Bid Writer

This is a varied role, responsible for heavily supporting the Income Generation Strategy for Inspire by leading on bid writing to secure income, as well as supporting the co-ordination and the implementation of successful projects linked to funding secured.

Read the role profile

This role will therefore be required to identify funding pots available, develop a pipeline of grants, trusts and contracts that can be applied for and produce high-quality submissions to secure grants and contracts which will provide income in line with delivery plans and aspirations of Inspire.

As a successful bid writer or someone with strong transferable skills and experience, you will be able to demonstrate that you are self-motivated, action oriented with strong written and oral communication skills and excellent organisational skills. You must thrive on taking applications for funding through from concept to completion, and be motivated by developing strong internal and external relationships and delivering impact.

You will have a strong track record of bid writing and understanding of how projects are developed and delivered, understanding the importance of meeting or exceeding funder expectations to ensure continuation of funding.

An organised and strategic thinker, you will be able to quickly grasp how youth zones work and develop a strategy to ensure funding can be secured that aligns with existing delivery, use research and written skills to develop a compelling case for support and tender/grant applications that ensure success, whilst being practical and consistent with the delivery strategy of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

This role is both outward and inward facing, critical to developing and delivering projects and contracts that are realistic and achievable, whilst being ambitious for the continued growth of the organisation.

• Identify a range of grant making organisations with the potential of funding activity along with other, more complex contract funders to develop a strong and mixed pool of organisations with an interest in supporting young people
• Contribute to the development of a strong pipeline of grant and contract organisations, fully researched and aligned to areas of delivery for potential support.
• Achieve a small but defined set of KPIs including activity targets relating to developing a pipeline, applying to organisations and securing outcomes.
• Understand and appreciate the work of OnSide and the wider network, attend and contribute relevant network meetings and work collaboratively with OnSide colleagues with regard to the development of network-wide bids which may benefit Inspire as well as the implementation of successful bids.
• Work closely with the Grants and Contracts Manager, and the wider Team, to ensure that funding secured is translated to impact, with any funding requirements clearly articulated and managed to ensure funder satisfaction.
• Work with the Philanthropy Manager and Impact and Administration Officer to assist with stewardship and collation of impact for funders.
• Monitor and report on progress against funding requirements, ensuring project is on track and demonstrating expected impact and outcomes.
• Ensure all records are kept up to date on our CRM database
• Ensure accurate and timely acknowledgement, recording and banking of any grants received, or income secured.
• Consistently demonstrate the values required by Inspire and as part of the Onside Network.