Trusts and Foundations Manager

Cranfield Trust is the UK’s leading provider of pro bono management support to the voluntary sector.  An independent charity, focused on welfare causes, we have a 32-year track record of supporting UK-based charities and non-profit organisations.  We work with our register of 1,400 highly skilled commercial sector volunteers and our funders and donors, to provide high value, independent services and advice to local and national charities across the UK. 

We are looking for an experienced Trusts and Foundations Manager with proven written, research and relationship skills to excel as part of our small Development team.  Your remit will be to lead on stewarding and further developing our significant trusts and foundation portfolio.  Reporting to the Head of Development and working alongside the CEO and other colleagues, you will manage and grow the portfolio in alignment with our fundraising strategy, initiate, develop and manage external and internal relationships, and secure income. 

Responsibilities include:

• researching and identifying prospective funding bodies whose charitable objectives align with those of Cranfield Trust;
• producing high-quality grant applications and proposals for funders in support of fundraising targets;
• working independently to initiate and build sustainable relationships with new and existing donors;
• liaising and building relationships with colleagues internally in support of our fundraising work.
• reporting to funders on progress under grant relationships; and,
• monitoring and reporting on trust and foundation fundraising activities to support internal discussions and planning.

The successful candidate will need to have the ability to research and identify new funders, independently build rapport with decision makers, and identify the right funding opportunities for Cranfield Trust and each prospective funder.  You will possess strong writing skills to produce compelling, tailored funding proposals for a range of funding organisations, applying for core funding, restricted funding, and where appropriate, tailored programmes of work that support funders to achieve their goals of supporting grantees or other charitable organisations within their remit.  A strong understanding of charitable trusts and foundations is essential, as is experience of working in a similar charity fundraising role.

We have ambitious plans to grow our income to ensure that we can support charities to adapt, survive and thrive following the Covid-19 pandemic.  If you are ready to help us meet the challenge, please do get in touch.  The role will be based in our Head Office in Romsey.  However, we are prepared to offer home-working with travel for meetings with funders and for internal meetings with your colleagues in Romsey as required.

We are committed to supporting you, your wellbeing and development, to ensure you enjoy working with us.  We offer 25 days / 187.5 hours pro rata plus Bank Holidays, a pension scheme, and opportunities for training and personal development.