• Lived experience or working knowledge of the needs and priorities of communities in and across the SW, especially under-represented groups plus an understanding of the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
   
• Values driven and passionate about the Fund’s purpose.

Desirable criteria  

• Demonstrable sound IT skills, in particular Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn detailed processes quickly and accurately. 
   
• Understanding of financial planning and business plans, ability to analyse accounts and numerical data.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions. 

Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.  The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.

Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.

Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members.  Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News.  We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support.  We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.

After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.

Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
• Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy,  and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
• Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
• Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
• Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions.  This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
• Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
• Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
• Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.

Person specification 

Essential criteria

• An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
• Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
• Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
• A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
• Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
• Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within  financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
• An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.

Other information

Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

About us:

Drinkaware is a leading charity concerned with reducing harm from alcohol. We do this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice, and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol harms; and working in partnership with others to deliver behaviour change through our tools and interventions. The Trust is funded primarily through voluntary, unrestricted donations from alcohol producers, wholesalers, and on- and off-trade retailers, but acts entirely independently.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a role where no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you.

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About the role:

As a Research Officer, you’ll play an important role in strengthening how we use data and evidence across the organisation. Working within our Insights team, you’ll support the generation, analysis, and application of research to inform decision-making, improve programmes, and enhance our impact.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting evidence reviews and producing clear, accessible briefings.
• Supporting analysis of survey data and contributing to high-quality research reports.
• Assisting with the design and delivery of primary research, including surveys and evaluations.
• Helping colleagues across the organisation to understand and apply data and evidence in their work.
• Reviewing website content to ensure it is accurate, well-sourced, and accessible.
• Supporting the development of presentations and materials for internal and external audiences.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with both data and people, and who wants to see research translated into meaningful real-world outcomes.

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About you:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. You’ll bring:

• A MSc level degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area, with knowledge of research methods and basic statistical techniques.
• Experience working with qualitative and quantitative data in Excel and in programs such as SPSS, or R.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to present findings to a range of audiences.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, alongside strong organisational skills.

An interest in behaviour change, impact measurement, or emerging tools such as AI is welcomed but not essential. If you meet most of the criteria and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

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Why join us?

At Drinkaware, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. You’ll enjoy:

• Hybrid Working (two days a week in the office)
• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Bupa health cover
• Matched company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Wellbeing and learning grants
• Perks and discounts platform

…and more.

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Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us work together to reduce alcohol harm across the UK.

For full information please refer to the attached job description, our applicant privacy policy and read more about Drinkaware on our website.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

• Closing date: midday, Wednesday 24 June 2026

We encourage early applications, as this role may close ahead of the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, to ensure each application can be considered fairly.

Expected Interview dates:

• In person at our Moorgate offices – 10/13 July 2026
• Interviews will include a task where you’ll be asked to present findings from primary research you have conducted

Apply for this post by clicking on the 'Apply' link.  You should submit an up-to-date CV and a brief covering letter (maximum two pages) that outlines how you meet the requirements outlined in the 'About You' section in the Job Description and what you would bring to Drinkaware.

Applications are reviewed by our team, and we value authentic, personal responses. While Ai tools can be helpful, we encourage you to ensure your application reflects your own voice and experience

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all communities. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

No agency support is required