Our culture and how we work
UK based (flexible/hybrid working considered). Full time, permanent.
About the role
Mary’s Meals is a global movement that sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. We are looking for a Programme Funding Manager to join our Programmes team, to help us reach the next million children with a nutritious daily meal in their place of education.
In this role, you will lead on the development and management of a diverse portfolio of funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, major donors, and institutional donors. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to secure funding for our programmes, ensuring that we can continue to reach more children with Mary’s Meals.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a strategy for securing funding from trusts, foundations, major donors, and institutional donors.
- Research, identify, and cultivate new funding opportunities, building strong relationships with donors and prospects.
- Lead on the preparation and submission of high-quality funding proposals, reports, and applications, ensuring they are compelling, accurate, and submitted on time.
- Work closely with colleagues in Programmes, Finance, and Communications to gather information, develop project budgets, and ensure proposals align with donor requirements and organisational priorities.
- Monitor and evaluate the success of funding applications, providing regular reports to senior management and the Programmes team.
- Represent Mary’s Meals at meetings, events, and conferences, promoting our work and building relationships with potential donors.
- Stay up to date with trends and developments in the funding landscape, sharing insights and recommendations with the team.
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organisational policies, maintaining accurate records and databases.
Requirements
- Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, or a related field, with a track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, or institutional donors.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and prioritise funding opportunities.
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams and departments.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A passion for Mary’s Meals’ mission and values, and a commitment to our vision of a world where every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education.
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM/donor databases.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and colleagues.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Benefits
- 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Flexible/hybrid working options.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support and counselling.
- Life assurance (4x annual salary).
- Workplace pension scheme (employer contribution of 6%).
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- Wellbeing initiatives, including mental health support and resources.