Senior trusts and foundations manager jobs

About Epic

Epic is a dynamic and forward-thinking international foundation, committed to drive positive change globally and transform the lives of vulnerable communities around the world. It serves as a bridge between those on the ground, nonprofits forging solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, and the donors – individual and corporate – who are essential to fueling that work. We find, select and monitor nonprofit organizations who design and implement essential solutions to transform the lives of children and youth, and protect our planet for generations to come. We are an advocate of “smart-giving”, meaning all of our funding is unrestricted, multi-year and substantial. Since our creation in 2015, Epic has mobilized over 100 million dollars in unrestricted funding,  supporting 57 organizations in 11 countries in the world.

Position Overview:

Epic is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Programs team to manage relationships and grants of nonprofits in our portfolio, and monitor and support their work over time. In particular, this role will lead the development and management  of a learning community to support our grantees and alumni beyond our financial support. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit strategy and/or social entrepreneurship, experience in designing and facilitating peer learning and capacity-building initiatives, and a deep passion for social impact and strategic philanthropy.

The Senior Programs Manager will work under the supervision of the Programs Director and they will be part of a growing team with colleagues in London and Paris.

Epic will provide a friendly working environment as well as good opportunities for professional growth and network building. This is a unique chance to join an innovative organization dedicated to achieving social impact and changing the philanthropic sector.

Key responsibilities: 

• Manage the relationship and continuous monitoring of portfolio organizations. This involves acting as the point of contact for a portion of the portfolio's organizations, including reviewing and analyzing monitoring data and supporting grant-making processes. .

• Develop, promote and manage a program made up of initiatives and practices that contribute to the organizational development and growth of nonprofits. This would include developing capacity building initiatives and facilitating peer learning spaces responding to grantees’ needs.

• Contribute to the selection of strong organizations for the Epic portfolio. This will notably involve conducting due diligence following Epic's framework, reviewing processes and documents, conducting interviews with candidate organizations, and carrying out selection visits.

• Contribute to the development and management of effective partnerships for Epic's programs (e.g., sourcing partners for selection, pro bono partners for capacity building, etc.) and identify collaboration opportunities.

• Work with the Programs team to implement systems and processes to evaluate the impact of Epic's programs worldwide and contribute to demonstrating the value of unrestricted funding.

• Contribute to Epic's research program and knowledge management (reports, case studies, analysis of trends and developments in the philanthropy field) and help develop Epic's thought leadership and reputation as a key player in the philanthropic sector on smart-giving.

• Facilitate and liaise with other teams within the foundation, to keep portfolio organizations' data, analysis and information up to date to support its relationships with donors and target audiences.

• Participate in the development and execution of the Programs team's strategy, in alignment with Epic's mission, values, and organizational objectives.

• Collaborate with other Epic teams to develop internal and external knowledge management and promote the work of portfolio organizations and the Programs team.

• Any other duties that may be assigned within the scope of the role.

Required  skills and qualifications:

• Right to work in France or the United Kingdom (Epic is not able to sponsor visas)

• 7+  years experience in non-profit organisational development and programs and / or philanthropy strategy and grant-making.

• Technical expertise in one or more of Epic’s key priorities (i.e.: social entrepreneurship, social impact evaluation, youth empowerment and trust-based philanthropy).

• Previous experience and knowledge of appropriate tools and methodologies to build capacity and learning processes for organisational development and scaling social impact.

• Expertise of working with relevant IT, such as CRM systems and project management tools. In particular familiarity of working with AI, to help enhance efficiency, learning and analysis. 

• Strong understanding and expertise in nonprofit management, design, and impact analysis and the ability to assess a nonprofit across impact, operations and governance. 

• Strong analytical and evaluative skills, especially analyzing data and research - both qualitative and quantitative - and specifically those related to programmatic monitoring, impact assessment and learning.

• Strong facilitation skills and ability to navigate complex  power dynamics and multi-stakeholder spaces.

• Strong writing skills and ability to communicate effectively (written and orally) to diverse audiences in English (and French desired).

• Experience of working in a lean and entrepreneurial organization with a high degree of self management; strong project management skills and ability to manage a high-volume workload at a fast pace.

Desired Skills

• Experience and understanding of key challenges and opportunities faced today by social entrepreneurs, especially around scaling and growth ambitions 

• Technical experience in developing and implementing internal systems geared towards impact assessment, evaluation and learning

• Understanding of best practices in the philanthropic sector and strategies for supporting social impact and trust-based giving. 

Recruitment Process

Please note that interviews will be conducted in English.

1. First stage panel interview 

2. Written Test

3. Second stage panel interview 

4. Interview with the Chief Operating Officer

5. Interview with the Founder and CEO

Contract Details (UK only)

• Position based in central London (Mayfair), UK (with option to work from home 2 days per week).

• Contract type: Permanent, full-time

• Salary range: £50-60k depending on experience

• Start date: As soon as possible but within 2 months of the offer

Employee Benefits 

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Up to 2 days remote working per week.

