JOB DESCRIPTION: TRUSTS PROGRAMME MANAGER
Blesma – The Limbless Veterans is the national charity and membership association for limbless serving
and ex-service men and women and their dependants.
We help all wounded servicemen and women who have lost limbs, the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their
lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
Blesma campaigns for our veteran’s rights and looks after individuals and their families by offering a
comprehensive grants and welfare system. Rehabilitation, support, counselling and care are the four
principle foundations of our organisation. Together, we can help our men, women and their families face
the challenges ahead with renewed confidence and self-belief.
The Trusts Programme Manager role plays an important part within a dynamic and growing team.
The post is responsible for developing and maintaining successful relationships with trust donors and
prospects to maximise income from these sources.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Fundraising, your challenge will be to develop and maintain
tailored relationships with a broad range of donors and secure new sources of funding for Blesma’s work.
Your experience of developing compelling fundraising proposals which meet the individual funder’s needs,
excellent organisational and planning skills, and a confident and assertive approach to building
relationships at all levels will equip you for success.
Current holder
N/A this is new post
Main purpose
To maximise income and support for Blesma from trusts and foundations by
developing and maintaining long-lasting and worthwhile relationships with them.
Location
Work out of Blesma HQ – Frankland Moore House, 185-187 High Road,
Chadwell Heath, Romford, RM6 6NA.
Responsible to
Associate Director of Fundraising.
Salary and Benefits
Circa £30,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.
Blesma offers a contributory pension scheme – employer’s contribution 5% and suggested employee’s
contribution 5% and a Death in Service insurance benefit equal to one times annual salary.
Contract
Permanent.
Holidays
25 days per annum, plus statutory holidays.
Equal Opportunities
Blesma is an equal opportunities employer and commitment to this is expected.
Full details of Conditions of Employment are set out in Blesma’s Employment Contract, the main features
of which are standard for all staff.
JOB SUMMARY
Primary Purpose
To assist the Associate Director of Fundraising in the development, management and maintenance of the
Trust fundraising programme to service the needs of the charity.
The Scope of the job
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Income generation
Planning and budgeting
Account management
Customer care and relationship building
Main Duties
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Provide support to the Associate Director of Fundraising
Assist in the delivery of the trust fundraising programme and ensure that targets and objectives
are met in line with wider fundraising and organisational strategy
Assist in the development and implementation of plans and budgets
Liaise with the Senior Management Team to access funding by creating innovative new
programmes that tailor Blesma’s work in a compelling way
Conduct detailed research of grant and contract funding opportunities using a range of on-line
resources and publications
Draft high quality grant funding bids and tenders, in line with the requirements of potential
funders or commissioners
Review funding bids / tenders and provide accurate feedback to Associate Director of
Fundraising
Input accurate and up to date information into spreadsheets / database
Where appropriate, undertake project co-ordination with colleagues
To regularly research and review the giving criteria and patterns of existing and potential
supporters, including networking with other Trusts Fundraisers, to identify best prospects and
ensure all opportunities for generating income for Blesma are maximised
Create trust marketing materials
Assist in other reasonable duties as they arise
This is a great opportunity to develop a fundraising career within the charity sector, in particular within
trust / statutory fundraising. In addition, this role will require involvement in Blesma’s corporate
fundraising programme.
The Main Duties above are issued for the purpose of guidance and may be subject to variation.
Your Skills and Experience
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Experience of working in third sector, fundraising or closely related fields
Experience of achieving grant funding from trusts, foundations, lottery distributors or similar
Experience of undertaking research to identify grant and contract funding opportunities
Able to quickly develop a detailed understanding of wide ranging and complex topics
Experience of using databases such as Raiser’s Edge or Progress
Strong project management, prioritising and organisational skills
Impressive writing and communication skills; excellent telephone manner with proven ability to
communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly verbally and in writing
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Numerate and able to work with figures and spread sheets
Good IT skills with knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet
Full UK Driving Licence
This job description covers the main tasks expected to be involved in undertaking the job and the main
characteristics and qualities required of the jobholder. It is not meant to be all embracing and other tasks
may be assigned to the jobholder as necessary and/or operational needs dictate.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Background
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Good level of numeracy
Full UK Driving Licence
IT skills with knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet
Fundraising related professional qualification
An understanding of the wider funding environment and changing trends
in the voluntary sector
Experience
Experience of working within the third sector, fundraising, corporate or
closely related fields
Experience of achieving grant funding from trusts, foundations, lottery
distributors or similar
Experience of undertaking research to identify grant and contract
funding opportunities for voluntary sector organisations
Experience of using databases such as Raiser’s Edge or Progress
Proven ability to manage own time and workload
Impressive writing and communication skills
Able to work with figures and spreadsheets
Experience of Corporate fundraising
Budget or other Finance related experience
Traits
A passion for Blesma’s cause and work
A desire to grow and develop your skills
A team player with a confident manner; a professional, flexible, positive
person
Close attention to detail
Desirable
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