Head of Philanthropy and Grants

Job description

Role purpose

To develop and lead the implementation of Scope’s philanthropy and grant fundraising strategy. Work with Scope Executive, Trustees and other senior volunteer leaders as well as philanthropy and grants team to develop strategic relationships, deliver agreed income growth targets and organisation ambition.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

• Working closely with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Engagement, lead the development of the organisation’s philanthropy and grant fundraising strategy.
• Provide strong and inspirational leadership for the Philanthropy & Grant Fundraising Team, setting ambitious goals, driving performance and supporting team members to deliver agreed annual plans, meet KPIs and achieve targets.
• Develop close and effective working relationships with the Scope Executive team, Trustees and other senior volunteers, championing philanthropy and grant fundraising, helping senior leadership understand their role in its effective performance, and harnessing their skills and support to ensure success.
• Increase understanding and confidence across the charity in the discipline of raising money from high net worth individuals, grant-making trusts and statutory sources.
• Nurture effective, collaborative and trusted working relationships with peers across the organisation, leading by example and modelling Scope’s values and behaviours. 
• Develop and steward strong relationships with high value supporters and work with the Scope team to grow their support and exceed their expectations.  
• Keep abreast of trends in UK philanthropy and grant fundraising, introducing new products, processes or approaches as appropriate to ensure Scope becomes a leader in the sector. 

Key contacts

Internal contacts

• Executive Director of Fundraising and Engagement
• Executive Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change
• Executive Director of Services
• The Chief Executive
• The Chair and Trustees 
• Head of Head of Strategy, Evidence & Insight
• Head of Policy and Campaigns 
• Services team Heads
• Peers and colleagues in Services, SISC, Fundraising and Marketing
• Finance and HR business partners

External contacts

• Senior volunteers and advisors
• Scope major supporters (High Net Worth Individuals and grant givers)
• Fundraising consultants and fundraising sector leaders

Person Specification

This is an important role for Scope and one which requires a high level of emotional intelligence and significant practical experience in a household name charity and/or one that excels in philanthropy and grant fundraising. The role requires close working with Scope senior leadership and with donors and funders who they inspire to use our collective power to change attitudes and end injustice. 

The post-holder will need to be tenacious, a confident and capable leader, able to deliver ambitious targets and work effectively with individuals who are likely to have strong views and high expectations. The post-holder must be able to use their initiative, making decisions independently but able to work collaboratively – adapting style and approach accordingly - and recognising when and where to involve others in key donor relationships. The team is required to develop propositions that excite and inspire donors as well as meeting the needs of disabled people so it is essential that the post-holder is able to work with the team to seek out and develop Scope’s offer for this donor audience. 

Philanthropy and grant fundraising is built on developing bespoke relationships and partnerships. It is a key element of Scope’s fundraising portfolio and the post-holder must have the knowledge, vision and expertise to develop the function and the team, leading by example and bringing colleagues along on the journey.  

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Significant experience of philanthropy and grant fundraising and demonstrable success of achieving targets in a leading UK charity through effective strategy development, implementation and monitoring.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the UK philanthropy and grant funding landscape and associated legal and best practice frameworks. Awareness of trends in giving, the implications for the charity sector and how to respond.
• Significant team management experience and ability to inspire and develop colleagues to achieve ambitious targets and overcome challenges.
• Experience of working with senior leaders and a thorough understanding of how to develop strong and effective collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of working with leading philanthropists and grant givers and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships, developing creative and innovative approaches.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a social welfare or disability setting/charity.
• Lived experience of disability.
• 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. 
• It would be desirable for the post-holder to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. 

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Expert in developing high value giving strategies (or similar in a commercial setting) including the development of products, methods and propositions.
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to develop teams and drive performance.
• Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills and the ability to communicate with passion, authority and gravitas.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure, co-ordinate multiple programmes, prioritise and mange a diverse portfolio and team. 
• Excellent numerical skills and the ability to prepare financial information, budgets and forecasts and the ability to discuss and present complex information. 

Desirable

• Passion and conviction for the cause to inspire others and foster commitment.
• Experience of working with volunteer committees and advisory groups.