Job description
Support JRSST-CT and the UK Democracy Fund to achieve their aims of tackling political inequality and expanding democratic participation through developing and managing a portfolio of grants, and communication of our work to key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
* Assess and manage the grant portfolio for the UK Democracy Fund and JRSST-CT, in support of the strategy.
* Lead development of JRSST-CT's written communications, including website, newsletter copy, reporting to Board and funders, copy for fundraising, and case studies.
* Keep up to date with developments relevant to the Trust's work and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
* To work flexibly alongside other members of the team and take on reasonable tasks as appropriate over and above those set out above.
* Apply Trust policies as determined by charity, electoral and other legal requirements as well as good grant-making practice.
* To act as a focal point for dissemination of information and respond to enquiries about the Trust's work.
* Represent, and be an effective ambassador for, the Trust externally.
* To develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academics, statutory bodies and civil servants.
Person specification:
* A demonstrable ability to turn strategy into a work plan and deliver it.
* Ability to design, develop, implement and manage a grant giving programme (which may or may not be demonstrated through grant management experience).
* Good project management skills, ability to manage multiple streams of activity simultaneously.
* Demonstrable understanding of how change is made through campaigns and policy influencing.
* Excellent writing skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences.
* Desk research skills and the ability to spot gaps in own knowledge and bring in the appropriate support or advice.
* Understanding barriers to participation or experience working with people often excluded from democracy, including young people, minoritised and racialised communities, migrants, disabled people and people on low income.
* A robust analytical approach combined with an instinct for a good campaign and when to take a risk on a new initiative.
* Ability to provide clear advice and support, while effectively managing and evaluating grantee performance.
* A track record of developing and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, working flexibly and collaboratively with team members, Trustees, grantees and partners.
* Experience of organising meetings, seminars and public events.
* Ability and motivation to deliver high-quality work to deadline with minimum supervision.
* IT literate with good experience of MS Office and other relevant IT systems as appropriate for the role.
* A deep commitment to democratic reform, political inequality and an inclusive democracy and a sound grasp of UK political context, institutions, and processes including elections.
Diversity: The role involves outreach and engagement with politically under-represented demographic groups (including racialised and minoritised ethnicities, young people, migrants, people with disabilities or on low-income). Candidates with lived experience of, connections to, and understanding of barriers to participation are actively encouraged to apply.
Terms and conditions:
* Permanent contract
* Salary £45,000–50,000 depending on skills and experience.
* We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
* Hybrid working either remote/home-based with an agreed frequency of travel to York or based in the York office. Occasional co-working with the Head of the UK Democracy Fund in London can be arranged.
* Leave 25 days plus bank holidays (and three days office closure at Christmas).
* Pension 10% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution, salary sacrifice option and life assurance.
* On-site parking in York.
* Professional subscription fees.
* The job may require some UK travel.