Job Description

Trusts and Foundations Manager

This is a new role at the DEC and developed as a key part of the DEC’s 2024-2029 strategy. The DEC has a wide range of established relationships with trusts and foundations, many of which give 6- and 7-figure sums to DEC appeals. The Trusts & Foundations Manager will be responsible for providing excellent stewardship to our portfolio of trusts and foundations.

In addition, the role will also be responsible for cultivating new relationships for the DEC through thorough research, and through the prospect development cycle, to raise money for DEC appeals. In addition to appeal fundraising, the Trusts & Foundations Manager will be responsible for delivering on a new core cost fundraising strategy, in close partnership with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.

Demonstrable, transferable trusts and foundations experience and knowledge, (preferably within the humanitarian & charity sector), will hold you in good stead for this exciting new role. 

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Development: Develop and manage the trusts and foundations portfolio and create compelling proposals for future appeals and core costs income. Showcase new ideas and innovative approaches for growing and developing a pipeline of new prospects. Develop engaging stewardship plans.  

Administrative Compliance: Lead and manage, robust and professional grant management, ensuring systems and processes are fit for purpose, streamlined and accessible. Remain compliant with grant terms and conditions, ensuring you are clearly communicating the unique contours of the DEC model whilst providing comprehensive and inspiring impact reporting.

Relationship Management: Maintain regular contact and collaboration with internal teams to collate a high-quality suite of communication materials and stewardship plans specific to a trust and foundation audience. Proactively reach out and build long-lasting relationships with funders to reach ambitious fundraising targets.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor, measure and evaluate progress against the DEC’s strategic goals and funds raised from trusts and foundations. Prepare regular reports for senior management and trustees on the development, progress and future strategic actions for trusts and foundations at the DEC.

Essential qualities, experience, knowledge, skills, include:

• A track record of securing five- and six-figure donations from trusts and foundations.
• Experience of successfully executing cultivation plans and retaining positive, key relationships with trusts and foundations on behalf of a charity.
• Experience of producing professional and compelling funding propositions for a trust and foundation audience.
• Experience of delivering highly engaging and personalised stewardship journeys and meeting the reporting requirements of charitable trusts and foundations
• High level of technical ability with appropriate computer software packages and data analysis and visualisation software [i.e., Microsoft Office, Adobe, Box].
• Proven financial acumen to comfortably evaluate financial information and manage budgets.
• High attention to detail and numerate accuracy in analysing and using data and financial information, to write coherent reports.
• Clear and confident communicator both orally and in writing [in English].
• Able to present persuasively and influence decision making.
• Able to use initiative and judgement to proactively identify and resolve problems.

If this role is of interest and meets your skills, experience, and knowledge, then please apply with your CV & cover letter.

By applying, for this role, you confirm your understanding of, and consent, to DEC's recruitment procedures, as noted below.

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.