Grants manager jobs

Prospectus is excited to be partnering with our client in the search for a new Grants Officer to join their collaborative team.

The organisation is an independent charitable foundation that aims to build partnerships and invest in communities to make lasting change so local residents can access the wealth of opportunities that surround them. For 35 years they have been supporting communities and local charities in the East End of London.

This Grants Officer role is available on a permanent contract and full-time basis (35 hours a week). This is a hybrid role, where the foundation would like the postholder to attend the Isle of Dogs office two days a week in East London, with Wednesday being a core office day. The salary banding for this role is £28,000-£32,000 (dependent on level of experience).

In this role, you will report to the Head of Grants and Programmes and support the development, management, and promotion of the foundation's grants programmes. You will manage a portfolio of grants, provide guidance to applicants and grantees, assess grant applications, and conduct due diligence to inform funding recommendations.

You will monitor funded projects, ensure timely reporting and validate project delivery. You will maintain accurate records on Salesforce. You will support donor engagement, ensure reporting aligns with CSR goals, review end-of-grant reports, and contribute to annual programme reporting. You will help deliver funding workshops and community events. You will assist with developing systems, policies, and communication tools for grant making. You will stay up to date on best practices in grant making and contribute to continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience of the grant making process. You could be a trust and foundations fundraiser wanting to make the transition to grants officer, or a grants administrator or officer seeking to progress further in your career. While training and support will be provided you must understand what makes a good funding application, and an ability to critically review proposals, in order to make appropriate recommendations.   
 
You will have experience or understanding of working within the voluntary sector and needs of communities in the East-End of London. You will have a strong eye for detail and experience gathering, recording information, and presenting to audiences. 

You will be a strong communicator, who can develop relationships with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences. You will be able to work on your own initiative and within a small team. You will have excellent IT literacy and administrative skills.
 
Desirably, you will have experience using Salesforce CRM, managing budgets, knowledge of participatory grant making, and public speaking.

Location: York, Potteric Carr or Stirley
Department: Fundraising
Salary: £25,624 to £27,696 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent

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

Do you have a flair for writing compelling funding bids and building lasting relationships with funders? Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is looking for a motivated Grants Officer to join our fundraising team and help secure vital income to support nature’s recovery across Yorkshire.

In this varied role, you’ll be responsible for managing a portfolio of grant applications and reports, researching new opportunities, and nurturing relationships with existing funders. Working closely with the Grants Manager and colleagues across the Trust, you’ll develop strong cases for support and ensure timely, accurate reporting that meets funder requirements.

Alongside excellent written communication skills, strong organisational ability, and a collaborative approach, you’ll have experience in fundraising, bid writing or a similar role. Above all we’re seeking a proactive individual who can turn opportunities into successful outcomes.

In return, you’ll join a passionate and supportive team, enjoy flexible working, and make a real difference by helping to secure funding that delivers lasting benefits for Yorkshire’s wildlife and people.

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: Sunday 16 November 2025 (midnight).
Interview date: Friday 28th November (in York).

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

REF-224 783

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking to expand our services supporting families and individuals and extend our reach across Birmingham, the Black Country, and surrounding areas. This new Operations Manager role is central to these plans.

As Operations Manager, working closely with the CEO, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of organisation across our 2 main premises and in other community venues.   You will manage the admin and appointments functions and ensure our services run smoothly, consistently, and with a focus on quality, sustainability, and user experience. 

Initially, the role will be hands-on and operational, with responsibility for recruiting and training administrative staff, fully re-opening our 2 main premises, and transitioning to a hybrid model of online and face-to-face counselling. You will also support the implementation of updated policies, procedures, and new online appointment and case management systems.

As the organisation grows, there is significant opportunity for development, allowing you to contribute to how our services are delivered, strengthen our team, and help us meet the increasing need for our services.

Based at our Birmingham office, this role will require some flexibility in working hours to meet service needs, including working at other centres from time to time.

What you’ll do

· Oversee day-to-day operations across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and community venues.

· Lead and manage the administration team, including recruitment, training, and volunteer coordination.

· Manage appointments, service utilisation, waiting times, and payments.

· Streamline processes and systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and client experience.

· Support implementation of new technology, online appointments, and case management systems.

