Grants Manager

Support JRSST-CT and the UK Democracy Fund to achieve their aims of tackling political inequality and expanding democratic participation through developing and managing a portfolio of grants, and communication of our work to key stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Assess and manage the grant portfolio for the UK Democracy Fund and JRSST-CT, in support of the strategy.
• Lead development of JRSST-CT’s written communications, including website, newsletter copy, reporting to Board and funders, copy for fundraising, and case studies.
• Keep up to date with developments relevant to the Trust’s work and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
• To work flexibly alongside other members of the team and take on reasonable tasks as appropriate over and above those set out above.
• Apply Trust policies as determined by charity, electoral and other legal requirements as well as good grant-making practice.
• To act as a focal point for dissemination of information and respond to enquiries about the Trust’s work.
• Represent, and be an effective ambassador for, the Trust externally.
• To develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academics, statutory bodies and civil servants.

Person specification:

• A demonstrable ability to turn strategy into a work plan and deliver it.
• Ability to design, develop, implement and manage a grant giving programme (which may or may not be demonstrated through grant management experience).
• Good project management skills, ability to manage multiple streams of activity simultaneously.
• Demonstrable understanding of how change is made through campaigns and policy influencing.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences.
• Desk research skills and the ability to spot gaps in own knowledge and bring in the appropriate support or advice.
• Understanding barriers to participation or experience working with people often excluded from democracy, including young people, minoritised and racialised communities, migrants, disabled people and people on low income.
• A robust analytical approach combined with an instinct for a good campaign and when to take a risk on a new initiative.
• Ability to provide clear advice and support, while effectively managing and evaluating grantee performance.
• A track record of developing and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, working flexibly and collaboratively with team members, Trustees, grantees and partners.
• Experience of organising meetings, seminars and public events.
• Ability and motivation to deliver high-quality work to deadline with minimum supervision.
• IT literate with good experience of MS Office and other relevant IT systems as appropriate for the role.
• A deep commitment to democratic reform, political inequality and an inclusive democracy and a sound grasp of UK political context, institutions, and processes including elections.

Diversity: The role involves outreach and engagement with politically under-represented demographic groups (including racialised and minoritised ethnicities, young people, migrants, people with disabilities or on low-income). Candidates with lived experience of, connections to, and understanding of barriers to participation are actively encouraged to apply.

Terms and conditions:

• Permanent contract
• Salary £45,000–50,000 depending on skills and experience. 
• We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
• Hybrid working either remote/home-based with an agreed frequency of travel to York or based in the York office. Occasional co-working with the Head of the UK Democracy Fund in London can be arranged.
• Leave 25 days plus bank holidays (and three days office closure at Christmas).
• Pension 10% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution, salary sacrifice option and life assurance.
• On-site parking in York.
• Professional subscription fees.
• The job may require some UK travel.