Finance and programmes support officer jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Whittington with some flexibility for remote working

Hours

Full time (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

Annual salary

D1 £31,168.36 to D3 £38,129.42

Last day to apply

29/03/2026

Reporting to the Partnerships Manager, the postholder will play a key role in managing a significant portfolio of partners and prospects, contributing directly to the achievement of ambitious income targets and long-term partnership growth.

You will lead on the development and stewardship of corporate relationships, identifying opportunities to achieve income targets through donations, sponsorship, employee fundraising, volunteering, gift in kind and commercial collaborations.

Working closely with the Partnerships Manager, you will help shape account plans, support pipeline development and contribute insight to partnership strategy, ensuring activity is aligned to hospice priorities and funding needs.

The role requires strong relationship management skills, confidence in presenting and pitching, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships that align with the hospice’s values and funding priorities.

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Experience of managing relationships with external stakeholders or corporate partners

·Proven track record of working to and achieving income or performance targets

·Experience of new business development or prospect research

·Strong presentation and pitching skills

·Ability to write compelling proposals and tailor communications to different audiences

·Experience of working collaboratively across teams

·Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

·Experience in corporate fundraising or sponsorship

·Experience using a CRM system

·Knowledge of corporate social responsibility trends and landscape

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

Essential

·Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·Confident networker and relationship builder

·Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload

·Strong attention to detail

·Ability to work independently and as part of a team

·Resilient and solution focused

·Proficient in IT systems including Microsoft Office

Personal Attributes

·Empathetic and professional

·Proactive and self-motivated

·Collaborative

·Creative thinker

·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past?  

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it.

We are now recruiting for an Administrative Coordinator to join our team. 

This is a key enabling role within a small, relational and values-led organisation. The Administrative Coordinator will provide coordinating and administrative support across the Network, helping ensure smooth systems, high-quality financial administrative and shared working practices across a dispersed team. 

You will be a highly organised and dependable administrator, with experience supporting finance and digital systems, and a clear commitment to social justice and relational ways of working. 

Key tasks include:

• Coordinating meetings, events and trustee processes 

• Providing hands-on finance administration, including bookkeeping using Xero 

• Supporting digital systems, CRM and data stewardship 

• Maintaining accurate records and shared documentation 

• Contributing to consistent, relational and accountable ways of working across the Network 

This role involves working from home with some travel. 

We welcome applications from people with the necessary skills and experience from all walks of life, particularly those from communities underrepresented in the charity sector. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) explaining how your skills and experience match this role. Please include the names and contact details of two referees (at least one of whom knows you in a professional capacity). 

The application deadline is 23:30 on Wednesday 25th March.

Interviews will be held online on 1st and 2nd April.

Applications will only be considered from applicants who already have the right to work within the United Kingdom. 

Kids Club Kampala are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Trusts & Foundations Manager to join our small but highly effective team, helping to raise funds and awareness of our work in East Africa through grant fundraising.

About Kids Club Kampala and the Role

Kids Club Kampala is a children’s charity with a Christian ethos working across East Africa. Our mission is to transform children’s lives, empower communities, and reduce poverty throughout East Africa. We do this by meeting children’s and families’ immediate needs and strengthening their futures through child protection, access to education and family strengthening. Together, we can help more children not just survive but thrive. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. By remaining child-centred and prioritising the needs of the poorest, by 2035 we will have made a tangible impact in over 5 million lives.

We have grown significantly in recent years and last year expanded our work from Uganda to across East Africa. Grant fundraising remains one of our primary income streams and the Trusts & Foundations Manager will build on our strengths and successes in this area, developing our existing relationships and working to generate new partnership opportunities.

Job Description

Strategy & Pipeline Development

• Develop and execute an annual Trusts & Foundations strategy to meet income targets and diversify the portfolio.

• Research, prospect and cultivate our grant funding pipeline of international funding opportunities.

• Maintain an up to date knowledge of the broader grants fundraising environment.

Bid Development & Proposal Writing

• Write high-quality, evidence-based proposals that translate East African programme data into persuasive narratives.

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance on project budgets and support the Finance & Grants Officer with research, applications and reporting. 

• Develop bespoke bids for institutional funding applications while maintaining the integrity of operational goals.

Partnership Management & Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of existing donors, building long-term partnerships through proactive engagement.

• Provide bespoke updates and support the CEO with preparing and presenting at virtual or in person meetings.

• Execute strategies to move one-off grants toward multi-year commitments for sustainable income.

• Support to develop and expand our corporate partnership portfolio.

Impact Reporting & Grant Management

• Produce accurate, high-quality progress and impact reports.

• Maintain precise CRM records, tracking all reporting deadlines.

• Monitor grant expenditure and milestones, flagging potential risks or deviations to senior leadership.

