BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross Society (IRC) is part of the world's largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by, its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Irish Red Cross is looking for a talented Grants Manager to lead in the development our engagement with statutory and private strategic funders.  This is an exciting opportunity to work across the organisation to develop our capability to secure and manage a portfolio of domestic and international strategic funding for Irish Red Cross programmes.

The successful candidate will generate an increase in strategic grant support for the Irish Red Cross as well as work with internal teams to ensure that grant supported projects are effectively delivered.

The Grants Manager will also be responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the strategic development of the Irish Red Cross Strategic Grants Programme; leading its operations to support the organisation's goals; and supporting departments in all aspects of grant acquisition and management—including identifying funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of grant resources

ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES

Research and identification of domestic and international grant opportunities among private and statutory donors.

The IRC Grants Manager will be responsible for the identification and outreach to potential funding sources in support of Irish Red Cross programmes including: private trusts & foundations, the Irish government, the EU and its member states, and other strategic donors as appropriate.

To achieve this goal, the IRC Grants Manager will also work closely with the IRC programme teams to gain a clear understanding of funding needs and opportunities relating to existing programmes and the strategic development of new programme areas. This engagement will include Head Office teams and volunteer Directors responsible for programme delivery and the management of current or anticipated grant agreements and opportunities.

Writing grant proposals and reports in support of IRC domestic and international programmes.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in drafting successful grant applications in coordination with programme / services managers as well as project budgets in coordination with IRC Finance Office and will have managed the process of working to established reporting deadlines tied to existing funding agreements.

Development and management of internal processes to ensure the delivery of all grant funded projects

The IRC Grants Manager will pro-actively engage with programme managers, Senior Managers and volunteer Directors to develop a centralised & structured approach toward the management of the Irish Red Cross grant portfolio – focusing on horizon planning to ensure a continuity of funding for IRC programmes, development of internal processes and to ensure effective and timely delivery of grant applications, and reporting and assurance projects are effectively monitored and kept on track.

• Researches and identifies new government, corporate, foundation and private funding prospects to match organisational priorities;
• Leads coordination with programme / services managers with an aim to generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications and supporting documents in response to solicitations consistent with all policies and procedures of the Irish Red Cross, and the requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies;
• Generates revenue for IRC programs through timely submission of well-researched, well-written and well-documented grant proposals;
• Maintains primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants ensuring programme staff are aware of deadlines; Serves as a liaison to all appropriate funding agencies and organisations;
• Works with appropriate personnel to research, develop, write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers and grant proposals;
• Oversees the development of centralised internal planning processes to ensure a strategic approach to financial considerations—including cost‑recovery, co‑funding obligations, horizon planning and the management of programme commitments and staffing linked to funded project delivery;
• Coordinates and follows-up on the progress of submitted proposals;
• Coordinates with the IRC Finance Office to create expenditure and income budgets to accompany proposals;
• Develops and maintains a master file on pending grants and contracts;
• Remains up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals;
• Meets regularly with relevant staff and IRC volunteer to discuss current and new funding needs;
• Proactively seeks to align organisational goals with changing resources and situations while proactively and consistently promoting effective communication with fellow managers and the organisation as a whole

Proactive engagement with responsibilities' as typically associated with IRC Management positions.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Criteria

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a successful grant writer;
• Knowledge of research, and the ability to distinguish and identify opportunities for IRC domestic and international programmes;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure;
• Excellent writing and verbal skills;
• Be highly organised with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes;
• Proficiency in interpreting, and analysing diverse data;
• Excellent Computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel), and database management skills;
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience which demonstrates a proven track record of securing new funding opportunities;
• Previous grant budget development and management;
• Experience as a writer in other fora than fundraising;
• Experience working in a non-profit/charity.
• Experience with the development and management of an organisational grants management structure;

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Irish Red Cross offers the following benefits in addition to salary

• Up to 5% employers' contribution to a company contributory pension scheme, depending on employee contribution
• Closure of the office on Good Friday, plus two additional 'privilege days' to be used at Easter and Christmas respectively.
• Death in Service benefit
• Flexible working hours, including opportunities for hybrid working.
• Further education, training and learning supports
• Professional subscriptions (as applicable)
• Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)

The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community, irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community.

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland.

The closing date for applications is September 14th 2026 at 17:00. Late applications not accepted.

It is intended to hold initial interviews for this role during the week commencing 21st September 2026.

Shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of the essential and desirable criteria for this role.