• 5 weeks (25 days) of paid holiday annually, not including bank holidays, with additional office closure between Christmas and New Year. 

• Access to private healthcare coverage through our healthcare partner, BUPA, fully covered by Epic for the employee and 50% coverage for partner and/or dependents. 

• Retirement Savings Plan: Enrolling in a company-sponsored retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• £150 culture/sport allowance per year for all eligible staff on a permanent contract and who have successfully completed their trial period.

• Epic subsidizes 50% of the cost of weekly, monthly, or annual local transportation passes (London Underground and London Buses).

• A monthly tax-free homeworking contribution in the amount of £26 per month for all eligible staff on a permanent contract and who have successfully completed their trial period.

• Workplace Amenities: Access to modern workplace amenities: onsite kitchen and snacks, and recreational facilities.

How to Apply (for UK): 

Please use charity Job to submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Epic is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities in employment. We hire based on merit, and all candidates will be considered for employment regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. At Epic, we seek individuals who share our passion for what we do, bringing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to collectively make a positive impact.

We are committed to ensuring you have a positive and comfortable experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish RLSS UK’s first-ever corporate fundraising function. The Corporate Partnerships Manager will build, lead, and deliver a new programme that maximises income from corporate supporters and aligns partners with our mission to save lives. You will be responsible for developing the strategy, creating the tools and foundations, proactively generating new business, and delivering excellent stewardship as partnerships are secured.

This role requires a commercially aware, results-driven individual who understands how to position partnerships in a way that delivers mutual value and translate opportunity into income through focused action, strong relationship building, and a clear understanding of corporate priorities.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a build from scratch environment, combining strategic thinking, creativity, and hands on delivery.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As the Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of RLSS UK’s new corporate fundraising function, create a sustainable strategy, and build a strong pipeline from the ground up.

You will identify, secure, and grow high-value partnerships that align with corporate priorities, producing compelling and commercially compelling propositions that demonstrate clear mutual benefit. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will ensure partnerships support RLSS UK’s mission and contribute to long term income growth.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and deliver RLSS UK’s first corporate partnerships strategy, setting clear priorities and income targets for year one and beyond.
• Lead the development of a corporate partnerships income stream, building a sustainable portfolio of partnerships and relationships.
• Create the foundations for growth including a case for support, stewardship framework, pitch decks and templates and KPI and reporting tools.
• Establish systems and internal processes required for a corporate fundraising function.
• Use sector insights, benchmarking, and data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

Partnership Development

• Build and actively manage a new business pipeline from scratch, ensuring consistent prospecting and follow up.
• Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify target companies, align commercial priorities, and map key decision makers.
• Develop compelling, tailored proposals, pitches, and partnership packages that clearly articulate impact and mutual value.
• Secure a diverse portfolio of partnerships including multi-year strategic, six-figure, Charity of the Year, cause-related marketing, and sponsorship agreements.
• Create cultivation journeys for high-value prospects, maintaining momentum from first contact to close.
• Represent RLSS UK externally at meetings, events, and networking opportunities, confidently positioning the organisation with senior stakeholders.
• Work closely with commercial colleagues to ensure alignment and avoid overlap with existing commercial contracts.

Account Management

• Provide effective day-to-day relationship management to ensure partners feel supported, informed, and engaged with RLSS UK’s mission.
• Deliver clear partnership growth plans that maximise income, engagement, impact, and mutual benefit.
• Identify and activate opportunities to expand partnerships across corporate philanthropy, payroll giving, strategic volunteering, sponsorship, cause-related marketing, and employee engagement.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible partner.
• Monitor partnership delivery against agreed KPIs and use insight to refine and strengthen activity over time.
• Produce high-quality written communications, proposals, and impact reports tailored to individual partners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Education, and Commercial teams to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Use data-driven insights and KPIs to evaluate and refine strategies for maximum impact, income growth, and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, UK GDPR, and RLSS UK policies.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting information within the CRM system.
• Deliver annual reviews for partnerships to demonstrate impact and ensure all partnerships are meeting agreed KPIS.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to diversify income streams and enhance brand visibility.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Line management responsibility for the Supporter Engagement Executive, including performance and development, assigning day-to-day tasks and projects, and providing guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• Help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Experience in business development, fundraising, partnerships, or relevant commercial roles.
• Ability to build strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience securing and managing partnerships across at least two of:
• • Charity of the Year
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Sponsorship
  • Cause related marketing/ brand licensing
• Confident pitching and negotiating with senior corporate leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking coupled with hands‑on delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create persuasive proposals and cases for support.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems and fundraising technologies, and how these support effective partnership programmes.
• Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK.
• Previous experience of line management.
• Experience of working in a charity or organisation where corporate fundraising or partnerships have been developed from the ground up, including building systems, processes, and pipeline momentum.
• Experience working in a small team or start-up environment.
• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of the corporate landscape and the ability to shape compelling, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that align business priorities with charitable impact.

ABOUT RLSS UK

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK and Ireland. Our mission is to save lives by being the leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding, and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely. We share our expertise, skills, and knowledge to empower people to enjoy water safely and achieve our vision; communities free from drowning.

