Funding Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Wigan Borough Community First as a Funding Officer. Within this team you will help secure new investment for the sector and support local VCFSE organisations to access funding.

The Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector is unique, vibrant and diverse. It exists because people are moved and motivated to help and support their communities, places and neighbourhoods. At Wigan Borough Community First, we work alongside the sector to support it to do what it exists to do, as well as it possibly can and the role of the Funding Officer plays a crucial part in supporting groups to do what they do, as well as they possibly can.

The duties of the Funding Officer will involve working alongside organisations within the VCFSE Sector.

The Officer will:

• Provide comprehensive support to the Grants and Funding function, helping to ensure all processes run efficiently and smoothly.
• Provide assistance, advice and information to VCFSE groups and organisations requiring support to locate and apply for grant funding.
• Provide assistance, support and guidance to groups to help VCFSE organisations effectively manage, monitor and report on their grant-funded projects.
• Encourage better relationships and ways of working between organisations situated in the VCFSE sector

This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about the voluntary and community sector, enjoys connecting people and resources, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate for this role will be able to demonstrate excellent communication, project administration and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently.

The Funding Officer is a challenging and rewarding role, and it offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people in Wigan and Leigh.

ROLE

SUMMARY:

Working as part of the Funding and Grants Team you will help to oversee and support processes to ensure the smooth running of the grant and funding programmes – from application to final evaluation. You will also provide tailored support and guidance to the Wigan and Leigh sector to support them in identifying and accessing our grant funds.

Your role will include:

• Work closely with the Grants Funding Manager, the Infrastructure and Communications team to provide accurate and detailed grant administration support to ensure efficient delivery and processes at all stages of our funding programme, and support in the effective communications and promotion of funding opportunities to the sector.
• Play an active role within the voluntary sector ensuring flexible, local solutions are driven by the needs and priorities of VCFSE organisations, and their communities.
• Support Voluntary Sector organisations to create and sustain initiatives aimed at improving quality of life in the communities in the borough.
• Work in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, supporting individuals and groups in providing initiatives aimed at improving their quality of service delivery.
• Be a highly visible presence in the voluntary sector and be a key contact between public service staff and Voluntary Sector organisations.
• Support with the development and delivery of funding projects, engagement and consultation events
• Support community groups and organisations to access funding and investments linking in with the Wigan Borough voluntary sector and where applicable support the monitoring and evaluation of those projects funded through WBCF Funding.
• Ensure community and voluntary groups and activities are included in our CRM system.
• To liaise with a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the grant programmes – this includes liaising with the team of volunteer grant assessors and helping to organise grant panel meetings, managing grant data and records, recording and communicating grant decisions, liaising closely with the Finance Team to organise grant payments, updating our CRM system and ensuring the appropriate monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all grants is carried out.

General duties and other responsibilities:

• Undertake any training required for the role.
• Take an…