Job Description

Summary

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), a UK-wide not-for-profit organisation linked to youth skills/employment, volunteering and construction, is seeking a skilled business development manager for a permanent full time role.

Focus for the role is on identifying and securing new funding opportunities, developing existing opportunities and funding streams, writing and submitting funding applications and proposals and managing the 'sales' pipeline. Must have proven experience in securing grant funding, bid writing and managing partnerships preferably across multiple sectors/income streams, ideally including the public sector/local authorities and corporate CSR and sponsorship programmes.

About VIY

VIY combines volunteering and DIY by challenging young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and construction skills by helping to refurbish and transform local community facilities in need of essential improvements (e.g. youth & community centres, grassroots sports clubs, arts/music/cultural venues, public green spaces and supported accommodation/residential units).

The majority of young people who take part and benefit are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, at risk of disengagement and/or unemployed.

VIY participants are mentored by professional tradespeople and gain vocational skills accreditations as well as access to 'next step' further training, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities with local providers and employers.

VIY launched in 2011 and, to date, over 950 youth and community buildings UK-wide have been repaired/refurbished, involving 16,500 young people and 1,200 trade skills mentors.

VIY is scaling up year-on-year, reaching and benefitting more young people and communities across the UK with the support of a growing 'team sheet' of cross-sector funders and partners including National Lottery, Postcode Lottery, Dulux, Toolstation, Screwfix, Barclays and multiple construction companies, local authorities and local/regional/national grant-giving trusts and foundations.

For further information about VIY please visit: https://volunteerityourself.org/

Job purpose

We are looking for someone with proven experience of driving growth, a track record of achievement across multiple income/funding generation streams and strong experience of successful bid writing to help deliver sustainable growth for a not-for-profit organisation and/or social enterprise.

As Business Development Manager, you will support the new business function of the organisation to generate new income, meet funding/new business targets and ensure existing funder development opportunities are effectively explored/maximised. Working closely with the Business Development Director and Partnerships & Communications Manager, you will work together to secure income that meets our targets for 25/26 and beyond.

A positive and motivated self-starter, passionate about fundraising/income generation and building partnerships for an exciting, successful growing organisation. This role is an initial 12-month contract with the potential to develop into a permanent role.

VIY is a fast moving and dynamic organisation and this role will require energy, determination and flexibility. It represents an amazing opportunity to help grow the organisation and to be part of a passionate, progressive team delivering a profoundly positive mission.

The role

Location:

Flexible/home-based.

Key responsibilities:

Source and secure new business opportunities and funding streams that align with our key priorities Write and submit funding bids, grant applications, tenders and proposals to ensure organisational income generation targets are met Work closely with the wider business development team to engage with existing VIY funders and supporters where appropriate to maximise organic income growth/repeat income and build long-term funding relationships Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role

Person specification

Skills, experience and knowledge

Essential

A strong track record of meeting and exceeding funding targets, underpinned by a confident, creative, and proactive approach to business development Experience of developing/building partnerships Significant bid writing success and experience, preferably across different income streams Persuasive written and spoken communication skills Ability to communicate/engage with stakeholders of very different backgrounds/circumstances Trustworthy with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as part of a remote team and manage own workload Organised with strong attention to detail and ability to work within sometimes challenging deadlines Absolute discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality Ability and flexibility to work in a small, evolving and nimble/flexible organisation Passionate team player and strong ability to work with team members across the organisation, with a commitment to our VIY Values

Desirable

Experience of developing/building high-value partnerships Experience of unlocking funding from local authorities and/or through corporate CSR and sponsorship programmes Experience in at least one of our key sectors: youth work/skills/employability, volunteering, community regeneration/Levelling Up, construction Knowledge of using a CRM system (we use Salesforce) Knowledge and experience of using digital fundraising tools and resources to secure income

What's it like to work at VIY?

VIY has grown rapidly over the last three years, from a small team of six to more than 25. We are a close-knit team of like-minded individuals, committed to making a difference to the lives of young people and the communities they live in. A pro-active and 'can-do' attitude is prevalent throughout the team, as is a commitment to our values: progressive, flexible, inclusive, collaborative and passionate.

Whilst people work remotely across our six (current) main delivery regions in England and Wales, regional teams to meet up regularly, and we also come together as a national team during the year.

Terms and conditions

Salary:

33,000- 37,000 per annum, depending on experience 12 month initial contract.

Hours

: Full time. Hours are 9am-5.30pm.

Leave

: 25 days per annum (plus bank holidays)

Work from home 24/7 EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) support Company events Training and development support Company pension scheme Paid volunteer time

To apply

, please send an up-to-date CV and a cover letter (of no more than one page) to . Your cover letter should outline how your skills and experience would help you meet the person specification, giving clear examples.

Application deadline

: 30th January

First stage interviews - 15 minute phone calls

: w/c 2nd February

Final interviews - 45 minute video calls

: w/c 9th February

For further information about VIY please visit

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 33,000.00-37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Work from home
Work Location: Remote