With increasing corporate focus on ESG, community safety, and employee wellbeing, RLSS UK is uniquely positioned to build strategic partnerships that help companies keep their people and communities safe around water.

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Income Generation and Engagement Team 

Closing Date – 5.00pm, Wednesday 29th April 2026

Interview Date – Thursday 7th May 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

MumsAid is an award winning, growing charity with a track record of delivering innovative support to mothers. Following our successful application to the Propel fund, we are recruiting an Operations & Programmes Manager to lead delivery of a new long term systems change programme whilst providing operational leadership across the organisation. You will be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, working closely with our CEO to drive project delivery and strengthen our operational foundations as we grow.

This senior role combines two key responsibilities. You will lead our new Systems Change programme for young mothers, mobilising and delivering a long term initiative that shares our best practice model with partners and influences policy and practice across the perinatal mental health sector. You will also provide operational leadership across MumsAid, managing governance, IT systems, data management, finance, monitoring and evaluation, and organisational coordination. This requires exceptional organisational skills, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to equity and co production. You'll need substantial project management experience in the voluntary and community sector, proven operational management expertise, strong systems and data management skills, and the ability to represent MumsAid confidently in multi agency spaces.

We offer a values driven, supportive working environment with hybrid flexibility, professional development opportunities, a pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), and health benefits. This is a chance to help create lasting, systemic change in maternal mental health support.

We are dedicated to building a diverse workforce and actively encourage applications from candidates belonging to underrepresented groups.

This is an exciting new role within HFF Science Team and would suit an individual looking to apply their demonstrable experience of research funding processes, and their knowledge of the research environment and funding landscape. If you’re organised, adaptable and keen to make a positive impact on world-class research, we’d love to hear from you.

SENIOR FUNDING MANAGER, HUO FAMILY FOUNDATION

Salary: £60,000 per annum plus benefits

Reports to: Director of Research

Line manages: N/A

Location: Mayfair, London

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week

Start date: August 2026

You must have the right or the permission to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. 

Closing date:  30 April 2026

Interview dates: during May 2026

ABOUT THE HUO FAMILY FOUNDATION AND ITS SCIENCE PROGRAMME

HFF is a grant-giving foundation based in London. Its mission is to support education, communities and the pursuit of knowledge. The Foundation’s current focus is in three main areas: education; the arts; and science.Since its inception in 2009, it has pledged over $100M to impactful projects in the UK, US and China.More information is available on our website.

The Trustees of the Foundation are supported by a small executive team of six.

The rapid rise and use of digital technology have permeated much of society and transformed the way many humans interact. There has been a broad array of research efforts, but the full implications - both positive and negative - on human physiology, psychology, behaviour, well-being and mental health remain unclear.  We believe there is an opportunity to help advance the research and the field of knowledge in this area. 

To this end, since mid-2024, HFF has established and will continue to grow a multi-year research portfolio in the UK and the US on the Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviours and Mental Health in Children and Young People.  In 2025, we ran our first annual call and recently announced the outcome of these awards on our website.For our second annual funding round in 2026, we recently released an open call for proposals. 

As we continue to build our funding portfolio through annual funding calls, we are now looking for a Senior Funding Manager to join the small HFF Science Team in a permanent role. 

SUMMARY PURPOSE - WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING AND ACHIEVING

The Senior Funding Manager is a newly created role in the HFF Science Team.

You will work with the Director of Research and the Senior Programme Officer to administer the Foundation’s science portfolio of grants schemes, awarded grants and associated activities. You will manage and deliver the end-to-end grant application, review and award processes. You will act as a key point of contact for external liaison relating to the schemes. 

Working with the rest of the team, you will also help to develop and deliver events for Foundation grant holders. The role may require some domestic and international travel, including to meet grant holders for horizon scanning, monitoring and impact assessment purposes.

You may also contribute to the Foundation’s wider portfolio of work, and the delivery of our strategy.

IS THIS JOB FOR ME?

This is an exciting new role within HFF Science Team and would suit an individual looking to apply their demonstrable experience of research funding processes, and their knowledge of the research environment and funding landscape. You will lead and deliver the full funding cycle with its complex priorities with confidence. Strong communication, analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively. You will be part of a small team, so a pro-active and ‘hands on’ approach to all tasks will be necessary; collaboration and a willingness to support others are essential to success in this role. If you’re organised, adaptable and keen to make a positive impact on world-class research, we’d love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Senior Funding Manager, you will: 

