Volunteer jobs in United Kingdom

Join FirstGens and play a crucial role in reviewing funding applications prior to submission on a monthly basis.

Role Purpose
The Grant & Application Review Advisor will review written funding applications on a monthly basis.

Why join FirstGens?
Education has the power to transform people’s lives. You’ll join an innovative start‑up organisation, making real, measurable change for first‑generation university students across the UK. You’ll support young people to complete their education confidently and turn their dreams into reality.

How to Apply
Please send your CV, a cover letter highlighting your relevant senior grant application experience, and one recent example of an application you have reviewed or led (or a summary thereof) via Reach.

Recruitment Process Options

• Interview formats include in‑person for Bristol‑based applicants, video conferencing, and phone interviews.

Working Arrangements

• Flexible, remote working.
• This role will start immediately; initial period will involve review cycle for upcoming submissions, followed by ongoing monthly reviews.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior experience (minimum 5 years) in reviewing or leading grant applications for non‑profit organisations (preferably UK funders).
• Expertise in grant writing and submission processes, including trusts and foundations.
• Strong demonstrable track record of successful funding applications or as a reviewer of such.
• Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple deadlines and ensure timely feedback loops.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in private donor and philanthropic giving, including high‑net‑worth individuals and family offices.
• Experience with social‑mobility, higher‑education access, student support or widening participation organisations.
• Experience building standardised application toolkits and “bid review” processes for an organisation.
• Experience in budget alignment, monitoring & evaluation logic and impact measurement frameworks within funding applications.

Key Responsibilities

• On a monthly basis, review draft funding applications (typically trusts, foundations).
• Provide detailed feedback via Google Docs comments on content, structure, logic, alignment with funder criteria, tone and clarity.
• Ensure each application reflects FirstGens’ mission, strategic model and impact evidence.
• Tailor applications to funder priorities and questions, presenting a compelling narrative with clear outcomes, activities, budget alignment and impact measurement.
• Ensure applications are free of errors, consistent in style and voice, and meet all submission guidelines.
• Collaborate with the CEO and finance coordinator to align narrative, budget and monitoring plans.
• Act as a senior quality assurance resource, challenging assumptions and proposing ways to sharpen the “ask” and the case for support.
• Advise on gaps in the fundraising process to help strengthen operations (e.g., creating templates, content libraries).
• Provide strategic oversight for quarterly grant applications and reporting to the CEO and Directors on application pipeline health.