· Ensure premises are safe, functional, and fit-for-purpose.

· Monitor service performance, budgets, and KPIs; prepare reports for management and funders.

· Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.

· Work closely with service managers and the CEO to align operations with strategic goals.

· Ensure compliance with HR, health & safety, and organisational policies.

What we’re looking for

· Proven experience in operational management, ideally in third sector, health, or community services.

· Strong administrative experience and ability to oversee budgets, KPIs, and performance.

· Experience designing and embedding processes, policies, and systems.

· Confident in implementing technology and using data to drive decisions.

· Experience managing premises and creating safe, functional environments.

· Understanding of client journeys and accessibility, with experience improving engagement and service utilisation.

· Knowledge of HR and health & safety, with experience managing staff wellbeing and compliance.

· Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to inclusion and equity.

About Kapella

Kapella’s mission is to build better relationships and improve the wellbeing of families and individuals. We provide accessible and affordable services, including counselling, family mediation, training, and domestic abuse programmes across Birmingham and the Black Country. Our work includes self-paying clients as well as funded projects delivered through contracts, grants, and partnerships.

Why join Kapella?

Play a key role in expanding essential services to families and individuals across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Be part of a passionate, supportive, and values-driven team.
Significant opportunity to shape operational processes and grow into a senior leadership role.
25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, pension, CPD and staff wellbeing support.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how you meet the requirements of the role. 

Closing date: Wednesday 5 November 2025.

Kapella is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location: Birmingham Office (with travel to Wolverhampton and other community venues)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) – 4 days considered for the right candidate
 

Trusts and Grants Fundraiser

Service: Business Development

Salary:

•     Starting at £32,635 FTE per annum, rising to £36,158
•     Additionally, £3,866 Inner London Weighting FTE per annum OR
•    Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Location: Head Office, London / Hybrid or Homebased

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week).

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contact: Permanent

Family Action & the role’s impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trusts and Grants Fundraiser to join our Trusts and Grants team. You will play a vital role securing funding from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory sources to support Family Action’s work across the UK.

Main Responsibilities:

• Secure and grow income from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory funders, targeting 5- and 6-figure grants to support Family Action’s strategic priorities.
• Develop multi-year and partnership funding opportunities to strengthen long-term income sustainability.
• Manage and expand a portfolio of existing and prospective funders, cultivating strong and lasting relationships through effective stewardship and communication.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

• Two-years experience of fundraising from trusts, foundations and statutory sources.
• Demonstrated success in securing 5 and 6- figure grants.

Benefits:

• an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form

·  Closing Date: Monday 3rd November 2025 at 11.59pm

Appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate to the role.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. 

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. 

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

Trust and Foundations Manager  £38,250 Full time remote

Are you passionate about securing funding that transforms girls' lives? We're looking for a strategic and organised Trusts and Foundations Manager to maintain and expand our trusts and foundations portfolio at GFS. You'll lead the full fundraising lifecycle from prospect research and compelling application writing to grant management, reporting and stewardship, while embedding our fundraising strategy and building values-aligned partnerships. 

About Girls Friendly Society 

Established in 1875, GFS is one of the oldest UK registered charities working to support girls and young women. We believe in challenging gender inequality by empowering girls and young women. We achieve this by providing groups and opportunities for girls and young women to build friendships, gain confidence, and learn that they are unstoppable. We deliver a programme of activities designed to develop socio-emotional skills such as confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, and recruit and train women volunteers to run those activities in a space designed for girls and young women. We prioritise working in areas of disadvantage. 

Why Join Us? 

At GFS, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of our organisation, you'll enjoy: 

•  Remote working with annual in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays 
• Long service leave after two years 
• GFS Pension Scheme with 7.5% employer contribution 
• We embrace flexible working and support our employees to work in ways that suit their individual circumstances and responsibilities.   
• 24-hour access to Employee Assistance Programme 
•  Annual EDI Learning Days 
• Study time and personal training budget to support your professional development 

 Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

GFS is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalised communities including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from underrepresented groups. 

As part of our commitment to equitable recruitment, we guarantee interviews for candidates from marginalised communities who meet the essential criteria for the role. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure an accessible and inclusive process. 

