Grants Manager

Overall Purpose

To work as part of the Grants & Programmes Team to support organisations applying for funding each year through the Foundations grants programme. The post holder manages important relationships with potential and current grantees, building trust and an understanding of their purpose and aims and supporting them to submit appropriate and high-quality applications for funding against the funds criteria and Foundation s priorities. To lead on wider initiatives, as directed by the Senior Grants Manager or Senior Leadership Team, to ensure the Foundation maintains high standards and contribute to national data sharing and initiatives that strengthen the work and reach of the foundation. The Grants Manager will report to the Senior Grants Manager and will work closely with colleagues across the Foundation contributing to the delivery of the Foundation s Strategic Plan, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

To undertake all tasks associated with BLCF's grantmaking functions including carry out assessments of grants applications and work alongside donors on donor-directed funds as required.

Work alongside members of the team to maximize use of our in-house CRM database for monitoring and impact reporting, working with the Head of Impact.

Provide grant-making support and advise to potential and existing grantees on our funds and programmes, to ensure open and transparent access to our programmes and proactively looking to address inequality and fairer access to opportunities the Foundation offers.

Process all grant applications within agreed timelines, working alongside Fund Leads to review and assess grant applications effectively.

Co-lead delivery of fund programmes, contributing to their strategic direction / donor engagement.

Carry out other associated duties, which may arise, develop, or be assigned, in line with the scale and general nature of the post.

Performance & Monitoring

Track and review monitoring submissions, working with the Grants Officers to send out reminders for monitoring forms to be returned where required, and sign off monitoring forms from applicants.

Production of delivery/donor reports as required to funders, as requested by Senior Leadership Team.

Ensure appropriate levels of training are maintained and a good working understanding of the policies and procedures of the Foundation.

Relationship Building

Listen, learn and share the needs of communities back into the work of the Foundation to ensure we are always 'needs led'.

Maintain and share our vision and value and help those who wish to work with us understand the processes and requirements we have.

Make regular visits to funded projects as required.

Regularly connect and engage with charity forums and networks to promote the work of the Foundation and help raise our profile.

External Representation

Maintain a good working understanding of community and charity sector issues in order to better inform our work, ensuring information is cascaded to wider members of the team.

Represent the Foundation in a positive way, at Regional and National events as required by Senior Grants Manager or Senior Leadership Team.

Proactively develop and maintain an appropriate network of contacts in the grant making sector across the whole geographic reach of the Foundation. Deliver and support workshops and seminars and fund launchesfor the Foundations existing and new programmes and initiatives.

Provide proactive support to the CEO with other initiatives, where required.

Be an ambassador for the work of the Foundation by demonstrating its values in the delivery of its work.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Understanding of charity sector.
• Experience of managing funded projects, fundraising or philanthropy.
• Excellent communication skills, adapts style according to audience and context.
• Customer care / high quality service provision.
• Production of high-quality reports using excellent written skills.
• Fully computer literate including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and use of databases.
• Ability to process and interpret information
• Excellent team player.
• Excellent networking skills with a wide range of stakeholders, quickly establishes rapport and professional credibility.

Desirebale:

• Previous grant-making or grants assessment work.
• People with lived experience / professional experience of support for minoritised communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Understands social needs across Bedfordshire.
• Understands legal and financial requirements in voluntary sector.
• Statutory sector experience such as; commissioning / procurement, police, health, etc.
• Proficient in use of Salesforce.

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Professional.
• Relational.
• Self-motivated.
• Detail-oriented.
• Organised.
• Punctual.
• Creative and adaptable approach.
• Committed to learning and development.
• Committed to BLCF values.

Other Requirements

Essential:

• Committed to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Able to work across Bedfordshire / access to transport.
• Evening / weekend flexibility.

Desireable

• Full driving license and use of own vehicle.