Trusts and Foundations Officer

Do you want to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in London? London Youth is seeking an experienced Head of Trusts and Foundations to play a vital role in their mission to support young people and youth organisations to become the best they can be.

For over 135 years, London Youth has played a unique role in igniting the potential in young Londoners. The charity’s vision is that all young Londoners grow up healthy, able to express themselves, navigate a fulfilling career and make a positive contribution in their communities. Because good youth work works. Last year alone, more than 600,000 young individuals were supported through their expansive network of members. They are dedicated to creating opportunities and fostering growth through their wide range of transformative programmes in sports development, employability, youth action and involvement, arts, and outdoor education.

It has been an exciting period of change for London Youth. Last year, the organisation made an internal appointment of a new CEO and they have recently appointed a new Director of Fundraising and Communications to lead the team to meet their ambitious growth plans.

As the Head of Trusts and Foundations, you will lead their impressive trusts, foundations, and statutory income streams which generates over £3 million annually. We’re seeking a driven, tenacious individual with a track record of securing 6- and 7-figure gifts to lead the growth-focused team.

You will work closely with the Delivery Directorate who lead on grant management and reporting. With a fundraising-positive approach from the department, you will work collaboratively with them to identify funding opportunities and to deliver excellent stewardship.

As Head of Trusts and Foundations, you will:

• Lead on the planning and delivery of the trusts, foundations and statutory strategy to grow both restricted and unrestricted income
• Develop and oversee a portfolio and pipeline of high value trusts, foundations and statutory funders
• Write compelling funding proposals to engage new donors to give at the 6- and 7-figure level to ensure long term growth and sustainability
• Work collaboratively with the delivery teams to ensure effective grant management, stewardship and reporting for funders
• Work closely with the delivery teams to develop new projects and cases for support, and refine existing projects to meet the emerging needs of beneficiaries
• Develop engagement opportunities for prospective and warm funders to bring them closer to London Youth’s mission
• Provide management and direction for the team – including two Trusts and Foundations Managers

Ideal skills and experience: 

• Proven success of securing 6 and 7-figure gifts from a range of trusts, foundations and statutory funders
• Superb writing skills to convey need and impact across bids, applications, cases for support and pitches
• Demonstrable experience of growing income streams
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and able to influence/persuade a wide range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to facilitate cross-team working and forge effective working relationships with services teams
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team
• Alignment with London Youth’s new organisational values: Ambition, Collaboration, Inclusivity, and Accountability

Benefits include:

• 28 days per year plus bank holidays and 3 closure days in December
• 4% employer pension contribution (where employees make an additional voluntary contribution, employer contribution increases to 5%)
• Cash Health Plan
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (for you and your family)
• Volunteering days