• Take a leading role on managing a diverse grant portfolio from pre-application to post-award, ensuring robust due diligence, clear communication with applicants, high-quality committee preparation, supporting good governance and decision-making, and smooth implementation of funding decisions.
• Provide proactive and collaborative funding operations support to the Science Team and other HFF colleagues.
• Lead, coordinate and deliver funding schemes and calls, setting timelines and workflows, and managing all aspects of associated funding committees to enable efficient, well governed decision making.
• Act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance to applicants and colleagues on funding policies, applicant eligibility, assessment processes, allowable costs and best practice.
• Oversee, coordinate and deliver high quality peer review and governance, selecting appropriate expert reviewers, managing conflicts of interest, ensuring timely and transparent assessments.
• Ensure effective post award grant management and continuous improvement, resolving complex queries, assessing change requests, monitoring compliance and progress, and contributing to process enhancements that support high quality funding operations. 
• Partake in monitoring and impact assessment purposes – annual reports, end of grant reports, etc.
• Liaise with other funding organisations, as appropriate, for example, on the operation of joint funding schemes.
• Contribute to the HFF Science’s wider activities, which may include developing and delivering events for HFF grant holders such as a mini conference or workshop. This may require some domestic and international travel.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s wider portfolio of work, including drafting and providing information for papers for meetings of the HFF Trustees.
• Perform any other duties that might be reasonably expected, and which are commensurate with this level of post. 

KEY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education/Qualifications/Knowledge (essential)

• Educated to Bachelor’s degree standard (or equivalent) in a relevant science or public health subject
• A strong understanding of academic research activities in science
• An excellent understanding of procedures and best practice in research funding

Education/Qualifications/Knowledge (desirable)

• Educated to Master’s or PhD standard (or equivalent) in a relevant science or public health subject 

Skills (essential)

• Skilled team worker
• Highly numerate with strong analytical skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills
• Good IT (e.g. Microsoft suite, ChatGPT, and online databases) and presentation skills
• Robust stakeholder management skills – ability to quickly build and maintain the trust of internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority

Experience (essential)

• Proven experience (at least five years) as a funding manager or similar role 
• Experience of delivering research funding processes
• Extensive experience of using a grants management system
• Experience of planning, leading and delivering projects
• Connections and links to other funders and peers across the sector

Experience (desirable)

• Extensive experience of the Flexigrant grants management system

KEY STAFF POLICIES AND BENEFITS

• Annual leave allowance of 28 days per year plus bank holidays
• 10% employer contributions through the Foundation’s pension scheme 
• Private medical insurance and travel insurance
• Health cash plan
• Life insurance
• Flexible and hybrid working is possible
• Team away days and opportunities to engage with events and activities in the cultural sector
• Onsite breakfast and lunch

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit by the deadline via email an up-to-date CV, including information on your notice period for your current job, and answer the two application questions below to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role. 

 Minimum Criteria

• Experience of academic research environments and educated to at least degree level in a relevant science or public health subject. 
• Previous experience as a funding manager or equivalent role in a research funding organisation.
• Extensive experience of using a grants management system.
• In relation to the funding of research, excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage large workloads, and work to deadlines. 
• In relation to the funding of research, strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information, and tailor it for specific audiences. 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills - ability to quickly build the trust of internal and external stakeholders. 

 Application Questions

• Using examples, outline how you meet the minimum criteria for this role (up to 500 words).
• Provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each activity, please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

Ahead of applying, if you any questions about the role and/or would like an informal chat about the position, please contact the HFF Science Team via email.

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager 

Responsible to: Director of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising  

Salary: £49,271 - £54,766

Location: USPG, 5 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB 
 

Hours of work: Full time 5 days per week (35 hours per week) with a minimum of 2 days per week in the London office.  Occasional work outside normal working hours with time off in lieu. 

The package also includes 

• 8% employer pension contribution  

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional discretionary leave during the Christmas week 

• Season Ticket Loan 

About Us 

USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice. You can find out more about our work by visiting our website.

About the Role 

The role sits within the Communications, Engagement and Fundraising (CEF) directorate and reports to its director. The team serves the needs of the organisation by engaging a range of key audiences through various media channels, volunteer engagement, events and fundraising. The post holder will work in close collaboration with others across the organisation and will enjoy working in an innovative and creative environment.

You will lead the Fundraising team, including Supporter Care, in developing and implementing team plans and strategies to ensure long-term growth and delivering targets.

Working with the Director of Communications, Engagement & Fundraising, the Senior Fundraising Manager will deliver the organisational Fundraising strategy. This will include leading on all USPG fundraising streams including fundraising appeals, regular giving, legacy fundraising, major donors, church engagement, diocesan appeals, trust and foundations, grants and partnerships and any new fundraising products.

You will line manage the Individual Giving Manager and Fundraising Stewardship Manager, supporting their professional development to help achieve annual fundraising targets and objectives.

About You  

You will be responsible for delivering fundraising appeals, products and campaigns, ensuring that supporters go on a meaningful and experiential journey with USPG and become lifelong supporters. You are, therefore, a confident, passionate, organised and creative senior manager with the proven ability to motivate and inspire your team and USPG supporters.

You will bring energy and passion to this role and have the responsibility for delivering on time fundraising activity across the organisation. Your experience will bring our vital work to life in inspiring ways that increase engagement and individual giving, while ensuring that retention and acquisition strategies are in place, regularly reviewed, and continuously strengthened to grow the USPG supporter base. You will bring a freshness of ideas, whilst maintaining operational efficiency, quarterly reporting and inspirational leadership.

You will have the opportunity to shape our direction over the coming years as we seek to amplify our voice to rethink mission, energise church and champion justice. 

How to apply 

Please complete the application form and equal opportunities form and send to the email indicated on the application pack by Thursday, 30 April 2026 

Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to prepare a short task ahead of interview. 

Our commitment to safeguarding 

USPG is committed to promoting the well-being, autonomy and dignity of all, and preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work. USPG’s Safeguarding policy is available alongside the Job Description for this role. Employees are also required to comply with the Code of Conduct, available through the Staff Handbook for employees.

In addition, all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal record checks. USPG also participates in the Inter- Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

This role supports the Philanthropy Manager, Special Events and Committees, and the Senior Event Manager by delivering end‑to‑end event support for our portfolio of special events, including Recital 4 Research, an opera recital and reception; The Royal Marsden Cup, our annual golf day; and the Ever After Garden, our annual remembrance garden. Your role will include coordinating speakers, liaising with suppliers, managing volunteers, supporting in donor meetings, and writing donor communications. You will play an important part in delivering income growth from high value fundraising committees, special events and tribute funds.

This role also leads on prize donor stewardship, identifying opportunities for the Charity to be a beneficiary of an event, and events administration. Your support will ensure that as a team we deliver outstanding donor experiences and event outcomes.

We are a high performing team, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital part in helping us to realise our ambition whilst developing your career within an ambitious organisation. 

About you 

You will have a proven ability and passion for relationship building and be a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering fundraising events. You will be ambitious and proactive and relish the opportunity to support the Charity to achieve its goals. 

Why join us? 

We’re a values-driven Charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development. 

What we offer 

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000 

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

• Opportunities for training and career development 

At OCD Action we have a big vision and we have decided to invest in our fundraising team to help us secure the income our organisation needs to drive our work forward.

OCD Action exists because it takes 7 years on average for people affected by OCD to get the treatment that they need. OCD is debilitating, isolating and destroys lives, but it is treatable. Sadly the wait for treatment, for too many is too long. We are working, with the OCD Community, for a time, when OCD is well understood and everyone gets the treatment and support they need when they need it. Until that day arrives, we are committed to ensuring everyone affected by OCD has access to high quality support, information and guidance.

As Senior Trust and Foundations Officer you will support the delivery of our vision by growing our portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, crafting exceptionally high quality and persuasive applications for three, four and five figure bids and managing all successful and existing grants.  

We are a small but highly effective team at OCD Action, if you join us you will work closely with our service delivery team and have the opportunity to see the impact of your work. We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by OCD and can channel this into ambitious, creative and persuasive grant applications. This role requires someone who enjoys working with people and is adept at building networks and maintaining effective relationships. This role may be particularly suited to someone who has supported with the development of Trust applications in a larger organisation and is looking to develop their skills or to work with increased flexibility.

We aim to make working for OCD Action, work for you. We have a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles) ensuring fair entitlement for all working patterns. Flexible working and blended home / office working is welcome, you can agree your hours, office/home pattern with your manager as long as all commitments, responsibilities and meetings are covered. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are actively building a team that fully reflects and best supports the OCD community. 

If you think this is the opportunity for you, please complete the application form attached. We look forward to hearing from you.

Children and young people in London matter; their voices, experiences, and futures. They deserve every chance to make the most of their lives. But too many young people can't because they don't have the opportunities they need to thrive. That is where transformational youth work comes in offering somewhere to go, something to do, someone to trust. 

London Youth's vision is for all young Londoners to grow up healthy, able to express themselves, navigating a fulfilling career, and making a positive contribution to their communities. 

The Head of Trusts and Foundations plays a pivotal role in the delivery of this vision, leading on the significant growth of restricted and unrestricted funds through this income stream. You will line manage a Trusts & Foundations Manager and a Trusts & Foundations Officer, collaborating closely with them in order to drive success and deliver against target. You will be personally responsible for securing new high value multi-year relationships (six and seven figures) as well as stewarding a range of existing high value relationships. You will also play an important leadership role across the organisation, working with colleagues in all departments to ensure an efficient and effective approach that delivers for children and young people and youth workers and organisations across the capital. 

