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- Tasks: Lead funding strategy and innovation for community projects across the UK.
- Company: Join the National Lottery Community Fund, the UK's largest source of community funding.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on creating resilient, inclusive communities.
- Qualifications: Senior grant making experience and a strategic mindset are essential.
- Other info: This is a newly created role with significant responsibility and influence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest single source of funding for community activities in the UK. We’re One Fund based in communities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and our work reflects the diversity of the UK. We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable – activities that will strengthen society and improve lives.
Our 2024-27 Corporate Plan places a strong emphasis on making a bigger difference, supporting bolder change in the delivery of The National Lottery Community Fund’s ‘It starts with community’ strategy to 2030. We are now seeking an energetic and purposeful leader, confident in shaping and setting direction across the directorate and wider ‘One Fund’. This is a newly created role with responsibility for our UK-wide grant making portfolio which offers larger funding to organisations looking to scale impact, that benefits communities across the UK.
The postholder will have accountability for over £110 million in grant funding annually, and an operating budget of around £9 million, and play a central role in ensuring public money is used responsibly, strategically, and with transformative impact. This is a crucial senior leadership appointment - this role is central to how we anticipate, design, and deliver bold, community-led solutions to meet the challenges of our time.
You will lead our Funding Strategy and Innovation work to enable us to deliver our strategic ambition and passion for community-led change. You will understand what effective, equity-focused funding looks like—and know how to build strategies, cultures and partnerships that spark innovation and shift systems.
Candidates will bring senior grant making experience, a strategic mindset, and a people-first leadership style to drive excellence in delivery, foster innovation, and embed equity and sustainability across all we do. Wherever you are, you will provide a clear vision, bring a systematic approach to delivery, and have the capability to build personal credibility quickly. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, show credibility at Board level, and demonstrate strategic judgement. Importantly, you will bring a collaborative approach in working with our talented and committed teams.
If you believe you have the skills and qualities required, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Closing date: Friday 6th June 2025
Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK Director employer: The National Lottery Community Fund
Contact Detail:
The National Lottery Community Fund Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Lottery Community Fund's mission and values. Understanding their focus on community-led solutions and equity-focused funding will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the funding and community development sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in grant making and strategic leadership. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and fostered collaboration in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends and challenges in community funding across the UK. Being knowledgeable about these issues will demonstrate your commitment to making a meaningful impact and your readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK Director position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, required skills, and the impact this role has on community funding.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in grant making, strategic leadership, and community engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and foster collaboration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for community-led change and outlines how your experience aligns with the goals of The National Lottery Community Fund. Be sure to mention your strategic mindset and people-first leadership style.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build credibility at Board level. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams and stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Lottery Community Fund
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The National Lottery Community Fund's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on community-led solutions and how they aim to create resilient and inclusive communities across the UK.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your experience in strategic grant making and how you've successfully implemented funding strategies in the past. Highlight specific examples where your strategic mindset has led to impactful outcomes for communities.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this role requires a people-first leadership style, be ready to share instances where you've fostered collaboration and innovation within teams. Discuss how you build credibility and trust among colleagues and stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges related to funding and community engagement. Prepare scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your approach to ensuring responsible and transformative use of public money.
