At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts by building relationships with trusts and foundations to secure vital funding.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to rewilding and nature restoration in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Remote work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a difference for biodiversity and climate solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing grants and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Home-based. Full-time or part-time (min. 0.6 FTE). Permanent. £35,500 to £37,500 full-time (pro rata for part-time).
Are you an experienced Trusts and Foundations fundraiser seeking an exciting role in the nature and rewilding sector? Are you looking for a friendly, flexible and values-driven organisation where you can make a tangible difference and advance your fundraising career? This opportunity could tick all your boxes!
ABOUT US
Scotland: The Big Picture (SBP) is a charity dedicated to making rewilding happen, as a solution to the biodiversity and climate crises. We work across Scotland, from the mountains to the sea and from the remotest communities to our urban centres. Our vision is of a vast network of rewilded land and water, where wildlife flourishes and people thrive. In the five years since we were founded, we’ve established ourselves as a leading force for rewilding in Scotland: a charity that achieves outsized impact through our powerful storytelling and innovative collaborations.
We’re a small, agile and friendly team that works hard to:
- Drive support for rewilding – through our films, creative storytelling, conferences, training courses and political advocacy.
- Commit land and water to rewilding – by supporting over 100 landowners to enhance nature on their land, from crofts and community-owned sites to farms and large estates.
OUR FUNDRAISING
SBP is a growing organisation with an exciting portfolio of nature recovery projects across Scotland. Our key income streams include grants from charitable trusts, foundations and statutory bodies, philanthropic donations, corporate partnerships, regular giving and appeals. We have a strong track record in fundraising from trusts and foundations, and we are currently in receipt of grants from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other significant environmental funders. Our Fundraising Team comprises a Rewilding Investment Lead (who develops corporate partnerships) and a Trusts and Foundations Lead, led by our Fundraising Manager.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Trusts and Foundations Lead, you would establish and maintain relationships with a wide portfolio of charitable trusts and foundations, and be responsible for securing both project-specific and core income.
KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifying and researching funding opportunities, including due diligence as appropriate.
- Networking, and building and stewarding relationships with prospective funders.
- Liaising with senior, project and finance staff to identify, prioritise and cost key fundraising needs.
- Managing a dynamic pipeline of applications matched to the agreed fundraising priorities.
- Preparing and submitting compelling expressions of interest and funding proposals, including accurate financial information as required.
- Processing grant offers and ensuring income is recorded accurately.
- Managing a schedule of reporting and stewardship deadlines to ensure timely feedback and thanks to funders.
- Securing progress updates from colleagues delivering funded work, in order to produce high-quality reports that meet funders’ requirements.
- Seeking feedback in relation to unsuccessful bids, in order to guide and strengthen future proposals.
- Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records on our fundraising CRM database.
- Contributing to the development of fundraising strategies, plans and campaigns.
- Participating fully in Fundraising and SBP team meetings, events and cross-team activities as appropriate.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
- At least two years’ experience securing and reporting on grants from trusts and foundations, and/or reviewing and advising on grants within a grant-giving organisation.
- Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Experience writing compelling bids and reports that align with funders’ priorities.
- Ability to communicate confidently with funders and colleagues in a friendly and engaging manner.
- Experience using a variety of information management tools, including CRM databases and spreadsheets, to accurately record and manage information.
- Confident with numbers.
- Experience working with project and finance colleagues to develop project budgets.
- Able to organise day-to-day activities according to agreed priorities, manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
- Demonstrable passion for nature and rewilding in Scotland.
- Able to maintain personal wellbeing, productivity and effective communication in a remote team.
- Share and demonstrate our core values.
DESIRABLE
- Experience securing grants at £250,000 and over.
- Experience of using desktop design tools to create attractive materials that combine written content with imagery.
- Experience building and managing relationships with senior or strategically important stakeholders, e.g. Board members, CEOs.
- Proficient with DonorPerfect CRM.
- Experience developing complex, multi-year budgets for grant applications, including full cost recovery where applicable.
- Experience using a range of tools and approaches to manage priorities, meet deadlines and hit targets.
- Experience with funders that support nature and climate causes.
- Experience of thriving in a remote working environment.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification within a relevant discipline.
OUR VALUES
Our values define us as a charity and guide our relationships with colleagues, partners, funders, supporters and wider interest groups.
- We are passionate about Scotland and its huge potential for nature restoration.
- We are bold and willing to push boundaries to make rewilding happen.
- We trade in hope and possibility, not fear and conflict.
- We are inclusive and respectful, inviting everyone to join the conversation.
- We are collaborative, building connections across interest groups to drive change.
TO APPLY
Please email your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages). The covering letter should detail why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience equip you for this role. Applications should be sent to HR@scotlandbigpicture.com by 5pm on Monday 13 July. Interviews will be conducted by video call on Monday 20 July. If you would like to speak with someone before applying, please email HR@scotlandbigpicture.com to request a call. We endeavour to provide feedback on request to unsuccessful applicants. However, as a small charity – and depending on the number of applicants we receive – we may need to prioritise feedback to those candidates who are shortlisted for interview.
Trusts and Foundations Lead employer: Elbichologo
Scotland: The Big Picture (SBP) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about nature and rewilding, offering a flexible, values-driven work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With opportunities to make a tangible impact in the biodiversity and climate sectors, employees benefit from a supportive team culture, professional development, and the chance to contribute to innovative projects across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts and Foundations Lead
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Elbichologo.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Elbichologo.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Elbichologo.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Elbichologo. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts and Foundations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Elbichologo. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trusts and Foundations Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Elbichologo. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!