About us

PBE uses economics to improve lives. Through analytical expertise and a close connection with the social sector, we help charities, funders, firms and policymakers tackle the causes and consequences of low wellbeing. Economists, researchers and policy analysts work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including children and young people’s mental health, loneliness, private rental housing, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, philanthropy and civil society.

We pride ourselves on our flexible work environment, culture of learning, development opportunities, a focus on employee wellbeing, an attractive benefits package and the strength of our employee relationships.

To find out more visit www.probonoeconomics.com

About the role

The Development Manager (Trusts and Foundations) will focus on developing and delivering strategies to secure funding from charitable trusts, foundations, and research institutions to support Pro Bono Economics’ (PBE’s) work.

The role involves crafting compelling grant proposals, managing funder relationships, and ensuring timely reporting and compliance. Working closely with the Development Director, this position will play a critical role in achieving PBE’s income targets and supporting its research and programmatic activities

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Grant applications

• Research and identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and research institutions.
•  Develop high-quality, persuasive grant applications tailored to funders’ priorities and interests to generate unrestricted funding, programmatic funding and research funding.
•  Coordinate multilateral funding applications, securing the engagement of external partners and leading internal engagement across the staff team.

 Funder stewardship:

•  Manage a portfolio of existing funders, including taking responsibility for excellent communication and timely reporting.
•  Cultivate relationships with new funders to secure additional support and renewals.

 Collaboration with research team:

•  Work closely with the research team to understand funding needs and align proposals with PBE’s programs.
• Provide input on funding requirements for specific research projects.

 Monitoring and reporting:

• Prepare detailed funding reports and ensure compliance with grant terms.
• Track progress against income targets and maintain accurate records in our CRM system.

 Collaboration and strategy:

• Work closely with the research team to align funding opportunities with PBE’s programs.
•  Support the Development Director in achieving departmental goals and maintaining donor engagement processes.

 Compliance and reporting:

•  Ensure adherence to fundraising regulations and PBE policies, including the Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice and GDPR.
•  Monitor and report on progress against fundraising targets and budgets.

About you

Reporting directly to the Director of Development, the Development Manager (Trusts & Foundations) will have the following experience and skills.

Experience

•  Proven experience in securing funding from trusts, foundations and institutions.
•  Strong track record in bid writing, with successful multi-year funding applications.
•  Familiarity with donor relationship management in a grant-making context.
•  Experience in research-driven or non-profit organisations is highly desirable.

Skills/Competencies

Ideal characteristics include:

•  Grant writing: Exceptional writing skills with the ability to craft persuasive and tailored applications.
•  Relationship management: Ability to engage effectively with trust, foundation and institutional funder stakeholders.
•  Analytical skills: Capacity to understand and align donor priorities with organisational objectives.
•  Organisational skills: Efficient in managing multiple applications, deadlines, reporting requirements, and partner/staff engagement.

Core competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
•  Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality outputs.
•  Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently, managing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•  Strategic awareness to contribute to long-term fundraising goals.

 Desirable characteristics include:

•  Experience working within research-driven organisations.
• Experience working in small non-profit organisations, including ability to work independently and manage priorities and deadlines, alongside an ability to work collaboratively in a small team.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases (Salesforce preferred).
•  An eye for detail and a strong dedication to quality.
• A strong commitment to PBE’s internal culture of inquisitiveness, generosity, honesty and respect.

Please note that PBE does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to provide work sponsorship visas for this role.

PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community, and we give all applicants and employees fair and equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We also guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who show evidence that they can meet the role’s ideal criteria.

For details of our applicant’s privacy policy, please see https://www.probonoeconomics.com/policies