Grant Writer
Job Description:
The position is an integral member of the Development Department, managing a portfolio of corporate and foundation donors and prospects. Responsibilities include writing a large volume of grant proposals and reports for corporate and foundation funders and assisting with prospect research to identify funding opportunities. Because the position includes both grant coordination and some front-line fundraising responsibilities, the Grant Writer must possess strong problem-solving skills, a solution-oriented focus, an orientation toward multi-tasking and resourcefulness.
The position will develop and implement activities that support and strengthen the entire Development Department. Reporting to the Grants Administrator and Prospect Researcher, the Grant Writer has accountability for development revenues pertinent to grant funders.
Job Responsibilities:
• Prepare grant proposals and progress reports, implement stewardship and follow-up activities, and take initiative at all stages of the identification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects. Position will help track organization’s grant activity and serve as a grant writer of winning proposals.
• Manage several grant requests at various stages of completion simultaneously.
• Represent Second Harvest at external functions and take a proactive approach to participating in cultivation activities including presentations, external and internal events, warehouse tours, prospect meetings, follow-up phone calls, letters and emails. Provide timely responses to donor inquiries and acknowledgement of gifts while executing a highly effective donor management strategy.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including the finance, operations and program departments, to gather information necessary for grant proposals, reports and other communication. Work closely with the Grants Administrator and Prospect Researcher, and the Director of Programs and Services to ensure that Second Harvest is meeting all goals of funded grants.
• Plan and execute cultivation visits by the President and CEO, Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer, and Leadership Gifts team, engaging other staff as necessary.
• Work with the Grants Administrator and Prospect Researcher to maintain the grant proposal and reporting calendar, and ensure that all deadlines are met. Manage the grants filing and tracking system, including maintaining essential documentation, tracking next steps, and providing support for others immersed in the grant process.
• Assist the Grants Administrator and Prospect Researcher with prospect research aimed at building new and strengthening existing relationships with corporate and foundation funders.
• Work with Donor Services to review all thank you letters for grant funders. Ensure that gifts are recorded correctly in Raiser’s Edge.
• Accurately maintain actions including donor and proposal information in the Raiser’s Edge database.
• While this position will directly manage some funder relationships, the Grant Writer will also support the efforts of the Leadership Gifts Team in developing broader partnerships with major corporate and foundation donors.
• Support, as needed, other fundraising and public relations efforts including, but not limited to, fundraising events, public speaking requests, gift processing and volunteer services.
• Adhere to Our Actions Mission, Values Statements and Code of Conduct.
• Earn the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and clients through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
Job Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience: 1-3 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, and/or writing and research in the non-profit sector. Demonstrated success in securing grant funding and developing partnerships and revenue opportunities with grant funders.
Skills:
• Must be able to take a grant from start to finish (i.e., exceptional research, writing, editing and proofreading skills).
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, produce accurate work and meet tight deadlines, with extraordinary attention to detail. Project management experience, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work positively and productively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of corporate and foundation prospect research tools.
• Strong analytical and technical orientation.
• Ability to interpret nonprofit financials and budgets for various purposes.
• Ability to communicate in person and in writing with a diverse population of prospects and donors with varied interests and backgrounds.• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising database preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• High professional demeanor, appearance and integrity.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
Raise a minimum of $20 per month to help fund Our Actions programs.
Wear Our Actions bracelet on avg for 30 hours a week.
Benefits/Compensation:
Industry Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.