Grants Manager
Salary £ 32,400 - £36,000 (fte) – depending on skills and experience - Part time may be considered (minimum of 30 hours per week)
Mix of homeworking and based at offices in Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Vacancy listed 04/04/2025
Application deadline 30/04/2025
Details
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 maximise 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 & Management


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.

 Desirable: 

  • 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.

Desirable: 

  • Full driving license and use of own vehicle. 
Benefits

25 days holiday per annum - rising 1 day to year after first 2 years to a max 28 days. Plus, addition to public holidays
5% contributory pension
WPA NHS Top Up Health Benefits
Christmas closure week

Notes

Dimensions of the role:

Use and maintenance of accurate records on Salesforce database.

Access and use of BLCF management systems incl: Breathe HR, SharePoint.

Working Environment:

Based at the current business office at Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire but working flexible from home and on locations across the county as required.

Equalities:

The postholder will ensure that policies, procedures and activities for service delivery are revised and/or implemented in a way that supports equality for all. These activities should also reflect BLCF's commitment to Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) within the sector and in its work to support the communities of Bedfordshire & Luton as an equitable funder.

NB: This job description reflects the requirements of BLCF as of April 2025. The role and duties of the post are subject to change in line with the future development of BLCF. BLCF reserves the rights to make such changes as are necessary and any changes required will be discussed with the post holder as appropriate.

We will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

The post holder will ensure that BLCF's policies are reflected in all aspects of his/her work, in particular those relating to:

(i) Equal Opportunities
(ii) Health and Safety
(iii) Data Protection Act (1984 & 1998)

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the team at administrator@blcf.org.uk or 01525 306690.

To apply, please complete our application form and submit a covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the role.

Interviews will be taking place during the w/c 12th May 2025.

Attached documents
Title File
Full Job Description - Grants Manager Job_Description_-_Grants_Manager.pdf
Application Form - BLCF BLCF_Application_Form.doc

This vacancy has now been closed