Coquet Trust Gateshead, United Kingdom Business Development
Company Description
The role
As the Grants and Fundraising Officer, you will play a pivotal role in securing vital income to support Coquet Trust’s mission. You will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive grants and fundraising strategy aligned with our organisational goals and values. Working closely with the Head of Business Development and other colleagues, you will ensure all fundraising activities are innovative, impactful, and rooted in the ethos of person-centred support. This role requires a proactive, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a passion for creating positive change through effective income generation.
In return we can offer you a competitive package and a commitment to your development in a supportive environment.You will be working for an organisation with a clear sense of purpose that aims todrive change andmake the world a better place to be for adults with learning disabilities.Finishing eachday knowing you’ve contributed towards this,is hugely motivating, rewarding and providesa deepsenseofjobsatisfaction.
If you want to make a difference with the drive and passion to match then, we are looking for an application from you.A full job description is available below but it you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role then please contact Rachael Stokes at recruitment@coquettrust.org.uk .
You can apply for this role by emailing your c.v. and covering letter explaining why you wish to work for Coquet Trust to recruitment@coquettrust.org.uk .Closing date for application is the 17 July 2025.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Position
§Provide strategic leadership in the development, maintenance, and growth of Coquet Trust’s grant pipeline, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and long-term sustainability goals and objectives.
§Conduct in-depth research to identify, assess, and prioritise funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, public sector bodies, and other relevant sources.
§Ensure all grant applications and funded activities are aligned with the social value priorities of the local authorities within which Coquet Trust operates, contributing meaningfully to local wellbeing and community development agendas.
§Prepare and submit compelling, high-quality grant applications as part of a rolling programme, clearly demonstrating Coquet Trust’s mission, impact, and funding needs.
§Take ownership of achieving an agreed annual grant income target, employing creative, data-informed, and relationship-driven approaches to identify, engage, and retain funders.
§Monitor funding trends and funder expectations to regularly review and refine the organisation’s grant strategy, maximising income potential and diversifying the funding portfolio.
§Maintain accurate records of applications, outcomes, deadlines, and funder correspondence to ensure transparency, accountability, and institutional learning.
§Lead on the planning, coordination, and execution of innovative and impactful fundraising initiatives—including community events, digital campaigns, and donor drives—that reflect Coquet Trust’s mission and values.
§Collaborate with the Social Media Assistant to leverage digital platforms, ensuring consistent and engaging content that maximises outreach and deepens donor engagement.
§Explore and implement diverse web-based fundraising tools, crowdfunding platforms, and donor engagement strategies to broaden income streams.
§Evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities through performance metrics and adapt approaches based on insights and feedback.
3. Project Support and Advice
§Provide expert guidance to project managers on the interpretation and practical implementation of grant terms and conditions, ensuring alignment with funder expectations.
§Support the integration of grant compliance into project delivery, including timelines, deliverables, and outcome tracking.
§Design, implement, and maintain a structured and transparent framework for issuing internal grants to individuals supported by Coquet Trust, with clear criteria and accountability measures.
4. Relationship Building:
§Proactively research and identify suitable funding opportunities across statutory, trust, and philanthropic sectors.
§Cultivate and sustain strong, long-term relationships with funders, donors, and partners through regular communication, updates, and impact reporting.
§Represent Coquet Trust at external events, networking forums, and sector roundtables to raise organisational visibility and develop strategic partnerships.
§Maintain an up-to-date funder database, tracking engagement history, deadlines, and outcomes.
5. Proposal Development:
§Conduct thorough research into funding priorities, eligibility, and expectations of grant-making bodies to strengthen proposal success rates.
§Collaborate with senior managers and project leads to co-create compelling, strategically aligned funding bids and proposals.
§Tailor applications to clearly articulate the impact, value, and sustainability of proposed initiatives, using data, case studies, and beneficiary insight.
6. Compliance and Reporting:
§Ensure full adherence to relevant legislation, including the Charities Act, GDPR, and Institute of Fundraising Code of Fundraising Practice.
§Prepare detailed, evidence-based reports and funding proposals for internal and external audiences, including Trustees and funders.
§Maintain robust documentation and audit trails to support financial and impact accountability for all grant-funded activity.
7. Professional Development:
§Proactively stay informed of trends, legislation, and innovations in fundraising and grant management, and share learning with the wider team.
§Participate in training, peer learning, and sector networks to continuously enhance professional practice.
§Contribute thought leadership and content to Coquet Trust’s website, blog, and social media platforms, enhancing sector credibility and public engagement.
8. Administrative Tasks:
§Manage all administrative aspects of the fundraising and grant cycle, including data entry, correspondence, record-keeping, and reporting.
§Contribute flexibly to wider organisational initiatives and cross-functional projects as needed, demonstrating a proactive and collaborative mindset.
9. Framework Development:
§Lead the development and ongoing refinement of a fair, accessible, and impactful internal grants framework for individuals supported by Coquet Trust.
§Ensure this framework supports strategic priorities, with a particular focus on housing and independent living projects.
§Work collaboratively with operational teams to ensure the framework is practical, inclusive, and monitored for effectiveness.
10. Project Management:
§Take full ownership of the research, planning, application, and securing ofexternal funding for designated projects.
§Oversee the delivery lifecycle of grant-funded initiatives, including monitoring milestones, financial reporting, and measuring impact.
§Collaborate closely with relevant colleagues across departments to ensure smooth handover and effective delivery of grant-funded projects, particularly in areas such as housing, activities, and workforce development and training
Requirements
Key Requirements:
Education:
Good standard of education with GCSE qualification (or equivalent) in Maths and English
Degree qualification or equivalent experience
Experience:
Experience of bid writing for grants
Experience of fundraising and writing funding applications
Experience providing advice and guidance to senior management
Experience of working in the charitable / social care sector
Skills and Knowledge:
Ability to write high quality applications
Ability to work across teams, taking input from all to create an application/bid
Ability to liaise with other professionals and maintain effective working relationships Understanding of bids and funding application processes
Research Skills and Experience:
Ability to develop and implement new processes and policies
Ability to work autonomously to identify and pursue funding opportunities
Good I.T. skills including the Microsoft office suite
Aptitude for persistence and detail orientated
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to multi task, managing conflicting demands and priorities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to challenge and improve practices and processes
Other information
Reporting to: Head of Business Development
Hours: 24 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 (pro rata for 24 hours is £18,162 annually).
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