Person Specification

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, whether or not you have a degree. If you meet most of the following criteria, we encourage you to apply.

• Commitment to our mission and values.

• Experience working in the charity sector.

• Strong track record working within grants fundraising.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to craft compelling narratives and proposals.

• Experience working with budgets and financial information.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Adaptability and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave pro rata, plus 8 public holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.

• Flexible Working: Fully remote working with flexible hours.

• Pension: 5% employer pension contributions.

• Professional Development: Individual training and development plan, with ongoing investment in your growth.

• Project Visit: Option to visit East Africa after your first year of employment.

• Team Wellbeing: Quarterly team meet-ups, including an annual wellbeing day, and a Christmas get-together.

• Training Days: Annual training days and a generous training budget.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV along with a covering letter, detailing why you are applying for the job and how you meet the person specification before the closing date of Friday 27th March 2026. Interviews will be held via video conference the week of the 6th April 2026.

If you have any questions or need further information about the role, please feel free to reach out.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Kids Club Kampala, we are committed to building an inclusive organisation where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position.

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) is a registered charity that brings together the UK’s leading health organisations, representing more than one million health professionals, to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote health. Through coordinated, collective action, the Alliance communicates the relationship between health and climate change to government, the public and other health professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and professional Director with excellent policy, project management, and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic communications and change.  The right candidate ideally also has experience in advocacy, and a track record of building consensus and leading campaigns.  .

The Director will be responsible for the Alliance’s overall strategy, oversight of the communications, policy and public affairs programmes, projects, and engagement with Alliance members and key external stakeholders. They will work closely with the Chair and trustees and develop good working relationships with senior leaders and public affairs and communications teams from the membership organisations that make up the Alliance. As the sole employee, the Director needs the professional capacity to coordinate strategic and operational delivery across all areas of the charity and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. They will develop and lead a strategic focus to increase income generation and build a small team of staff to enable the organisation to continue to grow.

We’re looking for a talented Salesforce Product Manager to cover a period of maternity leave.

This is a crucial and strategic role for our charity as we require an expert product manager to lead and manage our Salesforce platform, delivering configuration, insight, reporting and training.

The Salesforce Product Manager is responsible for leading the ongoing development, administration and improvement of our Salesforce ecosystem, ensuring it supports all areas of our charity, including fundraising, operations, finance and grant management.

The post holder is required to act as the trusted Salesforce partner for all users, translating needs into scalable solutions, managing change and delivering insight, training as well as data-driven improvements to help the charity achieve its strategic goals and objectives.  This role requires independent ownership, strong stakeholder partnership skills and the ability to translate business needs into practical solutions.

Kairos Women Working Together (Kairos) was founded in 1999 by a group of women in Coventry who recognised that those facing multiple disadvantages, and therefore most at risk of sexual exploitation, were falling through the cracks of existing services. From grassroots beginnings, Kairos has grown into a respected, feminist led, specialist women’s organisation rooted in the community it serves.

Over the next 5 years, Kairos will strengthen our new Women’s Hub as a safe, accessible, trauma-informed women’s centre delivering best practice responses, expand our services to meet women’s needs, strengthen partnerships, and influence systems so that no woman is left behind.

To do this we are seeking an organised, empathetic, and proficient individual to ensure the smooth operation of our hub.

This part-time role provides essential front-of-house support—greeting and assisting women arriving at the hub with sensitivity and professionalism —while also handling a broad range of administrative duties. From digital communications to accurate data entry & record keeping, ordering supplies and liaising with key partners and contractors you’ll help ensure our hub is kept safe, clean and ready for us to welcome visitors and women attending our groups and services.

If you have proven experience in office administration, strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and familiarity with graphic design tools like Canva), and a commitment to our values and ethos, we want to hear from you.

Post Salary: £25,878 per annum, pro rata hours worked

Working hours: 22.5 hours per week, worked over Monday to Friday

Location: Kairos Women’s Hub, Old Grammar School, 31 Silver Street, Coventry, CV1 1HP.

This post is restricted to female applicants only under Section 9 of the Equality Act 2010. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Overview of Post

The Operations & Administration Support role is a vital part-time position responsible for the seamless operational flow of Kairos. Key duties encompass a broad range of administrative functions, from managing the main email inbox and creating visual content to accurate data entry and essential record-keeping. The role provides front-of-house support, welcoming women and visitors attending our Women’s Hub and ensuring its smooth running through monitoring and ordering essential supplies and liaising with CV Life regarding building maintenance and cleaning services. The role requires an organised, empathetic, and proficient administrator capable of supporting front line staff and the Senior Leadership Team. 

Main Responsibilities

Digital & Communications

• Manage the admin email inbox, responding to all queries promptly and forwarding communications to relevant staff members as appropriate 

• Open, scan, and distribute post to appropriate recipients 

• Use online graphic design tools to create visual content such as posters, signs and information sheets for use in the Women’s Hub and on social media.

