RSPB is the largest nature conservation charity in Europe, with over one million members. We work to achieve a better world for both nature and people, where biodiversity loss has halted, and human actions ensure the sustainable management of the planet’s natural resources. Extensive research programmes ensure that sound scientific knowledge underpins our work. We provide opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about the natural world and for young people to develop an understanding of environmental issues and wildlife.

RSPB Scotland manages 80 nature reserves from Shetland in the north to the Mull of Galloway in the south. We collaborate with other organisations to deliver a wide range of projects and activities both on and off our nature reserves.

What does the role involve?

RSPB Scotland’s Funding Development team is based at our Scottish HQ in Edinburgh. We raise money for conservation, education, advocacy and other activities taking place across Scotland from a range of sources including grant funders, corporate businesses, individuals and communities.

The focus of this role will be to secure grants from funders including charitable trusts, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, Peatland Action and the National Lottery. This involves:

• Researching and identifying potential funding opportunities and matching these to agreed priority work on our nature reserves, projects and core work
• Developing relationships with funders to understand their objectives and deadlines
• Writing grant applications and collating relevant financial information
• Liaising with colleagues across the country to gather relevant and accurate information for funding applications and other communication requirements
• Reporting to funders and gathering invoices and evidence for grant claims
• Accurately recording income on a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
• Communicating with project partners and other charities to share knowledge and experiences

What We Need From You:

We need someone who is highly organised, has good attention to detail and can work calmly to tight deadlines. You would be part of a four person grants team and a wider eleven-person Funding Development team. A friendly, positive attitude and willingness to collaborate within the team and adapt to changing priorities is required. Experience of grant fundraising would be advantageous.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Persuasive and succinct writing skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines
• Good numeracy skills
• Strong IT skills
• Awareness of, and interest in, the challenges facing the natural world
• Ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues and funders
• Relevant professional writing experience or educated to degree level
• English and Mathematics GCSE/Standard Grade