Job Description
Balmer Dawson Executive Search are delighted to announce an exciting new opportunity with Cork Simon Community for a suitably qualified Grants & European Funding Lead. This is a brand new role within their evolving fundraising team, reporting to the Head of Fundraising. The Role: This role will work closely with the Head of Fundraising to establish a comprehensive programme to secure multi-year funding from grant-making organisations and EU Funding sources. Through the implementation of this programme, diversify sources of organisational funding and deliver increased levels of sustainable income for Cork and South East Simon. Develop and nurture relationships with funders to an optimal level. Catchment Area: Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, South Tipperary. Remit extends to local, national and international grant-making institutions and funders What might attract you to this role? The Cork Simon Community brand is well-known and well-established, and the organisation is very highly respected for the incredible work that they do for vulnerable men and women locally. You will have the opportunity to work within a very successful and collaborative Fundraising team and be their first Grants & European Funding Lead to join their amazing team. Hybrid Policy. Time in Lieu Policy. Excellent training opportunities. Key Tasks: Strategic: In consultation with the Head of Fundraising, contribute to the Grants & European Funding element of the organisations Fundraising Strategy Operational: Create and deliver a rolling prospect research programme identifying a pipeline of institutional funders with potential to fundCork and South East Simon activities and associatedcosts Create, maintain and utilise a suite of up-to-date and compelling cases for support Create, maintain and work to an application calendar identifying application deadlines, lead times and meeting frequencies Create, maintain and work to a reporting calendar to ensure reporting deadlines are met. Liaise with colleagues to gather relevant information as per reporting requirements Establish, review, and evaluate the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of funders and report back to them as required Ensure that terms and conditions of grant funding received are adhered to and any issues arising are dealt with in a timely and transparent fashion Developmental: In consultation with the Head of Fundraising identify activities / projects / services to be funded and prioritise same Carry out appropriate and adequate approaches for funding to ensure ambitious income and other agreed targets are achieved Remain abreast of trends and developments in Grants and EU Funding environments, evaluate opportunities that these present for Cork and South East Simon. Where feasible, modify existing activities or implement new activities as necessary in order to capitalise on available opportunities as appropriate Undertake appropriate networking to maximise funding opportunities for Cork and South East Simon Stewardship: Work to Cork and South East Simons Relationship Fundraising model Develop and implement tailored stewardship programmes to optimise funders support for Cork and South East Simon Manage relationships with funders to establish, maintain and optimise long-term partnerships of increasing financial and strategic value Build and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders, creating new and optimising existing relationships and opportunities Proactively evaluate when and how colleagues can add value when approaching funders for support, building and maintaining relationships and reporting back on funding received. Integrate such opportunities into stewardship programmes Targets: In consultation with the Head of Fundraising agree ambitious income and other targets for the Grants & EU Funding Function Produce and implement comprehensive plans toensure agreed targets are achieved on an ongoing basis and that income grows over time Take personal responsibility for achieving Grants & EU Funding income and other targets within agreed expenditure budget and timeframes Public Relations: Present a professional image of Cork and South East Simon to external agencies, funders etc Liaise with the Campaigns and Communications Team to develop comprehensive media and PR programmes as required Give presentations on Cork and South East Simons work as required Contribute to the development of effective messages about Cork and South East Simon Community for relevant audiences Administration: Provide relevant reports on activities, progress and outcomes to the Head of Fundraising in a timely manner and as required Develop and maintain streamlined and efficient systems within the Grants & EU Funding function Maintain accurate, and relevant records and keep these updated in a timely manner Team Work: Work as part of the Fundraising team Participate in, and contribute to, team meetings, quarterly Planning Sessions etc Identify and secure partnerships with other organisations to access certain types of funding e.g. EU Funding. Manage and maintain relationships as required Where appropriate, liaise with Simon Communities of Ireland and other local Communities on approaches for support with a national focus Where required liaise with services / departments within Cork Simon to develop an accurate, effective, and appropriate fundraising message Where required liaise with services / departments within Cork Simon to develop fundraising packages / opportunities for support Quality Ensure all activities are carried out to the highest standards at all times Ensure all processes and outputs are to the highest standards at all times Other: Actively participate in Cork Simons supervision process Adhere to Fundraising Department policies and procedures Adhere to Cork and South East Simon policies and procedures Participate in training as required as per the Individual Learning Plan as agreed with the Head of Fundraising Carry out any other duties commensurate with the role of Grants & EU Funding Lead and membership of the Fundraising Team as requested by the Head of Fundraising Key Performance indicators: Income and other targets achieved within agreed expenditure budgets and timeframes Grants & EU Funding Strategy and programme of activities effectively and appropriately implemented Stewardship plans effectively and appropriately implemented Effective and appropriate Team work Active engagement with the Cork Simon model of Supervision and implementation of Individual Learning Plan as agreed with Head of Fundraising Health & Safety: Be aware of health & safety policies affecting the workplace and conform to regulations regarding safe practices (infectious diseases etc.) and the use of safety equipment Comply with no smoking rules, use of protective clothing, glasses, gloves or footwear etc. where deemed necessary by Cork and South East Simon Comply with all health & safety standards and work with due regard to own safety and the safety of others. Participate in courses pertaining to health & safety and manual handling and other priority training Participate in regular fire drills and be fully aware of evacuation plans, positioning of fire-fighting equipment, etc. Key skills and experience: Third level qualification. Minimum 3 years experience securing funding from one or more of the following areas: - Grant-making Trusts / Foundations / Organisations - European Funding - Statutory funding e.g. government departments, local authorities etc Minimum 3 years experience of working to and achieving targets Knowledge of best practice in grant application Knowledge of the Grant-making and EU Funding landscape Knowledge of Relationship-building and stewardship models Written and verbal case-making skills Interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with a proven track record of building relationships and partnerships at senior stakeholder level Excellent communication skills both written and verbal Be adept in presentation and public speaking skills Strong organisational and time management skills Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to negotiate and influence effectively A high level of attention to detail and the ability to perform well under pressure without compromising on quality or accuracy Experience in project management and event management desirable Ability to work on own initiative and drive to achieve impactful results A self-starter with a high level of integrity and confidentiality and a commitment to social justice. To travel on occasion for training and as part of the grant application and stewardship process Team-oriented with a natural ability to prioritise tasks, manage time and take responsibility for own workload Knowledge of the use of Salesforce, Raisers Edge or similar CRM database experience desirable. Budgetary management, costing and forecasting experience desirable An understanding of and support for the values and ethos of Cork Simon Community. Salary on offer: €65,000 per annum Benefits on offer: Hybrid working (not fully remote) 35-hour week 9am to 5pm Employee pension 5% employer contribution with matching 3% employee contribution after successful 6 month probationary period Annual leave 25 days Paid Maternity Leave Time off in lieu system in place Excellent training opportunities Wellbeing supports Application process: To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page), in Microsoft Word format, outlining how your motivation, experience and skills are a fit for this role profile. Please make your application for the attention of BOTH Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson at the following email address: Closing date: The closing date for applications is Monday 30th September by 5pm (GMT) Skills: target driven Communication (written and verbal) Public Speaking Presentation Skills grant writing Relationship Building Attention to detail