Funding & Partnerships Manager

Wasps is seeking a friendly, organised, and motivated Funding & Partnerships Manager to engage with supporters, creative tenants and communities across Scotland to help Wasps deliver its core aims. Wasps is a Charity and Social Enterprise that focuses on the creation of affordable studios and creative workspace, and opportunities for artists and creative industries nationwide.

Wasps has been supporting the arts community for over four decades and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest studio providers. Thanks to significant funds from public sector, private Trusts and Foundations and individuals, Wasps has just completed the £6m redevelopment of the Midmills Buildings in Inverness to create the Highlands’ first major creative hub.

This is a unique opportunity to join Wasps Team to lead our creative fundraising and partnership campaigns. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the role will lead on fundraising and partnership development for Wasps’ capital development and revenue projects across Scotland.

Wasps has raised over £12m in funding over the past 7 years, from a variety of grant sources for our capital development programme, delivering 6 new studio and residency projects in that period. Working closely with teams across the organisation, this role will lead the successful fundraising campaign already underway for our latest project – The Briggait Clydeside Halls - a £5m redevelopment project due to start onsite later in 2022, as well as a range of other capital and revenue initiatives.

This year, the organisation is embarking on the second phase of works at The Briggait, an A-listed former fish market and Wasps’ largest creative centre in Glasgow. The £5m project will bring 1,200sqm of market hall space – currently vacant – back into use as an inspirational Clydeside creative hub and Market Hall destination. Wasps has already secured £1.6m in funding from the Scottish Government, and later this year will see Wasps commence the capital development, community and supporter engagement, and relationship building, with a view to breathing new life into this iconic Glasgow landmark.

The Funding and Partnership Manager will oversee key aspects of capital and revenue fundraising and partnership development to achieve the delivery of a number of projects, in particular The Briggait Clydeside Halls project and our arts enterprise programme. The postholder will line manage a Funding and Partnerships Officer (Part-time) and will join Wasps Senior Management Team.

The duties of the role include:

• Creating and implementing compelling and innovative fundraising plans for capital and revenue projects, making relevant funding applications to secure funding from both private and public sources, including Trusts and Foundations.
• Managing existing relationships with partners and funders for projects, as well as other arts and social enterprise organisations. Identifying and building new partnerships across Scotland.
• Overseeing and monitoring claims and compliance activity as defined by the terms of funding and investment partners.
• Developing and implementing a framework for identifying and evaluating potential new income streams, including sponsorship opportunities.
• Assisting with the delivery of projects including strategic planning in preparing funding plans which will attract resources, funding and the commitment of partners.
• Devising a strong cultural, social and economic rationale for projects and building evidence to support it.
• Any other duties as instructed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or relevant experience in a related position
• A proven track record of fundraising on capital and revenue projects
• Experience of working with funders and of preparing funding applications including Public Sector and Trusts and Foundations.
• Ability to present complex information in formats appropriate to a wide range of circumstances and audiences.
• Understanding of budgets and financial management
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills with the ability to develop comprehensive systems and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written), with the ability to communicate with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders in a format appropriate to each.
• Ability to efficiently manage workload and prioritise as appropriate to meet targets and deadlines.
• Ability to work well with internal and external colleagues, collaboratively and in a team-oriented way.
• Ability to form trusting partnerships with people and partners at all levels
• A basic understanding of the project management process and the key steps involved in delivering a successful capital project
• An interest in, and awareness of, current priorities in cultural, social and economic policy
• A creative thinker

Key Information

Probation:

The appointment is subject to completion of an initial 6 month probationary period. During this period, the post will be subject to a week’s notice on either side. At the end of the probationary period, either side requires to give two months’ notice in writing

Hours:

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work. No overtime is payable but time off in lieu is offered, in line with company policy. Flexi working can be considered, although core hours are 9.30am – 4pm.

Holidays:

The holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum plus Scottish public holidays (as recognised by the Scottish Government / Glasgow City Council).

Pension:

The post holder will be auto enrolled into Wasps pension scheme. There is an employer contribution of 5% (subject to minimum employee contribution, currently 3%).

Sick Pay:

Wasps pay Statutory Sick Pay during all probationary periods. After this period, you will receive Company Sick Pay.

Location:

This position will be based at Wasps’ Head Office in The Briggait, Glasgow. However, work will involve travel to Wasps studios across Scotland, as required/requested by the Senior Management Team.

Travel:

Travel may be required within Scotland and the rest of the UK. The post-holder will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the organisation, including business travel.

References:

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references

Right to work:

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK