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- Tasks: Manage trust and foundation funding to support disabled people with complex needs.
- Company: Join Sense, a leading charity dedicated to inclusion for disabled individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by securing funding for impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-value fundraising and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 38900 - 52000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Trusts Manager to join our High Value Relationships team and help secure transformational funding for our work with disabled people with complex needs. This is a hybrid role, working 2-3 days in our London office. Working closely with the Head of High Value Relationships and colleagues across Sense, you will contribute to the development and delivery of our high value fundraising strategy. You will manage a varied portfolio of trust and foundation funders, from early-stage research through to proposal submission, stewardship and reporting. This role is ideal for an experienced trusts fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, writing compelling proposals, and working collaboratively to bring impactful projects to life.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and manage a strong pipeline of trust and foundation prospects to meet income targets.
- Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned to Sense’s priorities and unfunded projects.
- Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications, including six-figure-plus proposals.
- Build and maintain relationships with Trustees and key funder contacts.
- Lead or support the management of grants, ensuring compliance, quality assurance and timely reporting.
- Act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of key funders.
- Monitor and report on progress against personal income targets and budgets.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing and operational teams to develop strong funding propositions.
About you
You will bring:
- Proven experience generating income and meeting targets in a high value fundraising role.
- Direct experience of developing and submitting six-figure-plus trust and foundation proposals.
- Experience managing a trusts and foundations pipeline and identifying new funding opportunities.
- Strong relationship-building skills, including engaging senior leaders and supporters.
- Experience creating compelling stewardship plans and managing funder relationships.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to write persuasive, impactful proposals and reports.
- Strong numerical skills, including budgeting and financial reporting.
Desirable
- Experience working in disability, health, education or social care charities.
- Experience using a CRM system.
- Knowledge of trust and foundation funding trends.
About Sense
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader. Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.
If you share these values and want to lead a function that helps a truly meaningful organisation deliver more impact, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply
Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview, in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying. Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time. No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role. For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented Global Majority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they’re given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Trusts manager - Permanent - Full Time in London employer: Sense
Contact Detail:
Sense Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts manager - Permanent - Full Time in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with potential funders on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its funding priorities. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and values. We want to see your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a formal interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience and how you can contribute is key. Keep it engaging and authentic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts manager - Permanent - Full Time in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you tailor your application to highlight how your experience matches our needs.
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since this role involves writing compelling proposals, your application should reflect your excellent written communication skills. Use clear, persuasive language and structure your application well to showcase your ability to write impactful content.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience in high-value fundraising and managing trust relationships. We want to see examples of how you've successfully developed and submitted six-figure proposals, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t wait too long; get your application in early!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨Know Your Trusts Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the trusts and foundations that align with Sense’s mission. Familiarise yourself with their funding priorities and past projects. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience fits their needs.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Prepare to share specific examples of your past successes in securing funding. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Highlight how you built relationships and crafted proposals that led to significant funding outcomes, especially six-figure-plus proposals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since relationship-building is key for this role, be ready to discuss how you've engaged with senior leaders and funders in the past. Think of examples where your interpersonal skills made a difference in securing or managing funding, and be prepared to explain your approach to stewardship.
✨Be Ready with Numbers
Brush up on your numerical skills, especially around budgeting and financial reporting. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve monitored income targets and managed budgets in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the financial aspects of the Trusts Manager position effectively.
