A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy.
This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.
A key part of the role (1.5 days per week) is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
- Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
- Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
- Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
- Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
- Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
- Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
- Management experience in a similar organisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of CRM systems
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
- Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
- Formal fundraising or project management qualification
- Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions
Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.
Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)
Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex hybrid working.
AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.