Head of Grants & Programmes - Southampton

We are excited to be seeking a talented and motivated individual to join Southampton Hospitals Charity as our Head of Grants and Programmes. This will be our first Head of Grants and Programme role and will provide the right candidate with a rare opportunity to implement and oversee the delivery of the Charity’s new £2.5 million dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award.

Covering four programmes (Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement), the post holder will be responsible for managing circa £2.5M of expenditure each year, ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors. 

This role will be key, as we launch our ambitious new strategy to grow our reach and impact, and this opportunity offers the right candidate the chance to implement new ways of working as part of the management team and leading a committed team. 

Grant Management & Compliance

Oversee the delivery of the charity’s dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award: Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement. The post holder will be responsible for circa £2.5M expenditure per annum ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors (grant values typically range from £2K to <£0.5M) 

Oversee the management of the charity's current grant portfolio; ensuring grants are delivered on time and in accordance with internal processes 

Ensure compliance with financial obligations (inc. payments, reconciliations and audits) and regulatory obligations (inc. data management, grant award contracts, procurement) 

Ensure grant making processes reflects and champion current best practice

Oversee the implementation and management of a Grants Advisory Committee 

Relationship & Stakeholder Management 

Build relationships with key stakeholders within UHS, including senior health professionals, executive team members, partners and beneficiaries

Act as primary liaison for the charity’s grant making responsibilities, ensuring alignment with charitable objectives and 2024-2027 strategic mission

Provide support to Director of Operations and Resources and the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a collaborative approach to grant programme delivery in tandem with fundraising, communication and art programme goals 

Represent the organisation at meetings, site visits, events and other external facing activities as required 

Implement hybrid applicant and grantee support functions (e.g. webinars, Q&A events, promotional events, annual learning events) 

Strategic Planning & Funding Prioritisation

Lead the development of the charity’s grant-making function, working with internal and external stakeholders in identifying key funding priorities that align with the charity’s mission and future goals 

Develop strategies for allocating resources effectively and the ongoing review of grant programmes (aiming for continual improvement) 

Develop strategies for working in partnership with UHS for joint decision making, the effective management of capital awards and high value grant requests 

Identify new grant opportunities and potential partnerships to diversify funding streams

Maximise grant impact by contributing to the business planning process 

Evaluation, Reporting & Impact

Oversee processes for effective grant monitoring, reporting and analysis of grants portfolio 

Develop and implement an evaluation framework for the charity’s grants programme, ensuring this is embedded and linked to organisation wide reporting mechanisms and measurable outcomes are achieved 

Use data and insights to inform the continuous improvement of grant-making practices and programme development 

Utilise information captured to promote grant programmes and support Fundraising and Communications Directorate

Support the Impact and Evaluation Officer 

Programme Delivery Management

Develop a robust online grant management system

Co-ordinate cross-functional activities and resources to enhance the delivery of grant programmes 

Ensure the design and delivery of grant programmes underpins strategic objectives 

Develop strategic engagement programmes

Keep abreast of changing external trends 

Manage any Charity-led programmes as required and ensure all programmes are appropriately managed and evaluated for impact and value for money. 

General 

Support the line management and continuing professional development of the grants team. 

Ensure content and material is in line with Directorate of Fundraising and Communications for marketing, publications, website and social media responsibilities 

Support the wider work of the organisation, contributing to All Staff events/meetings as required 

Support the Director of Operations and Resources in the preparation of necessary Trustee reports, annual reports and impact reports 

Support EDI journey

Knowledge and experience 

Substantial experience in grants management, within a relevant not-for-profit setting (e.g. healthcare charity). Post holder must be proficient with pre and post award responsibilities including assessment. 

Demonstrable track record of contributing to organisational strategy 

Demonstrable track record of utilising grants management systems

Demonstrable track record of budget management 

Proven ability in managing impact measurement of charitable programmes

Proven ability in Committee Management 

Skills, abilities, and behaviours 

Strong attention to detail 

Financially proficient 

IT proficient 

Excellent problem solver 

Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders 

Strong strategic thinking with excellent leadership skills and experience in managing and developing others. 

A passion for the charity’s mission and a commitment to delivering high-impact programmes that enhances patient care