Job Description

About CWP

Creativity Works Preston (CWP) is a charity and alternative education provider dedicated to empowering young people and adults through creative learning, skills development, and supportive pathways into employment. CWP's core values are creativity, inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and integrity.

Role Purpose

The Development Officer (Erasmus+ & Project Development) is responsible for driving CWP's external funding strategy, with a primary focus on Erasmus+ and other relevant grant programmes. The role combines proactive project development, internal and external, high-quality bid writing, and partnership building to secure resources that enable CWP to deliver innovative, inclusive, and impactful programmes for its beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Development & Funding Strategy

Proactively identify funding opportunities (Erasmus+, UK and EU grants, trusts, and foundations) that align with CWP's mission and strategic priorities. Lead the end-to-end development of project concepts, working with staff, young people, and partners to design innovative, fundable initiatives. Develop and maintain a pipeline of project ideas and funding prospects, ensuring a steady flow of applications and proposals. Coordinate internal projects such as Open Days, TV Shows and Product creations

2. Bid Writing & Submission

Write compelling, high-quality funding applications and proposals, with a particular focus on Erasmus+ (VET, Youth Exchanges, Solidarity Corps) and local and national programmes. Coordinate the bid development process: gather evidence of need, develop project plans, budgets, and logic models, and ensure all documentation meets funder requirements. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to secure supporting information, letters of support, and partnership agreements.

3. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with European and UK partners, including colleges, NGOs, employers, and sector bodies. Represent CWP at networking events, partnership meetings, and funder briefings to raise the organisation's profile and identify new opportunities. Facilitate collaborative project development with partners, ensuring CWP's values and priorities are embedded in all joint initiatives.

4. Project Coordination & Compliance

Oversee the implementation of successful projects, ensuring delivery against objectives, compliance with funder requirements, and effective monitoring and evaluation. Support project teams with reporting, budget management, and evidence collection. Ensure all projects uphold CWP's commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and quality.

5. Organisational Learning & Impact

Capture and share learning from project development and delivery to inform future bids and organisational strategy. Contribute to staff training and development on bid writing, project management, and Erasmus+ compliance.

Person Specification

Essential

Demonstrable experience in project development and bid writing, ideally within the charity, education, or youth sectors. Proven track record of securing funding from Erasmus+ or similar grant programmes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate ideas into persuasive, fundable proposals. Strong project management skills, including partnership working, budget development, and reporting. Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and the empowerment of disadvantaged learners. Ability to work independently and as part of a small, dedicated team.

Desirable

Knowledge of CWP's core sectors (creative arts, vocational training, youth work). Experience working with marginalised or disengaged young people. Additional European language(s). Familiarity with EU funding portals and compliance requirements.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 29,581.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Health & wellbeing programme On-site gym
Work Location: In person