What you will be doing

• Lead on the development and implementation of a successful trusts and foundations strategy that achieves £2.5m of restricted and unrestricted income by the end of 2026 and delivers growth from 2027. 
• Offer inspirational leadership to the Trusts and Foundations Team, line managing a T&F manager and a T&F officer. 
• Take overall responsibility for developing and managing a robus pipeline of trusts and foundations and statutory funders that enables London Youth to hit its income targets, coordinating the distribution of responsibilities across the team, including the implementation of a quarterly mailout.
• Work in close collaboration with appropriate teams across London Youth to ensure all applications and proposals produced by the team are compelling, accurate, produced to the highest possible standards, and submitted to deadline. 
• Ensure contracts or MOUs are in place with all funders and that all conditions and reporting requirements are clear and met. 
• Ensure all information is recorded in an accurate and timely manner on Salesforce, enabling you to track progress against monthly income targets and KPIs, and expertly steward and manage all relationships with funders. 
• Lead on the development of the annual Trusts and Foundations budgets and the monthly review of management accounts for your area. 
• Produce appropriate reports and presentations for team, directorate, senior team, committee, and board meetings. 
• Prepresent the fundraising team in leadership team meetings and senior meetings as appropriate when required. 
• Contribute to wider fundraising and communications led activities such as site visits, Lunch and Learn sessions, the London Youth Awards, and external networking opportunities. 
• Ensure you and your team understands the external funding environment, spotting trends, identifying opportunities, and making informed strategic recommendations for how London Youth should be operating in such an environment. 

What you bring to the role 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Proven ability to lead and manage a trusts and foundations team and deliver growth through this income stream. 
• Experience of successfully delivering six and seven figure funds. 
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with delivery, finance, policy, data and learning, and senior teams to develop applications and proposals. 
• Proven project management skills. 
• First class relationship management skills. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of UK and London funders. 
• Ability to undertake rigorous prospect research and build and manage a robust pipeline.
• An analytical approach with experience of regularly recording and reporting on data, including an ability to interpret financial data. 
• Experience of acting as an organisational ambassador in a range of outward facing contexts. 
• Awareness of Fundraising Regulatory Framework. 

Attributes and Behaviours: 

• Passionate and demonstrably committed to improving the lives of young people. 
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills with attention to detail. 
• Ability to think strategically. 
• Ability to adapt to working with a variety of internal and external audiences. 
• Ability to work independently and use your own initiative. 
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities. 
• Ability to work in a changing and flexible environment. 
• Willingness to develop and learn new skills. 
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends at London Youth events. 

You will be able to demonstrate our values of being: 

• Ambitious 
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

Why work at London Youth 

• Generous holiday allowance - 39 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays and closure days). If you work part-time, your holiday allowance will be proportional based on your working hours. 
• Employer 4% pension contribution. 
• Additional leave granted to support voluntary activity. 
• Free access for you and your family for the Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family. 
• Free Health Care Cash Plan. 
• Free access to the Charity Mentoring Network, as a mentor or mentee. 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth. 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people! 

Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Cerebra’s mission to influence national and local policy and practice. You will lead on the translation of research into actionable policy recommendations, develop strategic partnerships, advocate for systemic change and influence, persuade and engage with policy makers to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions and their families. Alongside this you will work with the Research and Information team on Cerebra’s research contracts and the development and dissemination of information.

This is a senior role requiring strategic vision, strong analytical and communication skills, and an ability to build influence across government, academia, and the third sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Policy and Influencing  

• Identify opportunities to influence national and local policy agendas, including legislation, guidance, and funding priorities related to childhood disability and neurological conditions.
• Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, sector partners and the public.
• Monitor policy developments across the neuro-diverse landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
• Analyse data, trends and policy developments to produce insights and recommendations.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
• Ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences and insights of the neuro-diverse children and families we support.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s policy and influencing strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Develop and deliver influencing campaigns in partnership with Communications team.
• Work closely with the Communications Team by contributing to the drafting of responses to media enquiries on our policy and influencing work and act as the media contact if required.
• Liaise with the Legal Rights Team to assess the impact of current or proposed policies in terms of their actual or potential effects on children with neurological conditions at both national and local levels, and for their input into consultation responses.

2. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with decision-makers across government departments, policymakers, NHS bodies, local authorities, professional associations, and sector partners.
• Represent Cerebra at meetings and events, including engaging with MPs, civil servants, policy forums, advisory groups, and cross-sector coalitions and other key influencers, or brief the CEO or Directors if attending.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure our policy and influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.

3. Research and Information

• With one of our Lead Research Officers leading, you will oversee the tendering process and delivery of our research contracts.
• Working with our Information Development Officer to ensure that we maintain our PIF Tick accreditation for our information resources.
• Carry out high-quality research and analysis.
• Use findings from Cerebra-funded and external research to produce policy briefs, consultation responses, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Alongside our Lead Research Officers carry out horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in child health, neurodiversity, and public service delivery.

4. Budgeting, monitoring and forecasting

• Working with the team and Director to set income and expenditure budgets for Corporate, Philanthropy, Legacy and Trust & Foundations to assist with any funding applications.
• Monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure and KPIs throughout the year.
• Providing quarterly income and expenditure re-forecasts.
• Ensuring all relevant information is recorded in line with charity, fundraising and data legislation and best practice.

5. Line Management

• Line management responsibilities for a small team, currently comprising of 3 staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.
• Complete regular supervision and team meetings.
• Provide effective performance management to the team.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with Cerebra’s values.

6. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact the areas of work that leading on.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

Lead and Direct Income Generation and Future Fundraising for Swindon Food Collective

The role has key responsibility for all income generation activities at Swindon Food Collective. This includes high-profile networking with local businesses, corporations and the public sector, processing grant applications, growing and managing key corporate partnerships and significantly increasing fundraising activities. This is a senior role and the role-holder will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The work involves undertaking frequent travel to local corporations, businesses, and wider public sector stakeholders. 

