Expression of Interest: Freelance Funding Bid Writers YoM

Kirklees Year of Music 2023, is a unique, place-based, cultural change programme initiated and led by Kirklees Council. Through investment in the district’s diverse music talent, communities and businesses, the year-long programme of major events and durational initiatives, will strengthen the music ecology of Kirklees from its roots. With children and young people front and centre, our strategic impact areas are music education, health & wellbeing, community cohesion, night-time and visitor economy, aspiration & skills, and inclusion with the overall aim to reduce inequality, and level up access to opportunity.
Year of Music 2023 harnesses the unique power of making and enjoying music to bring people together; improve our health and well-being and put Kirklees firmly on the global map as a place where great music can be made, played and enjoyed.

Role Purpose:
This call out is to expand and diversify our pool of freelancer bid writers. The role is to research, prepare and write funding bids in collaboration with the KYOM23 senior team, within the Creative Development Team, Kirklees Council, to secure the resources to realise the full potential of this ambitious project. Immediate need to work on bids to major funding trusts & foundations and lottery distributors.

Scope:
• Read and digest funding guidelines of target funds.
• Prepare Expressions of Interest and full applications.
• Analyse, develop and test concept and delivery model of project.
• Analyse, develop and test project budget.
• Co-ordinate planning and bid preparation project development with partners & stakeholders.
• Research funding application requirements and lead the editorial process – assembling all necessary background data and supporting documentation, drafting narrative text to word / character count, driving process to arrive at final version to allow appropriate sign off prior to submission.
• Manage submission through funding portals as required prior to deadline.
• Prepare project initiation plans in readiness to activate project upon funding decision.

Person Specification:
Skills & Experience
• A proven track record in securing major (six or seven figure) grants
• Experience of developing and writing successful proposals, applications and business documents
• Knowledge of how to form a strong case for support and ability to tailor proposals to match funder’s priorities and investment principles.
• A strong understanding of budgets, financial reporting and strategies
• Current working knowledge of funders investment principles.
• Knowledge of a diverse range of cultures and traditions, and proven ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• A lively interest in and appreciation of arts, culture, music in particular, and the value of culture to positively impact social change.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and deliver to strict deadlines.
• An ability to work on own initiative, to be pro-active in developing proposals and in solving problems.
• To be literate and proficient in IT including Word, Powerpoint, Excel, MS Teams

Contractual Terms & Conditions:
• Fee by negotiation – daily rate or overall fee for delivery.
• Contractor engaged as freelance with responsibility for own tax and insurance and to arrange own travel, accommodation, expenses.

Process:
• Please submit summary and details of recent bids worked on and / or curriculum vitae by email to KYOM23 Project Co-ordinator Heidi.Garcha@kirklees.gov.uk
• Maximum 2 pages
• Deadline: 27 June 2022
• Submissions will be reviewed by Creative Development Team, Kirklees Council
• Successful submissions will be invited to meet and register as part of the Creative Development Team freelance consultant/specialist pool.

For more information visit http://www.musicinkirklees.gov.uk/