Job Description
Are you an ambitious, driven graduate with a passion for sport and a flair for business development?
Oaks are business development specialists, expert in helping organisations – from across the sport and not-for-profit sectors – to run more successful and sustainable businesses by supporting with critical functions such as business planning, organisational development and income generation. We work with a wide range of organisations including Everton FC, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, the Tennis Foundation, the LTA, Sports Leaders UK, the Rugby Football League, the CSP Network, and numerous other award-winning community sport deliverers. We have also extended our reach into new areas, taking our business development tools to education, housing associations and homeless charities – and have ambitious plans for growth over the next twelve months.
Our latest role is an exciting and diverse entry level position – providing an opportunity to gain experience, training and development across our consultancy and retained work. The post-holder will undertake an intensive training programme whilst supporting our experienced account management team to deliver results for our clients – with clear progression opportunities into account management roles in the future.
Retained Bid-writing
The post-holder will support our clients to develop high-impact community outreach projects; helping to identify, source and secure income from a range of grant funding opportunities; develop sustainable fundraising plans and, ultimately, help them to run more profitable and successful businesses.
Business Development
You will provide vital support in the production of business and strategic plans for our clients as well as aiding the implementation and activation of business development activities.
Main areas of responsibility
– Working directly with numerous high-profile clients across the sport and not-for-profit sectors ensuring all account requirements are fulfilled and exceeded
– Supporting our Account Managers to effectively manage a range of client relationships
– Working closely with the Oaks project team to ensure effective delivery of Oaks’ duties
– Developing and managing client relationships, ensuring optimal customer satisfaction and, where appropriate, establishing yourself as a key point of contact for them
– Managing project plans to ensure that both Oaks and our clients are working towards project timescales and deadlines
– Undertaking comprehensive research to support existing – and prospective – client contracts, this will include:
o Research, planning and completion of grant funding applications and bids on behalf of clients to ensure Oaks delivers against agreed income targets
o Regular monitoring of the trusts and foundations grant funding sector to ensure that Oaks is ahead of the curve with important changes to funding guidelines, the introduction of new funds and the criteria for securing funding from charitable trusts and foundations
o Identifying potential commercial partners for our clients and supporting in the preparation of pitches
– Interface with clients and partners in person, in writing and verbally both within an office environment and in the field, maintaining exemplary relationship management
– Prioritising actions and work programmes to ensure we are always working strategically and optimising our use of time
– Problem solving and identifying creative solutions to challenges/issues
– Generate new ideas of how to make money for our clients and improve the business planning and implementation process
– Produce and disseminate internal project updates
– Assist in the development of progress reports and board papers for each client
– Manage and implement project tasks which could include:
o Supporting clients to shape high-impact community projects that successfully against their strategic, social and financial objectives
o Attending meetings with prospective new partners on behalf of clients
o Supporting in the preparation of tender applications for clients
o Working with individual members of our clients’ teams to help them identify – and activate – income generating opportunities within their specific areas
o Working with clients to identify cost savings within their budgets
o Supporting clients to develop their network of partners and build new relationships
o Support in the delivery of workshops/presentations to – and, where appropriate, on behalf of – our clients
Other duties and responsibilities include:
– Supporting with the workshop facilitation throughout the business planning process
– Support on the preparation of business plans and strategies
– Identification and conversion of new business opportunities for Oaks
– Support on marketing and branding
– Support on tender applications for Oaks
– Any other reasonable duties in-line with the organisation’s core activities and services
– Flexible working hours to be able to fulfil duties that may, on occasion, fall on an evening or weekend
Person Specification
Essential
o Graduate with sports or business degree or equivalent career experience
o Delivering projects to deadlines
o Working as part of a team
o Thorough knowledge of IT packages especially Microsoft (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, email systems)
o Excellent written and spoken English
o Passionate about sport
o Good listening skills
o Excellent organisational skills, being able to work under pressure, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
o Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to make and maintain effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders
o Ability to deliver a high quality service and commitment to continuous improvement
o Self motivated and flexible in approach
o Ability to motivate and work well within a team
Desirable
o Previous experience of fundraising
o An understanding of the organisations involved in sport on a local and national level
o Energetic, outgoing, friendly, confident, dedicated, determined, career-minded
o Ability to speak confidently and knowledgeably to mixed audiences
o Able and willing to work, on occasions, evenings and weekends
How to apply
CV and cover letter must be received by Friday 17th March. All applications should be emailed to Rahul Bissoonauth at rahul@oaksconsultancy.co.uk or posted to Oaks, Acorn House, Oak Farm, Hampton Lane, Catherine de Barnes, Solihull B92 0JB.