Grants and Trusts Manager

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Hours
37 hours per week

About the Organisation

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological condition affecting more than 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. The disease causes messages from nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord that control movement to gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste. The result is that people become locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe.

Some may experience changes in thinking and behaviour, with a proportion experiencing a rare form of dementia. MND does not usually affect senses such as sight, hearing and touch. MND kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis. It affects people from all backgrounds, and a person’s lifetime risk of developing MND is around 1 in 300.

Today, six people will be diagnosed, and six will die from MND. There is no cure. The MND Association focuses on funding research, improving access to care and campaigning for people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We have over 11,000 members forming a powerful network that provides information and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments, and brings us closer to a cure. We campaign and raise awareness so the needs of people with MND are recognised and addressed by wider society.

About the role

As our Grants and Trusts Manager at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, you will play a key role in securing income from charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies, helping to drive support for people affected by MND through sustainable funding partnerships. Working closely with colleagues across the MND Association, you will develop compelling funding opportunities, strengthen funder relationships and demonstrate the impact of our work.

We're looking for a relationship-focused fundraiser with proven trust fundraising experience, strong communication skills and a track record of developing successful funding applications. You will be an inclusive and collaborative leader who enjoys bringing people together, building credibility with stakeholders and supporting a high-performing team to achieve shared goals. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to income growth and long-term sustainability while delivering meaningful impact through the MND Association's work.

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead on the identification and development of a portfolio of grants, trusts and foundations, building relationships to unlock income.
• Deliver high levels of donor stewardship through a proactive approach to communications and meetings that demonstrate the MND Association’s impact.
• Manage the work of the Trusts Team to develop and deliver persuasive and timely funding applications that deliver the budgeted income, including delivery from own portfolio.
• Working with the Prospect Researcher, champion the development of new funding sources and work cross-organisationally to bring them closer to the Association’s work.
• Lead, motivate and manage the Trusts team to provide ongoing support, development and team cohesion.
• Build strong relationships across the Association to develop compelling propositions and match funder requirements with the organisation’s work at both strategic and operational levels.
• Ensure join-up with other fundraising teams so that there is clarity of ownership and a robust contact strategy for funders.
• Liaise with key colleagues throughout the Association and ensure all terms and conditions of grants awarded are met, and reports are submitted as required.
• Work with the line manager to produce income and expenditure budgets in line with the
• Association’s budgeting timetable and then produce regular reporting and commentary on progress.
• Advocate for keeping the database up to date to ensure donor stewardship is logged and accessible across the organisation.
• Undertake any other task relevant to the job purpose and ensure that all functions performed reflect the Association's mission and core values

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Criteria:

• Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrable record of charity experience in growing income and providing excellent stewardship in grants, trusts and foundations. Evidence of bid writing from concept to the point of securing funding and working to tight deadlines.
• Leadership & Team Development: Experience in leading and developing a high-performing team, with an enabling leadership style that sets the team up for success. Proven leadership andteam-building skills, including the ability to act as an inspirational example for the team with external partners.
• Relationship Management & Collaboration: A relationship-focused fundraiser with excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills, capable of building rapport and influencing effectively, particularly at a senior level. Proven ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, actively seeking co-creation opportunities.
• Analytical and Budgeting Skills: Financial acumen, including the ability to analyse data, identify trends, and develop a robust funder pipeline.
• Operational Skills: Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively, and proficiency in using CRM databases and other fundraising software.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the MND Association

Compensation & Benefits

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eye care, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to the Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Northampton office and remotely

How to apply

• Please apply via our website.
• To support an inclusive application process, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form. If you would like to apply via video or audio file, please send your recorded application, ensuring you cover the supporting statement aspect, to [email protected]

Interviews

• Once we have shortlisted candidates, we'll get in touch with all applicants to let you know if you've got to the next stage.

Policies

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, including employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

The information provided to the MND Association when applying for a vacancy will be treated in full accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The MND Association is committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold, whether you are a donor, volunteer, shopper, campaigner, or a person living with or affected by MND. For more information, visit the Privacy Policy 

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