Key Dates 

• Closing date:  Noon, Tuesday 4th November 2025 

• First Stage Interviews: Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th November 2025 

• Second Stage Interviews: Wednesday 26th November 2025 

Blackburn Cathedral is looking to appoint two fundraisers to work within a small, yet creative and motivated team. One post holder will focus on applications to trusts and foundations, the other on community, events and individual giving. 2026 marks a significant moment in the life of Blackburn Cathedral as we celebrate our Centenary. We have exciting plans to remember the past, celebrate the present and to work towards ensuring a legacy that lasts for the next century too. The Cathedral has secured funds from the Cathedral Sustainability Fund for two years to kick start a major period of fundraising activity and we are seeking a proactive fundraiser to help drive a number of unique, landmark, capital projects. There will be a range of activities throughout the year that celebrate the rich history of our Cathedral for the fundraisers to be involved with, and it is an exciting time to join the team.

Person Specification • The grants fundraiser will have strong relationship skills, the ability to communicate effectively (written and orally) with decision makers, delivering the case for support to a range of individuals and groups, with evidence of successful grant applications • You will be confident speaking to individuals at all levels, presenting the Centenary Campaign in different environments and deliver engaging pitches resulting in funds being raised • You will be willing to work in a team, gather data and write compelling fundraising applications to a range of trusts and foundations • You will have an eye for detail, the ability to capture important data and comply with Data Protection Regulations and fundraising best practice

This role description is a working document giving guidance to the major tasks to be performed. It is to be understood that the post is likely to develop to meet changing demands and expectations. • Build an understanding of the local, regional and national picture for trust fundraising in the areas of the capital targets already identified • Identify and build relationships with external fund holders • Be an efficient time manager and meet external deadlines for applications • Create engaging campaigns for fundraising and increase awareness of the opportunities • Develop resources to support successful fundraising applications • Act as the point of contact for fundraising applications for the Cathedral • Report on progress and plans to senior management • Support Safeguarding best practice within the Cathedral • Actively work to raise the profile of the Cathedral locally and nationally • Stay up to date with fundraising best practice and innovation

Experience Essential: • Evidence of creative and successful fundraising applications to trusts and foundations including banks, local authorities, corporates and charities • Experience of working in the community, voluntary and / or not for profit sectors • Excellent organisational and communication skills • Willingness to work flexibly across the week / weekends to support the wider team • Fluent in Microsoft 365 including SharePoint, Word, Excel and Outlook Desirable: • Experience of growing income through successful applications for capital projects in the not for profit sector • Current working knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice for fundraising • Experience of meeting targets in a small team • Working knowledge of Church of England fundraising

At TLG, we are passionate about building an exceptional staff team committed to transforming the lives of children who are struggling. Our vision is bold, and we are looking for outstanding people to join us on this journey. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a motivated and purpose-driven leader to become our Head of Grants & Philanthropy.

This is a pivotal role where you will lead the growth of TLG’s philanthropic income, driving progress to reach ambitious six-figure targets year after year. You will shape and deliver a dynamic strategy to build a diverse and sustainable portfolio of income streams, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, and legacy giving. A core focus will be creating and implementing an effective grants strategy to grow and maximise voluntary income from trusts and foundations. The funding you secure will be essential to sustaining TLG’s operations and enabling future growth.

As Head of Grants & Philanthropy, you will work closely with TLG’s Directors, colleagues across the organisation, and external partners to raise funds for innovative projects in the UK and support the expansion of our work internationally. You will also lead a small, talented team, inspiring and equipping them to develop each area of philanthropic income. Strong administrative skills and a commitment to harnessing AI for efficiency will be key, allowing you to focus on building relationships and sourcing new opportunities.

From crafting compelling applications to driving strategic development, this role places you at the heart of our mission to bring fullness of life to every child, no matter what struggles they face. If you are an experienced, innovative leader with a passion for making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 37.5 per hours week (full-time). Open to part-time for the right candidate.

Closing Date: Thursday 20th November

Initial Interviews: Thursday 27th November – Online

Final Interviews: Tuesday 9th December – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

Be part of the breakthrough. Help change lives through world-class medical research.

At the Medical Research Foundation, we don’t just fund research – we fuel progress. We back bold ideas, support brilliant minds, and invest in science that’s often overlooked but urgently needed.  As our remit is as broad as medical research itself, we fund an exciting variety of science and are able to step in where others cannot. We are looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking Head of Research Funding to join us on a one-year maternity cover.  This is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about improving human health and advancing medical research to step up or across into a leadership role to manage our dynamic Research Funding Team and deliver our strategic research objectives.

Why this role matters

As the Head of Research Funding, you will be the driving force of the Research Funding team, ensuring our funding mechanisms uphold the highest standards of integrity, supporting research with the greatest potential for impact.  Your leadership will be crucial in identifying new funding opportunities, maintaining rigorous oversight of grant management, and ensuring that our research funding remains innovative and effective.

You will:

•  Oversee the planning and execution of all research funding competitions and ensure the robust management of the full lifecycle of grant funding.
•  Undertake health and research landscape reviews to identify emerging areas of research need and innovation.
•  Manage and develop a team of six people, maintaining the highest professional standards.

About You

You are inspired to help us to deliver our vision of a world where medical research improves the health of everyone. 

You bring:

• A PhD in biomedical sciences or related fields; or equivalent experience and a degree in biological sciences.
• Significant experience of biomedical research funding, including developing and managing funding calls; financial oversight of funding; peer review processes; and grant management.
• Line management expertise.

Bonus points if you have:

• Postdoctoral research experience
• Experience of preparing landscape reviews and strategic cases for support.

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of a mission that matters.
• A supportive, collaborative, and ambitious team culture.
• Opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real impact.

About the Medical Research Foundation

Our vision? A world where medical research improves health for everyone. We fund life-changing science, and we’re proud of the role good governance plays in that mission.

Salary & Working Style

• £61,000 - £65,000 per year full-time (36 hours per week) dependent on experience
• 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• 12% employer pension contribution + life assurance
• Generous other benefits
• Wellbeing support and flexible working culture

This is a full-time post, but we are happy to consider a part-time contract (min 0.8 FTE).  This is a fixed-term maternity cover post expected to start in January 2026 and end on 31 December 2026.  We are very happy to consider secondment opportunities from other organisations.

We value spending time working in-person to develop strong connections with each other and with our mission, so you will be based at our central London office for a minimum of three days a week if you are full-time (Monday, Tuesday, and either Wednesday or Thursday) with the option to work remotely for the remainder.  If you are part-time, you will be office-based for at least 50% of your time.

A Place for Everyone

At the Medical Research Foundation, we believe that diversity drives creativity and innovation. We are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity, fostering fairness and inclusion, and creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong.

We especially welcome applications from individuals from minoritised groups, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.

This role is a key member of a small staff team of the Girlguiding North West England Region Office which is led by the Executive Manager This role will contribute to identifying, applying for, and securing grant funding, as well as developing creative fundraising initiatives. The successful applicant must have excellent verbal, and written communication skills. They must be able to build positive relationships with staff and volunteers at all levels and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Business development & Partnership building

1. Identify funding opportunities by keeping abreast of the funding landscape, as well as trends within the international development and Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking sectors, assessing new market opportunities, and forming partnerships. Work closely with country offices to identify and respond to funding opportunities.

2. Build a robust pipeline of opportunities for Hope for Justice programmes.

3. Build highly productive relationships with donors and negotiate effectively, when required.

4. Develop and deliver tailored, high-quality bids, working closely with all relevant HFJ departments to design comprehensive and evidence-based projects for funding.

1. Manage the bid development cycle - follow internal processes for bids, work with the teams to ensure high quality bid design, write and edit technical content for bids, and respond to donor requirements.

6. Report on specific projects from the team’s annual plan.

Donor management

1. Represent Hope for Justice at external meetings with donors and consortium partners.

2. Manage relationships with donors - input into engagement/donor stewardship strategies, communicate with donors regularly, and share key information about projects in between reporting periods.

1. Ensure reporting requirements for all donors are met and quality reports are completed to deadlines.

2. Lead on donor grant agreement/contract negotiations and compliance.

3. Ensure all relevant team members are fully briefed on the terms and conditions of donor grant agreements/contracts, including key deadlines (completion of grant management documents as required).

