Proposal and bid manager jobs in edinburgh
Location: Working remotely from home across the four nations of the UK, occasionally co-working spaces, with occasional travel
Start date: As soon as possible (Autumn/Winter 2025)
Salary: £46,725 (F/T pro-rated for 0.8 FTE to £37,380)
Benefits: 38 days annual holiday FTE including bank holidays so that you can choose when to take them (30.4 days pro rata). Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. Access to co-working budget
Hours of work: Part Time at 0.8 FTE worked flexibly around business needs at 28 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent contract
Do you want to play a vital role in supporting a charity who are reshaping the systems that support children and young people across the UK? Are you excited to drive growth of the charity’s research and design consultancy by identifying and securing new opportunities for funding and impact? Do you have the skill and experience to lead our responses to six figure competitive bidding processes?
Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity that harnesses experience, cutting edge evidence and design to tackle the challenges children and young people face today, securing thriving futures for tomorrow. As we move forward with our refreshed strategy, we are looking for a new Bid Writing & Business Development Lead to join our dynamic team.
We are seeking an individual experienced in developing bids in response to tenders, research and consulting opportunities. The role will lead the end-to-end bidding process, from identifying and nurturing suitable applied research, evaluation, service and systemic design and consultancy opportunities. The role involves reaching out to and fostering relationships with potential bid partners, developing compelling proposals (involving the wider team as required), managing bid submissions, adherence to compliance requirements and deadlines, and supporting the team with preparation for interviews.
This role is instrumental in expanding the organisation’s client base, enhancing our visibility, and fostering sustainable growth through effective business development strategies.
As a team, we operate remotely across the UK with regular project-related travel. Our staff work from home or when appropriate, together in local co-working spaces, and normally, a few times a year we meet as a whole team for a few days to develop and connect.
Don’t meet every single requirement outlined in the Job Description? Studies have shown that women and racially minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Dartington Service Design Lab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person to help us achieve our impact for children and young people.
Candidates should be aware that, in line with our commitment to equity, we have made the decision not to negotiate regarding salary on appointment or progression. The evidence shows that negotiation of salary is an inherently inequitable process that marginalises women and those from racially minoritised communities. We do, however, have a transparent grade and scale structure for all those in the Lab which, based on organisational affordability and satisfactory performance in role, will result in an increase to salaries every two years up until the ceiling of that particular role’s banding.
The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more in the Candidate Briefing Pack.
Registered Charity
Creating thriving futures with and for children and young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About GNDR
We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), the largest global network of organisations committed to working together to improve the lives of people affected by disasters worldwide. Since being established in 2007, we have grown into a network of 2,010 member organisations across 132 countries, representing millions of people on the frontlines of hazards, climate change and mass displacement. Through transformative, evidence-led programming and powerful advocacy, we are driving climate action and disaster resilience alongside our members across the globe.
About the role
GNDR is seeking a motivated and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as Head of Fundraising, Impact and Communications on a full-time basis for a fixed-term maternity cover of one year.
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for driving forward GNDR’s fundraising and communications strategy, increasing our reach, impact, and income in alignment with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
You will lead a fully integrated function spanning fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, and communications. This includes ensuring a joined-up and collaborative approach to consistent, distinctive messaging and engagement activities. These efforts underpin successful fundraising outcomes and support GNDR’s wider organisational goals – particularly our work in influencing policy and engaging external decision-makers.
This maternity cover role comes at an exciting moment in GNDR’s journey. We are currently evaluating our existing strategy and designing a new five-year organisational strategy that will unlock fresh opportunities to deepen our impact, extend our reach and amplify our global voice.
The successful candidate will play an essential role in ensuring our fundraising, MEAL and communications operations remain strategically aligned and fully responsive to this evolving context.
Overall scope of the role
The remit of this post will cover the following core responsibilities:
- Sustainability and income growth
- Effective donor relations
- Funding proposals
- Impact measurement
- External communications
- Training and capacity building
- Leadership and governance
- Line management and team development
Candidate requirements
We are ideally looking for candidates who have the following core skills and experience:
- Fundraising & Communications: Proven success securing funding from donors, trusts and foundations, with strategic experience in NGO fundraising and communications
- Leadership & Strategy: Strong team leadership, capacity building, and strategic planning skills within humanitarian or development contexts
- Interpersonal & Cultural Agility: Excellent communicator, culturally sensitive, adaptable, and able to thrive in fast-paced, diverse environments
- Project & Proposal Delivery: Skilled in developing proposals, and producing high-quality reports and budgets
- Technical & Analytical Skills: A sharp analytical mindset and strong decision-making capabilities
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and alignment to GNDR’s core values
Eligibility
We are accepting applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK. Candidates will need to be able to travel internationally when necessary.
This role will be predominantly remote. However, we are currently piloting a revised hybrid working model for our UK-based team, which includes monthly in-person meetups at a flexible workspace in London. This arrangement remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation, with the trial period scheduled to conclude at the end of October.
Please note that all offers of employment at GNDR are conditional and subject to satisfactory background checks.
We welcome applications from candidates who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the job specification below.
A full Job description is attached, or please visit our website.
Salary
The gross annual salary for this role is £56,098 per annum based on working full-time.
This is a one year, fixed-term full time contract.
