Job description

Role purpose  

The Senior Trusts Funding Manager is responsible for managing and securing significant income from charitable trusts and foundations, contributing to the organisation’s fundraising targets and strategic priorities. They will deliver high-quality applications, relationship management and stewardship.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the role will develop compelling funding proposals and manage funder relationships. It will also  ensure excellent reporting and stewardship, helping to build long-term, sustainable partnerships that support our mission.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities 

• Research, identify and cultivate Trusts and Foundations aligned with organisational priorities
• Oversee the full lifecycle of trust and foundation grants, from application through to reporting, renewal and ending of funding
• Secure and manage significant 6 and 7 figure income from charitable trusts and foundations, in line with organisational priorities and agreed targets
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications and expressions of interests
• Deliver agreed income targets, contributing to team and organisational fundraising goals
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with trust and foundation funders
• Act as a key point of contact for funders, responding promptly and effectively to enquiries
• Work closely with service delivery, finance, impact and leadership teams to develop compelling proposals and reports.
• Gather and translate impact data, outcomes and learning into funder-friendly narratives
• Support colleagues and senior leaders to engage effectively with trust and foundation funders where appropriate
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the organisation’s CRM system
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the trusts and foundations strategy

Main contacts   

 Internal  

• Director of Fundraising   
• Philanthropy, Trusts and Grants Lead  
• Trust Fundraiser
• Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy    
• Colleagues across Strategy, Impact and Social Change, Services, Strategy, Evidence and Insight, and Policy, Research and Campaigns.  
• Colleagues in Partnerships and Philanthropy  
• CEO, Executive Directors and Trustees  

 External   

• Trusts and Foundations and their internal teams 
• Other third-party funders
• Regulatory bodies
• Charities, civil society and social enterprise organisations.
• Fundraising consultants and sector leaders  

Person specification

Knowledge and experience  

Essential  

• Proven experience of securing and managing 6 and 7 figure income from charitable trusts and foundations
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling proposals and reports
• Strong research skills and a deep  understanding of the UK Trusts and Foundations landscape
•  Experience managing funder relationships and stewardship across a portfolio of high‑value grants
• Experience using fundraising databases or CRMs (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics).
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Strong financial awareness, with the ability to work with complex budgets and grant reporting

Desirable  

• Experience of working in a social welfare or disability setting/charity
• Understanding of the social model of disability    

Qualifications (if applicable)  

There is no need for formal or professional qualifications to do this role, although evidence of commitment to continued professional development is required.    

Skills and competencies  

Essential   

• Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills and the ability to communicate with passion, authority and integrity   
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise and manage a diverse, growing portfolio
• A team player, committed to Scope’s ethos and values  
• Practical and confident in the use of the internet as well as standard MS Office packages eg. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook