Trusts and Foundations Manager

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in the UK is seeking a Trusts and Foundations Manager to drive income generation from Trusts and Foundations. You will develop strategies, build relationships, and manage proposals to secure funding for vital projects aiding people in extreme vulnerability. Ideal candidates have a proven track record in managing major partnerships and excellent communication skills. The role offers a collaborative work environment with flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Record in securing and managing major Trust and Foundation partnerships, including six-figure grants.
• Experience collaborating to create funding proposals and reports.
• Deep understanding of Trusts and Foundations fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Trusts and Foundations growth strategy.
• Create and submit proposals to existing funders.
• Cultivate relationships with existing funders.

Skills

Securing major partnerships

Building cases for support

Collaborating with internal teams

Engaging with senior stakeholders

Managing relationships with high-value funders

Utilizing CRM systems

Excellent written communication

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity (SMITFC) is looking for a strategic, relationship-driven Trusts and Foundations Manager to help shape the future of our income generation from charitable trusts and foundations. This is a pivotal role within our Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations Team, working to ensure that we not only maintain but significantly grow our sustainable income streams in support of people experiencing homelessness and extreme vulnerability. Working alongside the Philanthropy Manager and Prospect Researcher, this role will be responsible for identifying and securing new 5-6 figure+ gifts, maintaining and deepening engagement with our existing funding partners, and developing a pipeline of future funding opportunities designed to spread risk and build for a reliable, realistic income growth over time.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

1. Work with the Head of Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations (P&TF) to develop the Charity's Trust and Foundations growth strategy, ensuring it maximizes sustainable net income from both general and restricted Trust and Foundation funding sources, diversifies income, and spreads income timelines away from reliance on our Christmas appeal period.
2. Work collaboratively across the charity to acquire an excellent knowledge and understanding of SMITFC values and programmes, to inform the creation of bespoke donor materials, cases for support, funding proposals, and reports.
3. Lead on the creation and submission of bespoke proposals and reports to existing Trusts and Foundations, maintaining accurate development and submission deadlines and excellent records of progress and outcomes on CRM.
4. Lead on the cultivation and maintenance of strong relationships with existing funders and trustees, identifying opportunities for key decision makers to become active and engaged in the Charity's activities, whilst gaining a greater understanding of a project's long-term aims and impact.
5. Work in collaboration with the Prospect Researcher to develop a pipeline of new 5-6 figure+ Trusts and Foundations prospects able to give within the next 3 years.
6. Lead on the bespoke stewardship and engagement of newly identified 5-6 figure+ Trusts and Foundations prospects, ensuring submission deadlines are met and reporting schedules are observed.
7. Work with the P&TF team to deliver our annual Christmas Appeal, including developing the 2025 appeal, delivering the launch event, and optimizing social media and other platforms to reach potential new funders during the Christmas period and beyond.
8. Collaborate on developing the high-value offering for the 100th Anniversary Appeal 2026.
9. Ensure resources and budgets are managed effectively and provide Trust and Foundation fundraising financial information as required, including contributing to income risk assessments and support contingency planning.
10. Maintain accurate records of funding opportunities, donor contact details, and prospect research across CRM and finance systems.
11. Work collaboratively with SMITF partner charities to align stewardship, donor asks, and maximize income.

We are seeking a positive, collaborative, creative individual who enjoys working as part of a high-functioning team, building relationships across an organization, and has the confidence and autonomy to drive initiatives forward and advocate for innovative approaches.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong record of securing and managing major Trust and Foundation partnerships, including six-figure grants.
• Demonstrable experience of building tailored cases for support for various funders.
• Experience collaborating with internal teams to create funding proposals and reports.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, including trustees and high-level volunteers.
• Experience managing relationships with high-value funders, managing expectations, and negotiating challenges.
• Experience optimizing prospect research to develop a funding pipeline.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems to monitor and report on fundraising activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and a varied workload.
• Sound knowledge of Trusts and Foundations fundraising and current sector trends.

Our Team: We are a friendly, ambitious, creative group that values trust and transparency with our donors. We work flexibly between home and the office, coming together to plan, get creative, and enjoy lunch in the Crypt at St Martins Church.