Job Description and Personal Specification The Samworth Foundation Grants Research Officer 2017

The Samworth Foundation

Grants Research Officer

Based in Melton Mowbray on21 hours a week (flexible working available)

Salary: £30,000 pro rata

The Samworth Foundation seeks a part time Grants Research Manager to be responsible to the Director for the management, strategy and policy of the Foundation’s grant portfolio. You will help the Foundation to deliver a coordinated and proactive approach to work in our key fields of strategic interest. You will work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners and develop evidence-informed advice to the Foundation and new ways of working. You will work on cross-cutting pilot projects that may inform the Foundation’s strategy development.

You will be someone who wants to make a difference byhelping the Foundation to understand developments in the sectors and geographic areas we are working in.This role offers the opportunity to actively contribute within the Foundation; and to work closely with colleagues and others externally on a range of projects in support of the Foundation’s work.

The Samworth Foundation is a family grant-giving charitable Trust disbursing £1.75 million per year. Its two main, current work streams relate to very marginalised children and young people, and to protecting and enhancing the environment, with roughly equal expenditure in the UK and internationally (with a special interest in the East Midlands). The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, rather it seeks out specific funding opportunities to contribute to an overall aim. Awarded grants focus on work and costs which others are unlikely to fund. This allows staff and trustees to use the flexibility and independence of a family Foundation strategically to make a real difference.

Key tasks of the role includes:

  • To explore priority subject areas and suggestions from the trustees, solicit grant applications, handle enquiries from potential applicants and make recommendations to the trustees
  • To explain the Foundation’s policies to enquirersand liaise with other grant-makers in the Foundation’s chosen areas as appropriate
  • To oversee and explain the requirements of the Foundation’s grant making system to prospective and existing beneficiaries
  • To ensure regular reporting from beneficiaries and to enable the monitoring and evaluation of work funded by the Foundation
  • To write papers for and present at trustee meetings and contributions to the Foundation’s regular newsletter as required
  • To research and advise on ideas and suggestions for possible funding put forward by the Trustees or by Samworth Family members
  • To support the development of evidence-informed approaches in the Foundation’s grantmaking (for example, to ensure we understand the changing external context for our priorities for grant-making and our grantees’ work) through desk research and the preparation of briefings, guidance and advice to colleagues and the trustees.
  • Support innovation and improvement in the Foundation’s areas of strategic interest by, for example, synthesising evidence from grantees about their work, identifying common themes and findings of interest to others in their fields
  • To liaise with the Director, Chair and Foundation staff over policies, priorities and contacts and seek their guidance as required
  • To liaise with the secretariat over the practical administration of the Foundation’s grants work
  • To manage and update the grantee database (Benefactor)

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent analytical, communication and relationship-building skills. Experience in planning, design and implementation of projects is essential as are the skills required to work co-operatively with a range of people.

We are looking for someone with good organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work flexibility in a changing environment

The post requires experience of grant making, and an understanding of at least one of the Foundation priority funding areas (Child Sexual Exploitation, VAWG, Trafficking, Slavery, International work or the Environment).

Understanding of organisational development – particularly of small and medium sized organisations is essential. Good level IT skills, including all MS Office applications alongside excellent written and communication skills is required.

Desirable

  • A knowledge of the NGO/CVO sector across the East Midlands
  • Experience of working within a charitable organisation (not necessarily as a grant maker)
  • Educated to degree level
  • Experience of strategic/operational development of small and medium organisations
  • An understanding of devolved grant making and the principles of effective partnership working

To Apply

To apply please send a letter of application and supporting statement (up to 2 pages) explaining why you are a suitable candidate for this postand how you meet the person specification. Please also include a copy of your most recent cv. Applications should be sent no later than 5pm on 13th December to Sarah Wellstead on

Interviews will take place onThursday the 11th January.