4. Manage due diligence processes, facilitate donor audits and support the programmes team on external evaluations for donor funded projects.

General

1. Travel is expected as part of the role, including to Hope for Justice Programmes.

2. Support digitalisation of donor and grant records and bid and grant processes.

3. Support volunteers that are assigned to the team.

4. Any other related duties as delegated by the Head of Strategic Partnerships.

5. Ensure harmonious working relationships with all Hope for Justice Departments and staff.

6. Work always in line with HFJ policies and procedures and the wider strategy, culture and ethos of Hope for Justice.

Understand and uphold the standards outlined in the Hope for Justice Safeguarding policies, acting with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of anyone that meets our work and reporting concerns if they do arise.

Salary: £38,346 -£42,545 per annum (depending on experience and skill level)

Level: Manager Band A

Contract length:               Permanent

Location:                           Remote/ Hybrid – Oxfordshire preferable but open to other locations within catchment area, flexible working.

Responsible to:                Programme Manager Catchment Partnerships, or directly to

Assistant Head of Improving Rivers / Head of Improving Rivers

About Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity which works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, whilst also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them. 

Diversity at Thames21

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success and as such we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds, this we feel is key in ensuring that everybody has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees, and we strive to work in a collaborative, innovative balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.

 Purpose of the job

To drive forward Thames21’s ‘Thames Valley’ (broadly Oxfordshire/ Buckinghamshire/ Berkshire) catchment areas programme in line with our 5-year plan and future strategies ensuring appropriate integration across Thames21 and partner organisations. This includes building and sustaining a team to reduce diffuse pollution, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and support agricultural businesses to deliver environmental improvement works and nature friendly farming practices.

The postholder requires operational experience and knowledge at catchment scale as well as project and people management experience. They will take a strategic overview of the programme and guide our growth in the thematical and geographical area, with a particular focus on the following outcomes.

• Work with 20 farmers each year to reduce diffuse pollution at source and flood risk.
• Offer advice on nature-based solutions and grant funding to farmers and landowners.
• Plant 30,000 trees annually.
• Input and support the achievement of other applicable 5-year plan targets. i.e. River restoration and catchment scale monitoring.
• Increase Thames21 presence in the Thames Valley, identifying opportunities, supporting, and complimenting the work of other NGOs and regional Rivers Trusts.

The role is a relatively new area of work for Thames21 and may consist of supporting a range of projects and programmes including Catchment Partnerships, Farm Clusters and Natural Flood Management.

Finally, the postholder will take a lead in progressing Thames21’s resilience strategy i.e. working closely with the Fundraising Team, the Catchment Partnership Team, and partner organisations to increase private and public investment to deliver healthy resilient rivers and catchments.

Additional requirements may include supporting other Thames21 projects and funding applications, as the need arises.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will oversee and manage the delivery of diverse projects. You will also develop your team’s scope, strategy and action plan in order to grow the team to deliver 5-year plan targets work closely with expert (e.g. statutory bodies, authorities, NGOs and academics) and non-expert (e.g. community groups and volunteers) stakeholders to develop, fund and deliver projects within the catchments, and oversee their management.  You will also work closely with the Assistant/ Head of Improving Rivers and other members of the Thames21 team to develop funding applications and steer the direction of the catchment areas.

 Tasks include:

 Programme Development & Integration

Develop and expand the Thames Valley catchment programme in line with Thames21’s 5-year strategy, ensuring integration with other teams.

Funding & Financial Management

Secure diverse funding sources and manage project budgets, including financial reporting and cost tracking to meet objectives.

· Project & Risk Management

Lead project delivery, monitor progress, and identify risk mitigation strategies to ensure continued success.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

Manage and support staff through training, appraisals, workload balancing, and adherence to health and safety requirements.

 Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, funding bodies, landowners and other external stakeholders.

 Technical & Farm Advisory Support

Provide farm advice, generate reports (including GIS mapping), and maintain a database of visits and environmental opportunities.

Catchment-Based Approach Advocacy

Promote and apply catchment-based principles internally and externally in water and land management.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and broader regulatory requirements across all projects.

Information & Data Management

Maintain accurate documentation and project data systems, supporting transparency and accountability.

