Head of Funding

Who are we?

The London Marathon Foundation (part of the London Marathon Group) is one of the UK’s major funders of initiatives that support people, especially children, young people and underserved communities, to lead active and healthy lives.

The London Marathon Foundation is the parent charity of London Marathon Events (LME), whose event portfolio includes the TCS London Marathon and Ford Swim Serpentine. Every year, after costs, the surplus generated by LME is passed through corporate Gift Aid to the Foundation, who use this income to fund projects that inspire, increase and champion participation and diversity in physical activity in London, Essex and across the UK.

Since its founding in 1981, the Foundation has awarded more than £100 million to more than 1,600 projects that inspire activity. A wide range of organisations and inclusive activities are supported, from team sports like football and wheelchair basketball, to individual activities like running and swimming, and other ways of being active like play, dance, walking and gardening, so that everyone, regardless of their age, ability or background, can lead an active and healthy life.

Our values are integral to who we are, how we work and what we do:

• Impact – together we create positive change
• Innovate – together we enable new ideas
• Everyone – together we champion inclusivity
• Customer first – together we go the extra mile for all

Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to ensure they are at the heart of our company. We strongly value diversity within our workforce, and recognise that different people bring different perspectives, lived experience, ideas and culture to the company. This difference brings with it great strengths, including diversity of thought and innovation.

So, if you’re ready to be a force for good, lead change and want to make a difference to society through the power of sport and physical activity, keep reading.

Overview of the Role

Reporting to the Group Funding and Impact Director, the Head of Funding is a senior role at LMF, overseeing the daily operations of our funding and grantmaking work. This role ensures the delivery of all aspects of our funding plan, including designing and reviewing programmes, developing new approaches, and supporting the Head of Impact in evaluating our funding's impact.

The Head of Funding will think strategically about our grant-making within the wider sport for development sector, ensuring alignment with the group's vision, mission, and values. They will bring extensive experience in funding and grantmaking, ideally with knowledge of sport for development, health, wellbeing, or community sport.

Managing a diverse funding portfolio, they will deliver outcomes that align with our group’s commitments. As an experienced leader, they will oversee a high-performing team, optimise our grants management platform, and enhance systems and processes to ensure effective, innovative grantmaking. A forward-thinking approach, solutions focus, and the ability to horizon-scan for emerging trends are essential.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of governance and legal requirements for grantmaking charities, and experience working with Boards. They will prepare reports, develop policies, manage risks, and work closely with the Finance Team on funding budgets. They will also support the Group Director in managing the Grants Committee’s annual cycle, including delivering Committee packs and supporting Trustees in overseeing funding governance.

Key Responsibilities

Funding & Grantmaking

1. Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Foundation’s strategic funding plan.
2. Collaborate with the Grants Committee on the annual meeting cycle, ensuring strong oversight and governance of funding processes.
3. Work with the Group Director and team to continuously improve funding and grantmaking.
4. Oversee the operational planning and implementation of funding activities, ensuring efficient processes, including chairing the Peer Review plus the Funding and Strategy meetings.
5. Partner with the Group Director and Finance Team on long-term funding budget planning.
6. Work with the Communications & Engagement Manager on internal and external communications related to funding.
7. Ensure Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and sustainability are integrated into the funding plan.
8. Support the Group Director in shaping the medium to long-term strategic direction of the Foundation’s funding strategy.
9. Collaborate with the Head of Impact to measure the social impact of funding.
10. Deputise for the Group Director when required.

Line Management & Team

1. Line manage team members involved in funding and grantmaking, and work with the Group Director on HR and team culture matters.
2. Promote a high-performance culture by setting standards, regularly reviewing team performance and supporting their development as expert grant-makers.

Governance & Compliance

1. Manage operational risks in grant-making, working with the Executive Director and Trustees on risk management and reporting on key risks.
2. Attend Board, Grants Committee, and Finance and Audit Committee meetings, reporting on the strategic funding plan as needed.
3. Work closely with the Group Director and Head of Governance on governance matters, risk management, and other emerging issues.
4. Contribute to the Group’s Annual Report, Accounts, and other statutory documents alongside the Finance and Governance teams.
5. Support legal, statutory, and regulatory compliance related to funding and grantmaking, liaising with legal support on grant reviews.

Stakeholder Management

1. Manage key strategic funding partnerships and other partnerships related to LMF’s portfolio.
2. Advise the Group Director and Grants Committee on external risks and opportunities within the sectors and communities our funding serves.
3. Stay informed on policy issues, sector developments, and innovations relevant to funding, providing guidance to the Executive Director and team.

Required Skills/Experience

1. Experience managing complex funding programmes and delivering successful strategies.
2. Proven adaptive programme management, responding to evolving contexts.
3. Strong grasp of systems and processes for impactful grant-making.
4. Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix structure.
5. Effective line management of high-performing teams.
6. Skilled at building and nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Adaptable communicator with a positive, “can-do” attitude.
8. Results-focused, able to manage multiple tasks, stakeholders, and timelines.
9. Creative, strategic thinker committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
10. Leadership experience managing tough conversations.