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Guardian Jobs · 23 hours ago

Grants Officer, THE SALISBURY DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE

Indiana, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

3+ years exp

The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Finance is seeking an experienced Grants Officer to join their Engagement and Giving Team. The role involves providing guidance on available funds, supporting parishes in the application process, and directly fundraising for Diocesan projects.

Marketing & Advertising

Responsibilities

Research and recommend Trusts and Foundations that will fund churches, whether heritage, repairs, reordering, ministry, environmental or community

Be fully briefed on the criteria of the key national church funders, provide project specific advice, and keep churches abreast of changes to funds and upcoming deadlines

Be knowledgeable on funding opportunities, support churches delivering social work to their wider community that (for example) reduce isolation, address food poverty and money management

Build knowledge of local funders, through networking and online research

Provide access and training for the Church of England Cornerstone grants database, to help identify funders, and to record and manage grant applications

Research Trust and Foundation Trustees to gain an understanding of funders philanthropic motivations

Provide case studies for the Diocesan website, and monthly Faith, Finance and Fundraising email, covering a variety of projects, to inspire more churches to try grants funding

Ensure grant information provided on the Diocesan website and through Cornerstone is accurate, by cross referencing against the Charity Commission and funder websites, and by responding to feedback from the parishes

Respond to PCCs enquiries to discuss funding requirements. Provide training to PCCs on (e.g.) building a case for support, planning and writing grant applications, ongoing stewardship with funders, report writing and continuation funding

Whenever possible meet with the parish in person, or online, to fully understand their funding needs and financial situation

Help parishes learn how to write a strong ‘case for support’ that is both emotive, and financially robust

Understand and sensitively interpret charitable accounts, to strengthen grant applications and to help churches maximise the investment of their existing funds

Have an excellent understanding of restricted, designated and unrestricted reserves

When required, review and critique draft applications, to ensure a high standard is achieved

Encourage shared learning by budding up churches undertaking similar projects

Seek out examples of successful and unsuccessful applications as part of continual learning and development

Celebrate successful applications; write case studies, and if possible, visit completed projects or attend opening events

Support parishes in preparing applications for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Community Fund and Awards for All programmes

Identify potential external bid-writers, that the Diocese might recommend or partner with, seeking testimonials to support any endorsement

Secure grants for Milton Abbey capital appeal works and make grant applications that will directly support the work of the Diocesan Board of Finance

Working with the Milton Abbey Heritage Trustees, identify grant opportunities, make recommendations, write and submit applications, to secure significant grants for capital appeal work at Milton Abbey

Working with the Giving Advisor, use experience and insight gained in the role, to make recommendations about funding opportunities to bring long-term financial sustainability for Milton Abbey

Support the preparation of applications for the benefit of the DBF

Respond to ad-hoc requests for grant advice from colleagues at the DBF

Build good relationships with major funders and build relationships with Trustees on behalf of Salisbury Diocese

Attend fundraising network meetings or Meet the Funder training sessions, to help boost profile and relationships

Establish contact with Trust and Foundation Grant Officers. Make enquiries on behalf of churches, if the knowledge will benefit a wider audience

Build a good relationship with regional National Lottery Engagement Managers, to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date

Identify local trustees and potential major donors, for future partnership working

Qualification

TrustsFoundations fundraisingGrant application writingCharity accounts interpretationMicrosoft Office proficiencyEngaging copywritingRelationship buildingPresentation skillsAttention to detailSelf-motivatedCommunication skills

Required

Good standard of literacy and education (A level or equivalent)

A minimum of three years' experience in Trusts and Foundations fundraising

Able to create and tailor funding proposals to appeal to wide range of different funders

Engaging and interesting copywriting; able to bring a project to life through story telling

Able to write and evaluate grant applications at a high standard, to increase funding success

Experienced in understanding and interpreting charity accounts

A high level of numeracy and managing budgets

A high level of accuracy and attention to detail including when working on systems and databases

Sympathetic to the aims and ethos of the Church of England

Proficiency and demonstrable experience working with Microsoft Office and cloud-based virtual environment, e.g., SharePoint, Zoom; confident in using a variety of technologies and a willingness to learn and work with new technologies and programmes as necessary

Confident using a variety of technologies and a willingness to learn and work with new technologies and programmes as necessary

Ability to build trusted and productive relationships with various stakeholders

Inquiring mind, proactively considering ways of working that improve service provision

Self-motivated, flexible and capable of organising and prioritising, working independently whilst also being part of the wider team

Professional demeanour, demonstrating a calm, compassionate, and helpful disposition toward those we serve, handling sensitive information appropriately

Excellent communication skills capable of relating well to a wide range of people with varying expectations