Trust and Grants Lead

RAD has an opportunity for a full time Trust and Grants Lead to join its Business Development team. As our organisation grows, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape our future direction and create lasting change for deaf people and the wider community. RAD is a leading Deaf charity with a rich history of empowering deaf individuals through access to essential services including advice, advocacy, employment, interpreting and community project initiatives. We aim to bridge the gap in services and opportunities available, ensuring equal access and breaking down barriers that persist in society.

We are seeking a passionate and strategic professional to support our ambitious plans through the creation and execution of a strong long‑term trusts and grants strategy for expanding our work in the deaf community. As our team and projects continue to grow, this position offers the unique opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of the organisation – and ultimately improve the lives of deaf people nationally. Historically, RAD has secured much of its funding from UK trusts and foundations, and while we will continue to build on this, we are eager to explore and expand our income generation plans. We seek an experienced grant writer to help us access these opportunities.

This is a permanent contract, working 37.5 hours (FTE) per week. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of up to £45,000 (FTE) per annum depending on experience. RAD offers incentives such as a generous pension contribution, substantial life assurance policy, annual leave entitlement of 27 days per annum in addition to bank holidays, and accessible training opportunities.

As Trusts and Grants Lead, you will lead RAD’s trusts and grants fundraising activity, playing a central role in sustaining and growing services for Deaf people. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Service Managers and Marketing, you will shape funding strategy, identify new opportunities, and develop compelling bids that reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of the Deaf community. You will oversee the development of high-quality funding applications, managing and supporting bid‑writing activity to secure funding for both existing and innovative services. These may include programmes across advice, advocacy, health, social care, employment, education, heritage and culture, ensuring funding enables meaningful, accessible and inclusive outcomes for Deaf people.

The role involves building and sustaining strong relationships with trust and grant funders, voluntary and community sector partners, and other stakeholders, clearly communicating the impact of their support. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation including Service Teams, Business Development, Marketing and Data & Insight, to develop strong service delivery plans, robust impact narratives, and funder‑aligned proposals. You will also be responsible for horizon scanning and funder research, managing grant systems and subscriptions, and ensuring RAD remains competitive, innovative and responsive within the trusts and grants landscape.

Essential requirements we’re looking for:

• Proven qualification and/or experience as a Bid Manager or in a similar role
• Prepared to achieve a BSL qualification at level 2
• Successful bid writing
• Strong understanding of commissioning and procurement processes
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to build rapport with stakeholders
• Public sector procurement – in‑depth knowledge of PQQ, Tenders, PCS process, OJEU, Frameworks etc.
• Experienced in working with a wide range of stakeholders in developing successful funding proposals and building partnerships – influencing, developing and managing key stakeholder relationships
• Experience of a wide range of funders, including (but not limited to) Lottery providers, Grant makers and local and central government departments
• Possess outstanding written, communication and negotiation skills, budget development skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team and bringing people together across functions
• Proven track record of spotting new opportunities and delivering creative and successful funding applications

If you have a positive attitude, a flexible approach and would like to join our team, please get in touch. For full details, download a role description. Alternatively, please contact HRadmin@royaldeaf.org.uk

This role requires a good level of understanding and written English. We recognise that access needs vary, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments. If you require translation support or have any other access requirements, please let us know. CV’s will be required in addition to application forms.

Closing date for applications: 26th March 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 30th March 2026