Our Client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Grants Applications Executive to oversee the end-to-end grants application and award process on a temporary basis.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing applications from initial submission through assessment, stakeholder engagement, decision-making and ultimately the awarding of grants. They will ensure that the process is fair, transparent, efficient and delivered in line with the organisation's policies, funding criteria and governance requirements.
This role will involve working closely with applicants, internal teams, stakeholders, assessors and decision-makers, providing clear communication and ensuring that applications progress smoothly through each stage of the process.
Key ResponsibilitiesGrants Application Management
Manage the end-to-end grants application process from receipt of applications through to final award.
Review applications to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and funding requirements.
Coordinate the assessment and scoring of applications in line with agreed criteria and processes.
Ensure all applications are accurately recorded, tracked and progressed within agreed timescales.
Identify incomplete or potentially ineligible applications and liaise with applicants where clarification or additional information is required.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of applications, assessments, decisions and awards.
Monitor the overall application pipeline and provide regular updates on progress.
Stakeholder Management
Act as a key point of contact for applicants throughout the grants process.
Build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide clear and timely information and guidance to applicants regarding the application process, eligibility and requirements.
Liaise with assessors, panel members and senior stakeholders to coordinate the assessment and decision-making process.
Manage queries and resolve issues professionally and promptly.
Communicate funding decisions clearly and sensitively to applicants.
Assessment and Decision-Making
Coordinate the assessment of applications against agreed funding criteria.
Support and facilitate assessment panels or decision-making meetings where required.
Prepare papers, summaries, recommendations and supporting information for decision-makers.
Ensure decisions are appropriately documented and recorded.
Maintain a clear audit trail demonstrating how applications have progressed and how decisions have been reached.
Ensure the grants process is fair, consistent, transparent and compliant with relevant policies and procedures.
Grant Award and Administration
Coordinate the award of successful grants following approval.
Ensure all necessary documentation, approvals and due diligence checks are completed before awards are made.
Prepare and issue grant offer letters and/or agreements.
Liaise with successful applicants to ensure they understand the terms and conditions attached to their funding.
Coordinate payment arrangements with relevant finance teams.
Maintain accurate records of awarded grants and associated documentation.
Ensure unsuccessful applicants are notified appropriately and provided with relevant feedback where applicable.
Process Management and Improvement
Monitor the effectiveness and progress of the grants process and identify any issues or bottlenecks.
Ensure key deadlines and milestones are met.
Develop and maintain clear processes, guidance and tracking mechanisms.
Identify opportunities to improve the applicant experience and make the grants process more efficient.
Provide management information and reports on applications, awards, spend and outcomes as required.
Ensure appropriate confidentiality, data protection and information management procedures are followed.
Person SpecificationEssential Experience
Proven experience of managing or coordinating a grants, funding, commissioning or similar application process.
Experience of managing applications from initial submission through to assessment and final decision/award.
Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Experience of assessing information against defined criteria and making or supporting evidence-based recommendations.
Experience of maintaining accurate records and managing a high volume of applications or cases.
Experience of working to deadlines and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Experience of handling sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Essential Skills and Abilities
Excellent organisational and project/process management skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify errors, omissions and inconsistencies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, criteria and guidance consistently.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Confident using Microsoft Office and/or relevant grants management or CRM systems.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
High level of professionalism, integrity and discretion.
Experience working within a charitable, public sector, community or not-for-profit funding environment.
Knowledge of grant-making principles and good practice.
Braundton Consulting is a recruitment agency recruiting on behalf of our client.