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- Tasks: Lead grant programmes and enhance community energy resilience through strategic operations.
- Company: Northern Powergrid Foundation, a charity focused on empowering communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while driving positive change in energy resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in funding management, strong communication skills, and a passion for community impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with diverse stakeholders and excellent growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
The Northern Powergrid Foundation is an independent grant-giving charity, with a mission to help communities turn energy challenges into opportunities. To date we have funded 120 organisations, providing them with £1.8 million funding to enhance the energy resilience of their communities, but we’re now ready for the next step in our story. About to launch our new three-year strategy, the Foundation is at a point of significant change with an ambition to grow our impact across our region. We want to provide greater flexibility in our funding, to reach more communities who need support to maximise the benefits of the ever-changing energy landscape.
We are looking to recruit a dynamic Operations Manager, with experience in funding or programme management, to lead the development of our existing and newly emerging grant programmes, delivering greater impact for our communities. Working with the Head of Foundation, our Operations Manager will play a key role in delivering the Foundation’s business plan as well as coordinating and providing support to the Foundation’s Trustees. They will bring with them demonstrable experience of managing funding processes, from assessing applications to social impact assessment and reporting, and will be able to engage and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including our beneficiaries and other regional funders.
The successful applicant will be responsible for developing our communications plan, ensuring that we communicate clearly and effectively with potential applicants, and reach the communities who need our support the most. Additionally, they will lead the development of our fundraising strategy, to enhance the sustainability of the organisation and ensure it exists to support those who need it in the future. This is a fantastic opportunity for an organised and engaged person, with a desire to make a difference to the communities in which we live and work.
Along with a competitive salary of up to 45k, we also offer great benefits such as:
- 25 days holiday increasing with tenure
- Up to 10% performance related bonus
We’re excited to hear from candidates with a passion for making a difference in our local communities, driven by creating a positive impact to our regions’ energy resilience needs. This will be a varied and dynamic role where you will work alongside a diverse set of stakeholders delivering both operational and strategic outcomes. Apply now and we’ll be in touch.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all operational activity of the Foundation according to the strategic direction provided by the Board including grant making, stakeholder management, communications and marketing.
- Be responsible for planning and delivering a range of support, services and financial grants for communities most in need.
- Ensure robust and clear processes for awarding grants in line with our grant making policy and individual programme funding criteria.
- Be responsible for all aspects of service delivery, grants and performance, including monitoring and reporting.
- Have a key role in the delivery of the Foundation annual business plan.
- Maintain existing and develop new partnerships with statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations for the benefit of our communities.
- Develop and manage initiatives, events and campaigns, working with respective Northern Powergrid teams to increase engagement in our mission and ensure we can measure the impact.
- Be a known face of the Northern Powergrid Foundation, recognised in our communities to build a positive brand image.
- Ensure you are managing the Foundation in accordance with our commitment to DEI, creating social impact through funding and partnerships delivering to a broad range of recipients.
- Provide relevant information to enable effective reporting to the Board of Trustees, providing board reports and accurate, up to date information pertaining to funding and community engagement by the Foundation.
- Work in partnership with external partners to drive awareness, identify potential beneficiaries and engage with the wider community.
- Support the updates and revisions to the charity’s business plan and develop our funding strategy in accordance with the Board’s strategic direction.
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures in accordance with the Board’s strategic direction.
- Deputising for the Head of Foundation as required.
- Undertake any other relevant duties within the overall scope of the role, as requested by the Trustees.
Key Competencies
- A commitment to working in partnership with our local community partners.
- Demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach, remaining comfortable with change, adjusting priorities when needed, and responding positively to new challenges or ways of working.
- A good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
- Ability to manage the end to end process of managing grant and funding programmes.
Essential Criteria
- A passion for the mission of Northern Powergrid Foundation.
- Experience of managing grant or other funding programmes.
- Financial literacy and knowledge of charity governance and regulations.
- Proven organisational, project management and problem-solving skills.
- Highly competent in the use of email, internet, MS Office and social media platforms.
Date advertised: 09/02/2026
Date closed: 23/02/2026 may close early due to applicants
Interviews: w/c 9th interviews
Start date: subject to notice
Foundation Operations Manager in Sunderland employer: Northern Powergrid Foundation
Contact Detail:
Northern Powergrid Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Foundation Operations Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its mission. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in funding management and stakeholder engagement, and don’t forget to show your passion for community impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Northern Powergrid Foundation and contributing to our mission of enhancing energy resilience in communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Foundation Operations Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for community support and energy resilience shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at the Northern Powergrid Foundation.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in funding or programme management. We’re looking for someone who can manage grant processes effectively, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in our communities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid Foundation
✨Know the Foundation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Northern Powergrid Foundation's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and how they’ve impacted communities. This will help you demonstrate your passion for their work and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Funding Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing grant or funding programmes. Bring specific examples of how you've assessed applications, monitored performance, and reported on social impact. This will highlight your relevant skills and reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the Operations Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully engaged with different groups. Whether it’s beneficiaries, partners, or community members, showing your ability to communicate effectively will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Strategy
As the Foundation is launching a new three-year strategy, come prepared with insightful questions about it. This shows your interest in their future direction and allows you to engage in a meaningful conversation about how you can contribute to their goals.