Promotion & Communications

Support production of publicity materials and represent Thames21’s work to broader audiences.

 Other Duties

This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within Thames21. At various times the post-holder will be directed to carry out other reasonable duties in support of other Thames21 activities that are consistent with those in this Job Description.

For more information, please refer to the attached job description. 

Job overview

The role will focus  on growing the value of funding from large trusts and foundations globally, as well as from corporate foundations and institutional funders via consortium partnerships with larger conservation actors.

The role will oversee grant and contract management with existing organisational and institutional partnerships, as well as grow this portfolio through developing a robust pipeline of new opportunities, finding creative ways to secure visibility and first meetings, developing relationships, compelling funding applications and ensuring strong contract management oversight.

The role will lead a team of two, work collaboratively with fundraising colleagues based in the US and UK to secure visibility with and develop strong long-term partnerships with new Trusts and Foundations; and work closely with colleagues in Kenya to ensure strong project delivery and grant management. Responsibilities include:

• Lead the implementation of the Trusts & Foundations (T&Fs) programme with a particular focus on growing the portfolio of large T&Fs in the USA, UK and European markets;
• Work with fundraising colleagues across priority markets and with communications colleagues, using innovative and proactive approaches to business development and relationship building to unlock visibility opportunities and develop relationships with new prospects; in order to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of high-value funding opportunities.  
• Continue to oversee the current ‘programme funding’ portfolio which includes existing institutional funding partnerships and corporate foundation relationships in Kenya, ensuring that ongoing and new opportunities where they exist are capitalised on.
• Collaborate closely with and provide technical expertise to Ol Pejeta’s Project Implementation function in Kenya to develop and embed ‘programme funding’ systems, policies, processes, to ensure that the organisation works to the highest standards in grant management;
• Oversee collaboration and co-working with Ol Pejeta’s Programme teams and other colleagues to ensure high quality  project design content is translated into  technical proposals and budgets for donors;
• Work closely with Kenya’s implementation function to support strong project delivery and contract management. 
• As a Head of, actively contribute to team and department objectives through decision making and action on planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.

Key Activities

• Support the Chief Fundraising Officer with overall strategy development, implementation and adaptation;
• Work closely with the Chief Fundraising Officer to ensure operational and budget planning, management and reporting of resources;
• Oversee the T&F team’s operational planning processes, annual reporting and core performance monitoring;
• Strategic coordination of multiple stakeholders in proposal development processes (programme experts, internal stakeholders, partners and donors);
• Build strong relationships across all departments of the organisation and with existing and new partners;
• Support the recruitment process/selection/appointment of fundraising staff across the department.

Strategic leadership delivery and management of Trusts and Foundations priority in the global fundraising strategy.

• Develop and implement tactics for T&Fs that support Ol Pejeta to meet its overall strategic objectives;  
• Ensure that the relevant parts of the Fundraising strategy, planning and practice is adaptive to both internal and external changes and that the team adopts innovative approaches to its work;
• Effectively integrate T&F team objectives and outcomes into wider Ol Pejeta income targets and programme priorities.

Business development and management

• Proactively cultivate relationships with key prospects, donors and partners (with particular focus on US, UK and European markets);
• Network both internally and externally to ensure relevant stakeholder participation and intelligence gathering in various fora;
• Lead and coordinate proposal development, including budgeting, with programme teams and finance;
• Collaborate with Ol Pejeta’s communications and marketing department to ensure communication activities appeal to donor interests, promote our partnerships and help to position Ol Pejeta as a partner of choice;
• Research and share trends and intelligence on T&Fs, and develop relationships that strategically position the organisation to mobilise resources from new and existing donors.

Support effective grant & risk management and compliance

• Support the development and implementation of improved business policies to facilitate improved management of and accountability for T&F funding and other larger institutional partnerships;
• Provide quality assurance and technical backstopping on reporting and general compliance, in line with organisational and donor requirements;
• Guide the negotiation of strategic grants/contracts to ensure the organisation signs up to appropriate contractual requirements;
• Advise on the interpretation and application of donor rules, regulations, processes and procedures;
• Provide guidance and capacity building on grant cycle management to colleagues across the organisation.