Start date
We are ideally looking for candidates who are available to start in November 2025. However, we recognise that availability may vary due to individual notice periods, and we are happy to accommodate some flexibility where possible.
How to apply
Please submit an up to date copy of your CV (max. two A4 pages) and a Cover Letter (max. one A4 page) outlining skills and experience relevant to the role by email to HR. Please include in the subject of the email, the following: “Application for the Head of FRIMCO role”.
Please note: we are unable to accept incomplete applications.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. Full contact details are availble on our website, please follow the link below.
Interview
Week commencing 13 October
Please note: The interview process usually consists of two online stages which may include a role-specific task. Interviews are typically conducted by a panel of two to three members, including the Hiring Manager. Applicants are encouraged to advise us of any adjustments required to ensure the whole recruitment process is accessible and equitable.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We are dedicated to creating a team that embodies the rich diversity of the society and communities we serve. Our commitment lies in cultivating an inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic circumstances, LGBTQIA+ and individuals with disabilities. We celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that every candidate brings and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all.
We’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible for individuals of all needs and abilities. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. Contact information are available on our website.
Find out more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our website.
Our benefits and wellbeing
At GNDR, we are committed to cultivating a happy and healthy working environment for all our staff.
We provide a competitive salary and benefits package across all of our locations.
Find out more about our approach to wellbeing and our benefits by visiting our website.
Flexible working
In order to support and encourage a healthy work-life balance for our staff, we are happy to consider flexible working requests as part of our recruitment process. As a global organisation, most staff work remotely depending on their role and location.
If you have any questions on any of the above information or if you have any specific requirements that would enable you to participate more fully in the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. All contact information are available on our website.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking an energetic and proactive Corporate Partnerships Executive to help us strengthen and expand our partnerships. You will be at the heart of growing our corporate portfolio, ensuring we maximise opportunities to secure new business and nurture long-term, high-impact partnerships.
This role is both outward-facing and highly collaborative. You’ll work with colleagues across teams to deliver excellent partnership experiences, while also taking initiative to spot opportunities, drive forward proposals, and build relationships that support Future First’s mission.
If you have first class people and communication skills, creativity and energy in abundance and an insatiable eye for opportunity, and would like to work for a small but ambitious charity, we’d love to hear from you.
For more details about the role and information on how to apply, please download the recruitment pack.
Key dates to be aware of:
Tuesday 16 September 2025, 12:00pm – Information and Q&A session
This is an optional session where you can hear more about the role and ask any questions you may have.
Please see details in the attached recruitment pack for how to register for this session.
We recommend attending to help you prepare the strongest possible application.
Monday 29th September 2025 (09:00am) – Applications close
Tuesday 7th September – Interviews will take place in-person in London
About Future First
We are a mission-driven, innovative social mobility charity that believes a young person’s start in life shouldn’t limit their future. We work with state schools and colleges to develop and build their alumni and employee volunteer communities, helping young people ‘see who they can be’ and helping to open up genuine routes to previously gatekept sectors. Our partners have a key role to play in this. We celebrate our 15th anniversary this year, and over that time have supported over 465,000 young people and built 1,250 alumni networks.
Our core team comes from a variety of backgrounds including partnership development, fundraising, delivery, teaching, programmes and communications. We gain additional support from a strong network of experienced and passionate long-term freelancers. We value all contributions and offer the possibility to expand and grow the role based on interests.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We are a mission-driven, innovative social mobility charity that believes a young person’s start in life shouldn’t limit their future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser
We are seeking a motivated Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to secure vital income and build strong partnerships with funders across the UK.
Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Location: Remote, UK wide
Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours per week (permanent)
About the role
As Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser, you will play a key role in generating income to support our mission of sharing the joy of live music in care settings. You will manage a portfolio of small and medium value trusts and foundations, writing compelling funding proposals and delivering excellent stewardship to strengthen long-term relationships.
Overview of the Job:
- Preparing tailored applications to trusts and foundations in line with organisational strategy and values.
- Managing and developing relationships with funders, providing regular updates and impact reports.
- Undertaking prospect research to identify new funding opportunities.
- Supporting larger-scale applications in collaboration with the Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager.
- Working with internal teams to gather data, acknowledge donations, and ensure accurate reporting.
- Contributing to the strategic planning and stewardship approach for trust fundraising.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by helping to grow sustainable income that brings music to people in all care settings around the UK.
About you
You will be an enthusiastic fundraiser with excellent written communication skills and an eye for detail. You will be confident in writing creative, persuasive proposals and tailoring them to funders’ priorities. Organised and proactive, you will enjoy building strong relationships and managing multiple deadlines.
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven experience of generating income through trusts, foundations, grants or sponsorship proposals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content.
- Excellent organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
- IT proficiency, including MS Office.
Desirable:
- Experience using CRM databases.
- Financial acumen, with knowledge of preparing budgets.
- Strong research skills for identifying potential funders.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Grants Fundraiser, Fundraising Officer, Trust Fundraiser, Development Officer, Partnerships Officer, Bid Writer, Income Generation Officer
Thank you!
This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.
The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.
You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity.
The key focus of this role
1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.
2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.
3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
A society where quality befriending support is available to everyone who needs it, and the importance of meaningful connection is recognised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.