Fundraising & Bid Writing Officer in Lancaster

Location: LDHAS, 2, Aalborg Place, Lancaster LA1 1BJ or such other place as LDHAS may require

Salary: NJC Scale SO1 - £34,515 to £36,363 (Full time Equivalent), £18,408 to £19,396 (Pro Rata)

Hours of work: 20 hours per week over 4 weekdays (9am to 2pm)

Job summary: The postholder will be responsible for identifying, writing, and submitting compelling, well-researched and tailored funding applications to relevant grant-giving bodies. The post holder will work closely with the LDHAS management team and the finance officer to gather information, write bids, and track progress of submissions, ensuring LDHAS meets income targets as agreed by the Trustees.

The postholder will:

• Proactively research, navigate the system and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with LDHAS's strategic priorities working closely with the Operational manager, Business development manager and Finance officer in their collaboration with key partners.
• Work collaboratively with LDHAS managers and colleagues to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor applications to funder requirements and priorities, ensuring persuasive storytelling and alignment with LDHAS's mission.
• Research and identify opportunities to raise money via businesses including payroll giving and sponsoring fundraising events.
• Research and identify opportunities to encourage supporters to consider leaving a gift to LDHAS in their wills.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.

Person specification:

• Professional education which supports effective communication in respect of bid writing, gained through qualification and/or equivalent degree level experiential learning.
• The ability to draw on and apply personal lived experiences appropriately.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Professional knowledge of grant application processes and bid writing.
• Knowledge of funders and application requirements.
• Experience of submitting successful bids and grant applications.
• Experience of managing a pipeline of applications and submissions.
• Experience of using grant management systems, including templates, case studies, and project reporting tools.
• Ability to write clear, concise and compelling bids and grant applications.
• Ability to be flexible and creative.
• Ability to consider and respond to feedback from bids and grant applications to improve future submissions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present sometimes complex information in an accessible way.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Effective, empathetic communicator.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Resilience.
• Be committed to the values of LDHAS.

About LDHAS: Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service Limited (LDHAS) has been operating in Lancaster for over 30 years providing help to rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people. The centre is the heart of the organisation. We offer a basic needs service for people sleeping on the streets. We provide a service for those who are homeless or experiencing housing poverty in the Lancaster and District area.

We provide the following essential needs for rough sleepers:

• Assistance with form filling
• Breakfast and lunch
• Phone access
• Access to identification documents
• Shower
• A care of address for correspondence
• Clothing
• Laundry facilities

We are also a one-stop shop / homeless hub with visiting agencies providing services from our building to our clients, be it advice on benefits (universal credits, PIP etc), drug and alcohol services, help with housing needs, Hepatitis C testing, or medical assistance from a nurse in our medical room.

To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service, please do not hesitate to apply.