People Management, Financial Management and Departmental contributions

• Provide inductions to staff across the organisation on T&Fs and institutional funding opportunity;
• Build, motivate and effectively collaborate with teams remotely;
• Conduct probationary reviews and annual performance management reviews for direct line management staff;
• Support the Chief Fundraising Officer to have oversight of the team budget lines;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the global fundraising team based in different geographical locations
• Contribute to overall departmental processes and initiatives;
• Act within the parameters set by the organisation on financial policies and procedures.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

• Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration to strengthen fundraising and grant management skills across the organisation;
• Oversee the development and maintenance of information systems and tools for sharing donor policies and guidelines, funding opportunities and best practice across the organisation;
• Keep pace with international developments and engage with other INGOs to keep abreast of opportunities and global trends in T&F fundraising.

Education, Language & Qualifications

• Bachelors or equivalent in a relevant field preferably Fundraising / International Development;
• Excellent verbal and written communication with fluency in English;
• Language skills in Swahili and German advantageous.

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience

• Relevant experience working in an international NGO or philanthropy environment with diverse workforce;
• Experience in Trusts & Foundation fundraising across international markets;
• Demonstrated experience cultivating and managing relationships with trusts and foundation donors (or others) to secure six figure grants;
• Substantial experience cultivating and managing donor and stakeholder relationships;
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills with demonstrable proactivity in business development;
• Strong technical proposal writing and budget skills;
• Strong ability to manage staff and influence team members remotely;
• Ability to manage and facilitate complex projects and processes;
• Experience working on the African continent with a deep knowledge of conservation and community development;
• Willingness to travel internationally as required;
• Willingness to be on call for donor enquiries out of hours.

Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience

• Tendering and project management experience;
• Knowledge of conservation finance including the biodiversity credit market;
• Personal network of contacts and relationships in T&Fs;
• Experience in developing complex institutional funding bids;
• Understanding of developments in alternative finance for conservation;

The Initiatives and Partnerships Manager plays a key role in the Trust’s Initiatives and Partnerships Team. The post holder will support the development and implementation of the Trust’s projects, manage team members and on occasion support external and partnership projects. Our work is varied, ranging from early-stage feasibility planning, partnership development, fundraising, business planning and design development, as well as supporting our conservation team who lead construction phase oversight. 

This role builds on the successes of the Trust’s longstanding Regeneration programme, which has undertaken pioneering Regeneration projects addressing some of our most pressing conservation needs, as well as developing new operating models for some of the churches in our care. The job will support our regional teams in developing and implementing projects to deliver a range of conservation, social and regeneration benefits; with the balance of each responding to local need, demand and opportunity.

In addition, it encompasses the work undertaken to develop new commercial income opportunities. Examples are our groundbreaking Champing™ initiative, as well as others such as filming, and other commercial partnerships.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women and girls to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse. 

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our strategy 

We are one year into our 2024-2027 strategy to set Sister System on a path to scale our reach and impact. We have bold ambitions to scale across London and beyond. We have been building our organisational resilience, the quality of our programmes and robust systems to collect data and measure our impact. We are looking for a new Director of Fundraising who can bring in income from multiple sources to support our sustainable growth. 

Director of Fundraising - role details 

Benefits 

• Annual Salary: £57,000 to £62,000 (3 to 5 days per week, pro rata as relevant) 

• Leave Entitlement: 25 days and 8 bank holidays (+ your birthday off + 1 additional day per year of service up to 5 days) 

• Training and Development (CPD): £1000 per year 

• Company Pension 

• Death in Service Insurance Cover 

• Well-being and Company Events 

• Health benefits package 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date fundraising pipeline.

• Steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while leading grant applications and proposals for six-figure funding opportunities.

• Strategically position Sister System for statutory funding by identifying government contract opportunities and ensuring the organisation remains competitive for local authority and national funding programmes.

• Oversee critical systems and processes including financial reporting, grant management cycles, board reporting, and line management duties while serving as an external ambassador for the organisation 

• Line manage a small fundraising team 

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours: 

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams. 

• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising 

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience of developing high-performing teams 

• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach 

Applications close 9am 17th November 2025 

Interviews will involve at least two stages; First stage interviews will be on or around 27th November; Second stage interviews will be on 10th/11th December 2025