Fundraising and Grants OfficerMK Dons

Job Description: Fundraising and Grants Officer

Organisation: MK Dons Community Trust

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum

Contract: 1 year fixed-term contract (continuation subject to funding)

Location: Stadium MK, Milton Keynes

About Us:

MK Dons Community Trust is a registered charity dedicated to using the power of sport to inspire positive change in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. We deliver a wide range of programmes focused on education, health, inclusion, and sports participation, making a real difference in the lives of thousands of people each year.

The Role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Fundraising and Grants Officer to join our dynamic team. This is a crucial role responsible for securing vital funding to support our diverse community programmes. You will play a key part in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy, with a specific focus on grant applications and major fundraising events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grant Fundraising: o Identify and research relevant grant-making trusts and foundations. o Develop compelling and high-quality funding bids, ensuring alignment with the Trust's strategic objectives and funder priorities. o Submit a minimum of one high-quality funding bid per month. o Monitor and report on the progress of grant applications. o Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders. o Achieve a target of three successful grant bids within the year.
• Major Fundraising Events: o Plan, organise, and execute at least three major fundraising events annually. o Develop event concepts, manage budgets, secure sponsorships, and oversee event logistics. o Drive ticket sales and participant engagement to maximise income. o Achieve a target of raising £150,000 in unrestricted funds through these events.
• Donor Relations: o Manage and develop MK Dons Community Trust Friends of the Trust initiative. o Assist in cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors and corporate partners. o Support the development of fundraising communications and appeals. o Secure headline sponsorship for the trust on a yearly basis
• Reporting and Administration: o Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, income, and expenditure. o Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress for senior management and the board. o Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations and best practices. o Work with MK Dons Commercial department to develop income. o Line manage Business Support Officer and sit on trust SLT.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a strong track record in grant writing and event management.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from trusts and foundations.
• Experience in planning and delivering successful fundraising events, with a proven ability to generate significant income.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and compelling narratives.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with fundraising databases is desirable.
• A passion for community development and the work of the MK Dons Community Trust.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required for events.