Jul 31, 2017 - Friends of the Chicago River seeks applicants for a full-time exempt ... Create and maintain all grant re
JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: REPORTS TO: DATE REVISED:
Development Writer & Grants Manager Director of Development July 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF POSITION Friends of the Chicago River seeks applicants for a full-time exempt Development Writer & Grants Manager to fill a key position in its development department. S/he will be an integral part of the core team responsible for expanding Friends’ foundation and corporate giving base. The Manager reports to the Director of Development and works closely with the Executive Director, other members of the development department, with strategic initiative and watershed planning staff, board and committee members, and members and stakeholders. The Manager will regularly research, identify and write grant proposals for prospective foundation and corporate funding opportunities and be responsible for the grants calendar. S/he will also write reports for Friends’ existing foundation grants and government contracts. Additional responsibilities include writing and updating donor communication materials as needed such as the annual report. Friends is looking for a gifted and versatile writer with successful grant writing experience who is passionate about all forms of written communication and sees them as opportunities to engage and promote the Chicago River system as an important part of the history, culture, and future of the Chicago region. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES GRANTS Participate in developing and accessing annual grant fundraising goals, including strategies, implementation steps, and timelines. Develop and monitor annual grant fundraising income and expense projections. Serve as primary grant writer and develop and assembling letters of inquiry and intent, grant proposals, and related materials (e.g., organizational and program budget presentations) for foundation, corporate, and government sources. Organize and lead monthly planning for grant development work, including: o Reviewing and assessing most recent guidelines. o Recommending proposal strategies and request amounts. o Developing and coordinating detailed action steps for each request. o Managing program staff and the business office’s roles in proposal and supporting material development and completion. o Coordinating collaborative grant applications with other organizations and partners. o Maintaining grants portfolio and database calendar to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposal deadlines, and reports.
Research and target government, foundation, and corporate grant-funded opportunities. Create and maintain all grant records and tracking/tickler systems in the database and secondary spreadsheets and in hard copy files. Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of structure, components, and mechanics of donor database to maintain, update, and streamline corporate, foundation, and government funder records in real time and in a manner such that they are immediately accessible to other development staff members and program managers. Coordinate ongoing relationships with grantors. Develop and write reports for general operating and program grants and prepare related materials and attachments. Provide work guidance to program staff members in the development and timely submission of program-specific grant reports and donor lists as required for grant submissions.
FUNDRAISING DEVELOPMENT Serve as primary writer and editor for the annual report, and coordinate additional copy contributions by staff as well as project review and approval. Contribute to the development of the overall annual fundraising budget. Review and provide feedback on copy and layouts developed by the director of development, director of strategic initiatives, and executive director on donor marketing and communications materials. Provide writing support for major donor and individual contribution letters and acknowledgements plus assist director of development on major gift funding research when needed. Assist with fundraising events such as the Big Fish Ball. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s Degree in English or Communication or in a related area. EXPERIENCE A minimum of 3 -5 years grant writing experience with record of successfully funded grants, preferably at an environment-related non-profit. ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills. Excellent logic/problem-solving skills and ability to synthesize information and communicate in a compelling and succinct form. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines. Must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and highly organized. Must have experience using donor management databases, such as DonorPerfect Fundraising Software, and other resources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information and excellent computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and internet research). A solid understanding of budgets as they relate to proposals and grant reporting. Strong social media skills a plus. Willingness to work extended hours/days for occasional events and special projects as required.
Ability to work well with others as part of a team and to work independently. Commitment to maintaining good donor relations, confidentiality, and accurate records. Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and general public. Personal enthusiasm, optimism, and humor, and comfort with creative processes.
BENEFITS Friends offer excellent benefits including generous paid leave, medical and dental insurance, and a retirement match after two years of employments. Salary commensurate with experience. Friends of the Chicago River is an equal opportunity employer.
TO APPLY To apply, please email a resume and cover letter as a PDF file describing: 1) your interest in this position, 2) the ways in which you satisfy the qualifications specified above, 3) salary history and salary requirements, and 4) one writing sample to the attention of Kim Olsen-Clark, Director of Development at
[email protected] or Friends of the Chicago River, 411 S. Wells, #800, Chicago, IL 60607. No applications will be considered without a personalized cover letter detailing the applicant's specific interest in this position. Please use the subject line: Development Writer & Grants Manager. No phone calls, direct emails, or USPS mail please.
