Business Support and Grant Manager

We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Business Support and Grant Manager to join our growing charity. This new full time role has been created to support increasing demand and offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that deliver lasting community impact. The position is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with the intention of becoming permanent. Some UK travel, including occasional overnight stays, will be required.

Reports To: CEO

Contract: Full Time Fixed Term (2 years) with the intention of becoming permanent

Location: Within commuting distance of Milton Keynes, with UK travel and occasional overnight stays. Hybrid working from home will be optional following an induction period of at least two months at the head office. 

Purpose of the Role: To provide effective business support and development assistance to the charity while managing community grants from application through to award, monitoring and reporting. The postholder will support organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, tendering for new contracts, and the delivery of grant funding that creates positive community and social impact.

Probation Period: Four Months

Key Responsibilities:

Business Support

·         Support the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the charity.

·         Coordinate, prepare and submit tenders and business proposals.

·         Gather and collate information from internal and external stakeholders to support submissions.

·         Ensure all submissions are completed accurately and within deadlines.

·         Support the CEO and Grant Director with reports and presentations.

·         Maintain accurate records, databases and organisational documentation.

Grant Management

·         Administer grant programmes from application to project completion.

·         Review and assess funding applications against agreed criteria.

·         Undertake due diligence and eligibility checks.

·         Attend community benefit fund Advisory Panel Meetings.

·         Monitor grant expenditure and funded project progress.

·         Review monitoring reports and evaluate project outcomes.

·         Ensure compliance with governance, funding conditions and reporting requirements.

·         Maintain accurate grant records and audit trails.

Stakeholder Engagement

·         Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, applicants, community groups and partners.

·         Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the grant process.

·         Support the onboarding of new clients.

·         Represent the charity at meetings and events and public consultations.

·         Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders and grant recipients.

Community Benefit Funds

·         Support the development and delivery of community benefit funds.

·         Assist with planning, governance, assessment and reporting activities.

·         Support research and community engagement initiatives.

·         Contribute to ensuring funds deliver measurable and lasting community outcomes.

General

·         Uphold the values, policies and procedures of the charity.

·         Work collaboratively across the organisation.

·         Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience

·         Experience of preparing tenders, funding bids or funding applications.

·         Experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

·         Experience of managing multiple projects and competing priorities.

·         Experience of producing reports and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge

·         Understanding of grant-making processes and funding assessment principles.

·         Knowledge of governance, compliance and accountability requirements.

·         Understanding of community-focused or charitable activities.

Skills & Abilities

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Strong organisational and project management skills.

·         Ability to assess information objectively and make evidence-based recommendations.

·         Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

·         Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

·         Competent in Microsoft Office applications and database management.

·         Ability to work independently and use initiative.

Personal Attributes

·         Proactive and self-motivated.

·         Professional and trustworthy.

·         Strong commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity.

·         Adaptable and solutions-focused.

·         Passionate about supporting communities and delivering positive impact.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

·         Experience working within a charity, community organisation, social enterprise or funding body.

·         Experience managing community benefit funds.

·         Experience of contract management or project delivery.

·         Experience supporting senior leaders or board-level governance activities.

Knowledge

·         Understanding of social value and community wealth-building principles.

·         Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments.

Qualifications

·         Degree-level qualification or relevant professional experience.

·         Relevant qualification in business administration, project management, fundraising, grant management or a related discipline.

Other Requirements

·         Willingness to travel across the UK.

·         Ability to undertake occasional overnight stays.

·         Right to work in the UK

·         UK Driving License