Role Purpose
To design, deliver and secure a multi-stream recurring income generation strategy, manage charity-wide philanthropy, and strengthen long-term financial resilience.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and planning
• Develop and deliver a 12–24-month income generation plan aligned to SFC priorities and the Trustee Strategy & Fundraising Committee.
• Build a balanced income mix (corporate, philanthropy, trusts, community and digital where appropriate), with clear targets and resource assumptions.
• Produce compelling cases for support and pitch materials tailored to different audiences.

Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
• Identify, cultivate and secure corporate partnerships and sponsorships (including 'charity of the year' and payroll giving where feasible).
• Design partnership packages (benefits, brand alignment, staff engagement, volunteering) and manage delivery and stewardship.
• Work closely with the Brand Ambassador & Events Manager to convert event leads into partnership conversations. 

Philanthropy, major donors and relationship fundraising
• Build and steward relationships with high-value supporters, ensuring excellent donor care and personalised stewardship.
• Manage a prospect pipeline (research, cultivation plans, asks, stewardship and renewals).
• Coordinate CEO and trustee involvement in high-value relationships where appropriate. 

Trusts, foundations and grant fundraising
• Own the trusts and foundations pipeline, from identifying funders to writing compelling bids and submitting applications.
• Coordinate impact evidence and data collection across SFC to strengthen applications and reporting.
• Complete and undertake all funding and grant applications (corporate and public sector) in a timely fashion and ahead of relevant deadlines. Report funding progress to stakeholders. 
• Ensure timely and high-quality funder reporting and relationship management. 

Performance management, systems and compliance
• Manage income forecasting, budgeting and ROI tracking; set and monitor KPIs and provide clear reporting to CEO/Board.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM (or agreed system), ensuring GDPR compliance and strong data quality.
• Ensure fundraising activity aligns with relevant fundraising standards and ethical practice. 

Leadership and organisational contribution
• Senior Leadership Team member: contribute to organisational planning, budgeting and risk management.
• Work collaboratively across operations and volunteering functions to ensure fundraising promises align with delivery capability and safeguarding requirements.
• Coach and support colleagues and volunteers who contribute to income generation activity. 
• Other tasks as relevant / determined by the CEO. 
 

Job Title: Independent Living Capital Appeal Manager
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £47,377
Location: The Rowe, London
Closing Date: 21st April 2026
Interviews: w/c 27th April 2026

About Centrepoint

Centrepoint works with young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide accommodation, health support, and life skills to help young people move into education, training, and employment so they can build independent, sustainable futures. Together with our partners, we support over 15,000 young people each year and aim to end youth homelessness by 2037.

About the Independent Living Programme

Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme (ILP) is delivering 300 genuinely affordable homes across London and Greater Manchester for young people moving on from homelessness. With 50 homes already built and £23m secured, the Independent Living Capital Appeal is raising a further £27m to complete the programme.

The Role

The Independent Living Capital Appeal Manager will play a key role in delivering this ambitious programme. You will be responsible for helping to deliver the £27m appeal target by managing and growing a portfolio of high-value donors and grant-makers, securing five and six figure gifts, and developing a strong pipeline of new prospects.

Working closely with the Head of Independent Living Appeal, you will lead the cultivation and solicitation of high-value supporters while delivering an outstanding donor experience. You will also work closely with development and programme colleagues to align fundraising with live housing developments and future pipeline opportunities.

You will:

• Lead and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, securing new and repeat five and six figure gifts
• Identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects to strengthen the appeal pipeline
• Develop and deliver tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Write compelling proposals, reports and donor communications
• Deliver excellent stewardship, designing supporter journeys that connect donors to the impact of their support
• Support senior leaders and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitations
• Collaborate across fundraising and programme teams to maximise opportunities for support
• Line-manage the Independent Living Appeal Officer, supporting their development and contribution to the appeal

This is an opportunity to play a central role in one of the UK’s most ambitious youth homelessness initiatives, helping unlock hundreds of new homes for young people leaving homelessness.

About You

We are looking for a motivated, relationship-focused fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts. You will bring:

• Experience securing five and six figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations or corporate partners
• Proven ability to build and progress a pipeline of high-value prospects
• Strong experience managing and stewarding major donor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including developing persuasive proposals and reports
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and donors
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver targets
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions

Desirable:

• Experience working on a capital appeal or major fundraising campaign
• Experience working with senior volunteers in fundraising

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days
• Healthcare cash plan (dental, optical, complementary therapies)
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Employer pension contributions of 5%
• Cycle to Work and interest-free travel loan schemes

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Centrepoint is committed to fairness, equality, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness or youth services.

