Spectrum Community Arts provides performing arts workshops for people with disabilities and additional needs. We aim to;

• Use the performing arts to help develop self-esteem, self-expression and build friendships.
• Give the participants a place they feel safe and a club to which they belong.
• Give the parent/carers an opportunity for a short period of respite.

As a non-profit organisation, Spectrum Community Arts relies on funding from a variety of sources to maintain the high-quality events, services, and opportunities that it provides for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The Funding & Grant Manager role will be one that works closely with the organisation’s Director team and will be crucial to the continued and growing success. You will be responsible for researching, planning, and managing grant applications and proposals to foundations and business entities, to source income for Spectrum Community Arts.

You will also be responsible for managing budgets and allocating spending, to make sure Spectrum’s income targets are met.

This role is a work from home voluntary position; however, applicants will be required to attend meetings, and therefore must be in a position to occasionally travel in and around the Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire area. You will need to have access to your own secure laptop/computer equipment with the capability to carry out video conferencing meetings.

The position is offered on a flexible basis with the expectation of 2 to 3 hours per week commitment as a minimum.

There is an opportunity for this role to become a paid position in the future with increased hours if and when funding for it is successfully secured.

Spectrum and its volunteers make a real difference to people’s lives, we are looking for someone who can be passionate about our organisation and the opportunities we offer to people with SEND.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• lead in researching and developing funding proposals
• Identify opportunities, lead on bid-writing and funding submissions
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing and potential funders through regular communications
• Write, edit, and submit high quality content for funding applications, completing documents to deadlines and providing information and insight about Spectrum.
• Coordinate and follow up on progress of submitted applications and proposals
• Conducting the full range of activities and communications required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals
• Lead on compiling, producing, and communicating progress reports and evaluations to funding bodies with the support of the Artistic Director.
• Develop and produce materials showing progress of projects for updates and communications with funding foundations
• Carry out all necessary and required grant administration, which includes ensuring that grants received are recorded properly
• Lead on the management of grant/funding budgets and allocating spending in line with the grant’s purpose.
• Supporting Founder/Business manager/Directors on meetings with donors and funding prospects

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS YOU WILL NEED:

• A good level of knowledge, understanding and experience in research and grant proposal writing (non-profit experience is desirable)
• A good level of knowledge of funding/grant information sources
• Detail-orientated, organised, and reliable
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) is essential
• Clear, precise, and creative writing skills
• Good IT skills with knowledge in office programs (words, excel, outlook etc)

• A professional, friendly, and outgoing manner
• Flexible can-do attitude with an approachable and enthusiastic manner
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels

• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Committed to our values
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Positively represent Spectrum and yourself by delivering a high standard of service at all times

Volunteering will provide you with an opportunity to:

• make a difference to the lives of others
• meet new people and make new friends
• develop confidence and self-esteem
• feel valued and be part of a team
• develop new skills, knowledge, and experience
• build on existing experience and knowledge
• improve employment prospects
• enhance a curriculum vitae (CV)
• gain accreditation