Strategic Development Manager

We are looking for a motivated, experienced individual to lead on developing key partnerships and collaborations to ensure adults with learning disabilities can access and shape the services they require.

We need a creative self-starter and strategic thinker with experience of building relationships and managing income streams including grants and community fundraising, events and corporate sponsorship etc.

Strategic Development Manager

The Open Door Centre (Swindon and District) Ltd

Registered charity number: 1107869

Hybrid working

£34,500 per year

Part-time, 30-hours p/w – job share considered - flexible working patterns available

Three year fixed-term

About this role

This new role, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, is an exciting opportunity to join our team who have been supporting adults with learning disabilities for almost 40 years. As we look to the future, we need to consider new opportunities to build partnerships and collaborations to build a strong, resilient network of third-sector organisations in Swindon and the surrounding area.

Main responsibilities

• Work with the trustees, staff, volunteers and members to develop and deliver against a Strategic Business Plan.

• To act as the lead relationship manager with partners on behalf of The Open Door Centre.

• Take responsibility for diversifying fundraising, grants and income streams in line with the strategy and business development plan, be proactive in developing new leads and connections.
• Explore and develop joint grant bids by liaising with external partners to support grant applications that align with our strategic aims.
• Develop, monitor and maintain key systems and processes, such as effective funder reporting and review meetings, and monitoring and reporting on fundraising KPIs.

Skills, competencies and experience

1. Skills and experience in third sector fundraising, preferably including corporate fundraising, funder reporting and grants and confidence in identifying and developing new opportunities.
2. A demonstrable proactive approach to engaging with new and existing funders to set up and develop lasting relationships.
3. Ability to prepare high-quality funding proposals/grant applications and reports, adapting the communication style for different audiences and stakeholders to maximise impact.
4. A skilled communicator (verbal and written) who can gather information and enthuse individuals both internally and externally.
5. The ability to effectively manage multiple and competing priorities to meet deadlines.
6. Excellent organisational skills with firm understanding of KPIs, targets, budgeting, and risk mitigation plans.
7. Proactive, positive and self-motivated, able to work on own initiative and inspire and enthuse others, and overcome hurdles to achieve results.
8. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the internet and social media.

Other information

This post will be a hybrid role with some time spent in the Centre in Gorse Hill, Swindon, some remote work, and attendance at meetings and events in the Swindon area - this could include evenings and weekends.

The post is funded for a period of three years. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will guarantee interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job they have applied for.  

To apply please send a CV and covering letter by email or post  to arrive by Monday 30th September.

We would also welcome visits to the Centre in advance of an application, if you would like to come and look around please email or call to arrange an opportunity. 

Interviews will take place in October with the post holder expected to start in November 2024.