Apply now to play a key role in delivering Centrepoint’s Independent Living Capital Appeal and creating hundreds of new homes for young people moving on from homelessness

Salary: £43,857 ( £3090 LW)
Contract: Permanent
Location: London / Hybrid - two days per week in office
Closing date: Rolling
Benefits: 24-28 Days annual leave & option to buy/sell more, up to 5% pension contribution, Employee assistance programme, Life assurance cover, Health cash plan

We are very excited to be looking for a passionate Trusts Manager to join Sense, a national disability charity supporting people with complex needs. Reporting to the Head of High Value Relationships, this role sits within the High Value team and plays a crucial role in delivering ambitious income targets through trusts and foundations.

At a pivotal point in the organisation’s strategy, the Trusts Manager will manage and develop a robust portfolio of trust and foundation relationships & lead the full lifecycle of trust fundraising — from research and pipeline development through to proposal submission, stewardship and reporting. This will see you working closely with colleagues across fundraising and service delivery to bring compelling funding propositions to life.

You will also contribute to the wider high value strategy, build strong relationships with funders and internal stakeholders, and ensure excellent grant management and compliance across key awards.

To be successful as Trusts Manager, you will need:

• Experience generating income and meeting financial targets within a high value fundraising role
• Proven experience developing and managing a trusts and foundations pipeline, including six?figure applications
• Strong relationship?building skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and funders

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact us and quote the reference 2936AJ.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency. We use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector — you can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
We take a relationship?led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If sufficient applications are received, the charity reserves the right to close the role early.
 

Job Title:
Senior Grants Officer

Reporting To:
Grants Manager

Salary:
£31,125 – £39,826

Hours:
37.5 hours per week

Duration:
Permanent

Location:
Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Liverpool / Hybrid working

Job Purpose

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our grants team to support the charity in delivering approximately £5m of grant awards per year.

The Senior Grants Officer will play an active role in supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s grant development and awarding process, liaising with Trust colleagues on grant applications and awards.

The post holder will work closely with fundraising teams to support donor asks and ongoing stewardship.

They will also support the Grants Manager in developing systems and processes for effective grant management, including maintaining up-to-date records on Salesforce.

Main Duties / Tasks

Grant Programme Delivery & Oversight

• Oversee application pipelines and grant status, ensuring efficient progression and escalating issues where required
• Monitor applications in development, ensuring alignment with Charity priorities and Theory of Change model
• Support small grants assessment meetings, including follow-up actions such as applicant liaison and issuing grant letters
• Respond to enquiries from grant holders, managing or escalating risks and underperformance
• Ensure fundraising teams are kept informed where external funds are attached to grants

Applicant & Stakeholder Support

• Act as a primary point of contact for grant applicants, advising on eligibility, criteria and application processes
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Trust staff, charity colleagues and external partners
• Represent the grants team in internal meetings where required

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Support monitoring of KPIs, including turnaround times, ensuring performance targets are met
• Identify opportunities to improve grant processes, systems and documentation
• Share learning and best practice across the charity

Programme Development

• Contribute to the development of grant programmes aligned with Charity priorities
• Support creation and improvement of applicant guidance and programme materials
• Work collaboratively with Impact & Insights colleagues to support a one-team approach

Other Duties

• Act as an ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with organisational values
• Contribute positively to the wider team and support fundraising events where required
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Experience in the charity, voluntary, public or philanthropic sector, ideally in a grants or programme role
• Knowledge of assessing grant or funding applications, including reviewing proposals and budgets
• Experience of administration and management processes, including record keeping, due diligence and reporting
• Experience using databases or grant management systems
• Experience managing multiple applications or projects to deadlines
• Understanding of governance and good practice in grant awarding and reporting
• Understanding of the charity and funding landscape

Desirable:

• Experience in a grant-making organisation, foundation or trust
• Experience supporting panels, committees or trustees
• Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems

Skills and Attributes

Essential:

• Commitment to equity, diversity and collaborative working
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Clear and concise written communication skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Self-motivated with a positive, flexible approach
• High attention to detail
• Good judgement and integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to shared learning
• Ability to line manage and support a Grants Assistant
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and database systems

Desirable:

• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience improving grant processes or systems
• Experience building relationships with applicants and grantees
• Interest in developing grant-making practice

Additional Requirements

Essential:

• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Strong interest in working for a children’s health charity
• Commitment to the values of Alder Hey Children’s Charity
• Willingness to support wider charity activities
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal office hours

Our Values

At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, our values guide how we work. Being courageous, working together, showing passion and embracing creativity enables us to support the hospital in delivering the very best care for young patients and their families.

Courage
We try new things, take risks and innovate. We speak up, take accountability and act with responsibility.

Together
We work as one team, sharing knowledge and learning. We partner with patients, families, supporters and colleagues.

Passion
We are passionate about what we do and inspire others.

Magic
We are creative, fun and child-led, creating special moments and going the extra mile.

Additional Information

In April 2025, the charity adopted a four-day working week policy. Staff previously working 37.5 hours now work 30 hours across four days, maintaining full pay while supporting a better work-life balance.

This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. It may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity will make reasonable adjustments where required and is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The post holder will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.