Library Support Lead (Funding, Events & Partnerships)
Permanent, Full Time
£39,944 to £46,993 per annum
Location: Witham*
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 12th March 2025
*This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Witham office expected to be to 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.
The Library Support Lead – Funding, Events, and Partnerships plays a critical role in identifying opportunities to apply for funding and enhance services delivered by the library service.
This role is key in building excellent relationships with funders and providers and in demonstrating the benefits that engaging with the library service can have to support the delivery of key outcomes through shared projects and activities.
This role focuses on securing funding, building partnerships, and driving high-impact events that support the library’s mission. It is pivotal in generating income, promoting Essex Libraries as a trusted organisation, and enhancing library services to meet evolving community needs. This role promotes the benefits of partnership with libraries,and advocating the services we can deliver with the right funding and resources.
The role is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing funding opportunities through grants, corporate sponsorships, and for delivering Essex wide events collaborating with Area Managers to increase community engagement and raise the profile of Essex Libraries.
Accountabilities
Deliver an annual funding and partnership plan in collaboration with Area Managers and the Head of Service. This plan will target government agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors to secure resources that align with the library’s mission and goals.
Research, write, and manage compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate library needs, community impact, and alignment with funder priorities. Track and report on grant performance and ensure timely submission and adherence to guidelines.
Analyse funding trends and explore diverse income streams, ensuring the financial sustainability of Essex Libraries. Report monthly on funding achievements and targets and deliver insights to the HOS for decision-making.
Build and nurture partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and community organisations. These partnerships should enhance service delivery, provide financial support, and create opportunities for collaborative programming and events.
Manage partner relationships, ensuring that sponsorship agreements and collaborations benefit both Essex Libraries and external stakeholders. Regularly communicate with partners to maintain strong relationships and secure future support.
Track the performance and impact of grants, partnerships, and events, and report to HOS on key metrics, outcomes, and areas for improvement. Ensure all activities align with the objectives of Essex Libraries.
Advocate for Essex Libraries by promoting successes and achievements through internal and external communication channels. Use data and storytelling to build support for the library’s initiatives across various stakeholder groups.
Lead the organisation and logistics of Essex-wide library events, collaborate with Area Managers to ensure events reflect local community needs and drive traffic to library services.
Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute promotional campaigns that increase visibility for library events and programmes, ensuring high levels of community engagement.
Provide training and guidance to library staff on event execution and partnership management, equipping them with resources and tools to deliver successful and consistent events across all libraries.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Educated to Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) Level 5 or equivalent by experience in operational management.
Evidence of continuing professional development and good knowledge in relevant professional area.
Proven ability to research, write, and manage high-quality grant proposals that secure funding and align with the library’s mission, with experience in achieving specific funding targets.
Expertise in building and managing partnerships with businesses, community organisations, and educational institutions that generate financial support and enhance service delivery.
Demonstrated experience in organising events.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders, negotiate sponsorship agreements, and network with potential partners.
Tracking funding spends and the performance of grant funding projects.
Ability to attract new funding, enhance community engagement, demonstrating a future focused and proactive approach.
To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services - Working for Essex
Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please apply via the Working for Essex website.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
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