At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic funding initiatives and manage relationships with major institutional donors.
- Company: Join Start Network, a global leader in humanitarian action.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovative humanitarian solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing vital funding for humanitarian projects worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing donor relationships and securing high-value funding.
Salary - £48,106 - £55,000 per annum (Competitive salary for the local market if based outside of the UK)
Location - Hybrid, London, United Kingdom
Team - Resource Mobilisation
Line Manager - Head of Resource Mobilisation
Line Reports - 2 x Institutional Fundraising Advisors, 1x Institutional Partnerships Officer
Hours - 35 hours per week
Contract - Fixed term (13 Months)
Start date - The ideal candidate shall start early September
The Vacancy
We are looking for a strategic and proactive Institutional Funding Manager with significant experience managing complex relationships with large institutional donors and securing high value funding in the humanitarian and development sector. You will be a strong relationship manager and confident leading ambitious seven and eight figure funding opportunities from early positioning and donor engagement through to proposal development, negotiation and award management.
Working closely with global programme, finance and operational teams, you will play a central role in shaping innovative and compelling proposals that support locally led crisis response and anticipation around the world. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse global network, influence strategic donor partnerships and help grow a major international funding portfolio.
Job Purpose
Start Network is looking for an Institutional Funding Manager who is strategic, ambitious, and a great team player. You will work with the Head of Resource Mobilisation to set and deliver a strategy to maximise our institutional funding portfolio to grow and sustain our income over the coming year (current portfolio size of £30million+). This role will be key to enabling Start Network to deliver on its strategy, and the postholder will have the opportunity to engage across all areas of Start Network’s programmes.
The Institutional Fundraising Manager will be responsible for securing and overseeing significant levels of income from institutional sources for Start Network’s work globally, including working with programmes teams on project development and the preparation of high-value proposals for institutional donors (narrative, budgets, monitoring frameworks and other technical documents). The postholder will be expected to work at both an operational and strategic level, managing their own portfolio of donors (such as FCDO), securing new business from scratch, and providing Start Network with tactical direction on donor outreach and compliance.
Over the period of the contract, we are especially looking for someone who is comfortable and experienced in finding new institutional donors, leveraging current contacts and networks, and pitching and presenting new opportunities. Currently, we receive funding from multiple European governments and FCDO so experience with these funders would be critical for this role.
Our Current UK Perks and Benefits for 2026 are:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
- Company days
- Pension Scheme
- Birthday off
- Hybrid Working Policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Personal Development Allowance
- Life Assurance
These are reviewed and updated each year and may differ outside of the UK.
The Company
Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world. Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises. We are an organisation committed to doing things differently.
Institutional Funding Manager - Maternity Cover employer: Start Network
Start Network is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and personal development allowances. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a mission-driven approach, this role provides the opportunity to engage with a diverse global network and make a meaningful impact in humanitarian action.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Institutional Funding Manager - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the humanitarian and development sector. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to connect with potential employers and learn about hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight your past successes in securing funding and managing donor relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Start Network, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Institutional Funding Manager - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Institutional Funding Manager and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the role. Highlight your experience with institutional donors and any relevant projects you've managed.
Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills:Since this role is all about managing relationships with large institutional donors, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully built and maintained these kinds of partnerships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Start Network
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research the key institutional donors relevant to the role. Understand their funding priorities and recent projects they've supported. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can align Start Network's goals with their interests.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with large institutional donors in the past. Highlight your strategic approach and any innovative methods you've used to secure funding. This will illustrate your capability to lead ambitious funding opportunities.
✨Prepare for Proposal Development Questions
Expect questions about your experience in developing high-value proposals. Brush up on the key components of successful proposals, including narrative structure, budgeting, and monitoring frameworks. Being able to articulate your process will set you apart as a strong candidate.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past. Emphasise your ability to work at both operational and strategic levels, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to team success.
