Research grants coordinator jobs in glasgow

About Us 

Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a national parent led charity, actively supporting over 5,000 families with a child or young person with Down syndrome. Our mission is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives, ensuring they reach their full potential. 

Through our flagship initiative, Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS), we provide comprehensive support from prenatal care through adulthood. We equip healthcare providers and educators with essential training and resources, including our renowned #pants4school program, which helps children achieve independence in toilet training. 

At DSUK, we are committed to advocating for equality and inclusion, and driving impactful change through education and campaigning. 

We are growing our team to strengthen our fundraising operations and diversify our income. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping our income generation strategy and building meaningful relationships with funders and corporate partners. 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a proactive, strategic, and driven individual to lead our grant and bid writing function while also developing and managing relationships with corporate donors and partners. You will work closely with senior leadership to secure vital income through trusts, foundations, and businesses that align with our mission. 

Key Responsibilities 

Grant & Bid Writing (50%) 

• Research and identify suitable funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies. 

• Write compelling, evidence-based grant applications and funding proposals. 

• Manage a pipeline of funding opportunities, ensuring deadlines are met. 

• Develop and implement an impact reporting strategy for grant and bid writing. 

• Monitor and report on funded projects in collaboration (using Salesforce) with delivery teams. 

• Maintain relationships with funders through regular updates, impact reports, and renewal applications. 

Corporate Fundraising & Partnerships (50%) 

• Implement our corporate fundraising strategy to increase income from businesses. 

• Identify and approach potential corporate partners, managing outreach and engagement. 

• Manage and cultivate existing partnerships with companies and organisations. 

• Create tailored proposals, sponsorship packages, and partnership materials. 

• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote partnerships and joint campaigns. 

• Organise and support corporate fundraising events and staff engagement opportunities. 

• To maintain excellent supporter stewardship and cultivation including thanking supporters and supporter development communications. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven experience in writing successful funding bids and managing grant applications. 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills. 

• Ability to write persuasively and tailor messaging for different audiences. 

• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 

• Passion for the mission of Down Syndrome UK and a commitment to inclusion. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a small charity or growing organisation. 

• Knowledge of disability or education-related sectors. 

• Familiarity with CRM systems (such as Salesforce for non-profits) and impact reporting. 

• Experience in corporate fundraising, CSR, or business development. 

What We Offer 

• Working from home. 

• Flexible working arrangements. 

• Supportive and inclusive working environment. 

• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing, ambitious charity. 

• Training and professional development opportunities.