Fundraising & Grants Officer

Milton Keynes, South East England, United Kingdom UK Sport 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.