Senior Trusts and Foundations Manager (Maternity Cover)

The purpose of the post is to secure and steward major grants from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies and other grant‑making organisations, working closely with the Associate Director, Trusts & Foundations. Achieved through managing a portfolio of charitable trusts, developing compelling proposals – clear, persuasive, and well‑articulated documents that translate complex ideas into easily understandable narrative to elicit philanthropic support from a variety of sources – and writing grant reports. Additionally, the successful candidate will undertake research to identify five and six‑figure project, capital and core‑funding prospects and support the fundraising strategy as it relates to charitable trusts, statutory funding and corporate CSR foundations.

The Senior T&F Manager will work as part of the Trust & Foundations team within the Development Department which fundraises for The Old Vic Theatre Trust, a registered charity. Its aim is to raise voluntary funds for the theatre from individuals, companies, and charitable trusts and foundations. The department consists of: Director of Development, Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations, Trusts and Foundations Officer, Head of Corporate Development, Corporate Development Officer, Development Projects Manager, Head of Events, Events Officer, Head of Philanthropy, Head of Individual Giving, Senior Individual Giving Manager, Individual Giving Officer and Development Assistant. The Old Vic Trust receives no government subsidy and, in the year ahead, we need to raise approximately £3.8‑4 million in revenue fundraising.

Areas of responsibility

• Working closely with the Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations, and liaising with other Old Vic departments to develop compelling, accurate proposals and highly detailed funding applications.
• Supporting the management and growth of a portfolio of mid and higher‑level foundation donors and potential major donors (five and six figure grants).
• Prospect research to develop new pipelines.
• Developing new income streams, particularly in the areas of corporate foundations.
• Contributing to ensuring the Development department reaches, and where possible, exceeds fundraising targets as set out in the department budget.
• Working across the organisation to devise and agree budgets and source financial information as required for funding bids.
• Retaining and increasing support by delivering an excellent programme of donor stewardship.
• Ensuring all grant‑related deliverables are achieved and evaluation reports submitted on time and as requested.
• Maintaining and improving internal records to track approaches and correspondence.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and maximise income through contributing to the development of projects that appeal to grant‑makers.
• Working with the Director of Development and the Associate Director of Trusts and Foundation to engage the support of senior volunteers and project advocates to grow The Old Vic’s prospect pool and leverage further funding.

General support

• To contribute proactively to Development team activities, including proofreading proposals, correspondence and other copy, as required.
• To assist and attend events run by the Development Department to include Trust & Foundations (Advocacy) evenings, Press Night pre‑show events and fundraising galas plus individual and corporate events as required.
• To comply with The Old Vic’s Equal Opportunities, Sustainability and Health & Safety and Staff Handbook policies at all times.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre’s management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Person Specification – Essential

• Excellent written skills and ability to create exceptional applications against stated criteria.
• Significant experience of trust fundraising, resulting in five and six figure and multi‑year grants.
• Excellent track record of application success and deadline‑oriented working.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Confident at creating complex project narratives and strong financial acumen.
• Knowledge of venue software, Tessitura or other fundraising software.
• Ability to prioritise several varied tasks.
• Meticulous eye for detail, excellent proof reader.
• Ability to build and maintain good relationships with people at all levels.
• A team‑player willing to work outside normal office hours and attend events.
• Resilient, flexible, and discreet.
• Ability to work independently both from home and in the office and take responsibility for own tasks.