• Assist the Senior Leadership Team in website updates and social media content. 

Reception

• Welcome women arriving at the Women’s Hub with empathy and professionalism, responding with particular sensitivity to any who may be distressed 

• Use knowledge of local services, advocacy, and rights to direct women to appropriate support, so ensuring no one leaves without assistance or alternative referral options 

• Welcome visitors and external partners attending meetings, assisting in preparation of refreshments as required 

• Assist the Support & Services Lead in ordering bus passes

Compliance & Governance

• Assist the Support & Services Lead in maintaining safeguarding records and procedures, entering and updating concerns on the log.

• Assist colleagues in maintaining an accurate record of women attending groups and services, entering individual service user details onto the database.

• Maintain and circulate a quarterly policy review schedule to the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Coordinate policy update processes and distribution

Financial & Procurement Management

• Administer procurement processes for office supplies and equipment 

• Assist the Finance & Impact Lead during contract reviews and negotiations, e.g. by researching best value and actively requesting charity discounts from suppliers 

• Assist Finance & Impact Lead in reviewing service contracts for energy, phone, internet, and insurance

Facilities & Building Management

• Assist the team in ensuring the Women’s Hub and courtyard is clean, tidy and free of rubbish, ready to welcome women and visitors. 

• Manage and monitor waste collection schedules (general waste, recycling, food waste) and coordinate sanitary bin and confidential waste collections 

• Maintain stock levels of essential supplies (e.g. toilet rolls, paper towels, soap, health and safety products) 

• Liaise with CV Life regarding building maintenance and repairs, and with cleaning services 

• Arrange annual PAT testing of all electrical equipment 

• Assist the designated Health & Safety Officer in

  • conducting periodic checks of the security alarm systems and access procedures 

  • identifying and resolving health and safety issues, maintaining accurate incident logs

Relationship Management

• Maintain positive relationships with key service providers 

• Support SLT, front line team and volunteers with operational queries, liaising with contractors as required.

• Keep stakeholders informed of relevant developments and maintain regular communication

HR Administration Support

• Conduct annual driving license checks for staff who drive for work

• Verify MOT and tax status for vehicles used for work purposes 

• Provide administrative support to the Volunteering & Community Engagement Lead and Support & Services Lead during recruitment.

Health and Safety

• Assist the designated Health and Safety Officer in conducting and recording risk assessments and monitoring their implementation 

• Record workplace accidents

• Maintain supplies of condoms and pregnancy tests, liaising with Public Health

IT & Equipment Management

• Manage inventory of laptops and mobile phones, and assist the Support & Services Lead by logging and monitoring SIM cards.

• Liaise with IT service provider for equipment procurement and technical support 

• Coordinate laptop setup and configuration for new staff 

• Assist Finance & Impact Lead in procuring replacement devices as needed, seeking best value options 

• Manage and review mobile phone contracts 

• Maintain accurate records of equipment allocation and contract expiry date

Person Specification 

Experience

• Previous experience in office administration 

• Proficiency in IT: Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and experience using databases or CRM software 

• Familiarity with online graphic design tools e.g. Canva 

Knowledge & Skills

• Organisation & attention to detail: Excellent time management and accuracy in data entry 

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Client facing skills including empathy and sensitivity 

• Efficiency: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Understanding of GDPR regulations

Values & Behaviours

• Self motivated and a strong problem solver.

• Collaborative team player

• High integrity and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Commitment to Kairos’s values and ethos.

Other

• Willingness to work flexibly.

• Unrestricted right to work in the UK

We are looking for someone who sees communications and development as a strategic act — someone who understands that brand, partnership, advocacy and fundraising are interwoven. Someone who is excited by the possibility of building a mixed economy that supports artistic risk, sector innovation and long-term civic contribution. 

We would like to hear from candidates with significant senior experience in communications, marketing and brand guardianship, ideally in the arts or creative industries; experience of driving engaging storytelling with creative flair and strategic purpose; and a proven track record of stakeholder engagement and external relations within a charity, cultural or non-profit organisation, developing and implementing strategies that grow visibility, engagement and income. 

You’ll also bring experience of working at a senior leadership level, leading teams in the delivery of high quality, impactful campaigns – along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a proven ability to successfully build and maintain stakeholder relationships; a positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach; and a genuine interest in the arts and culture. 

Location is either Birmingham or Nottingham (subject to base of postholder)

Head of Development 

Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500

The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience. 
 

You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.

You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K. 
 

This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth. 
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
 

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
 

External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities 
• Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events 
• Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure

Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation

• Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
• Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.

Events & Community Fundraising

• Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.

Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships

• Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity 
• Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
• Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
• Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign 

Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care

• Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
• Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
• Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones

Digital Fundraising & Communications

• Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
• Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.

 
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records.
• Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.

Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice

• Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
• Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
• Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
• Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
• Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation. 

General

• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
• Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
• Attend staff meetings / training as required.
• Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.

 
What Success Looks Like

• Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
• Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
• Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
• Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
• A motivated, high-performing development team 
• Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation 
• A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact

The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business.  This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu. 

Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.

Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.

• Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
• Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
• Experience writing successful funding applications.
• Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
•  Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
• Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
• Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
• Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
• A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact

Desirable

• Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
• Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
• Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising

Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us: 

• Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
• What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role 

Our Commitment to Equality
 

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.

We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
 

If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.

At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

Location: Home based
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
 
Scope and purpose
 
To implement MEI’s business development strategy, helping us secure sustained income to deliver our priorities and fulfil our mission to improve lives through maths education. This includes managing bid processes for major funding, working with senior leadership and business leads to write costed proposals, identifying tender and other funding opportunities, reviewing and finalising funding agreements, and working with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to nurture relationships and bring new opportunities to fruition.
 
Main duties and responsibilities
 
Support all aspects of MEI’s business development and fundraising activity.
 
Funding opportunities and competitor environment

• Scope external funding opportunities, reviewing these against MEI’s mission, objectives and key criteria.
• Report to MEI’s Senior Leadership Team and Board on the pipeline of new and potential opportunities and produce business cases for new ventures for MEI’s SLT/Board.
• Undertake research into donors, sponsors and other funders, reviewing suitability and conducting due diligence.
• Work with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to develop relationships and opportunities towards formal agreement.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues involved in developing new business, including how to model costs and pricing, and shaping and writing effective proposals.
• Build intelligence about the competitive landscape, identifying competitors, assessing potential threats and maintaining an up-to-date register for SLT and the Board.

 
Tenders, bids and proposals

• Manage a diverse set of funding opportunities and proposals on the go at any single time, ranging from conference sponsorships to grant applications, project bids, corporate partnerships and government programme bids.
• Participate in pre-market engagement for large tenders, clarifying funder expectations and requirements, guiding senior leadership decisions about priorities and bidding criteria.
• For competitive tenders, manage the process from tender launch to bid submission with input from business and operational leads, including: tender clarification; costs and budget; proposal writing, review and sign off; compliance requirements; and supporting documentation.
• Co-ordinate post-award processes through to contract signature, in line with Grant Manager responsibilities and in liaison with SLT and trustees, legal partners, finance and other partners/teams.
• Participate in post-tender feedback reviews and share learning across the team, using lessons learned to undertake revision and improvements.

 
Sponsor and donor management

• Support the account management and stewardship of donors and sponsors, liaising with appropriate teams, ensuring that objectives of donors and sponsors are fully met.
• Directly manage relationships with lead representatives of annual conference sponsor and exhibiting organisations, ensuring their objectives are met, arrangements are handled smoothly, and risks and issues are managed effectively.

 
Systems, records and reporting

• Shape the configuration and use of MEI’s CRM system and other internal systems for effective business development and fundraising.
• Ensure contact records are up to date, accurate and compliant.
• Produce regular reports for SLT and Board on progress in business development and fundraising, including conversion rates, KPIs, and risks.
• Contribute to MEI’s culture of evidence-driven decision-making, providing high quality evidence and intelligence which supports business strategy.

 
General leadership and management

• Work with trustees, SLT and business teams to ensure that business development and fundraising activity is coherent and aligned with broader strategy and delivery.
• Support the development of commercial skills, competencies and approaches across MEI.
• Undertake other duties assigned by the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships and keep them up to date through accurate and regular updates.

 
Key Relationships

• Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Learning Officer
• Financial Controller
• Business and Central Services Manager

 
Person Specification
 
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of fundraising across multiple income streams
• Strong track record of writing bids and securing grant and other funding
• Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement
• Excellent writing skills for bids and fundraising communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work autonomously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across MEI and with external funders

 
Desirable

• Experience in the education or charitable sector
• Track record of securing large government contracts
• Experience collaborating with product development or programme design teams
• Familiarity with MEI’s mission and the education landscape

 
Personal Attributes, Values and Behaviours

• This is a list of personal attributes which are important for the role but also should encapsulate behaviours required to meet the MEI values of equity, credibility, commitment and service.
• Communicates with clarity and respect
• Commitment and ability to work with all stakeholders to deliver exceptional service
• Actively seeks to work collaboratively when required to achieve the highest service standards
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, proactive attitude, and commitment to continuous learning and skill development
• Supportive and collaborative, able to guide and motivate others to deliver high-quality work
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and foster positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, and positive, bringing energy and a can-do attitude to the role

 
Additional Information
 
This role will involve some travel and occasional overnight stays away from home.
 
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