grants specialist

Department:  Development and Marketing 

Reports to:  Director of Development and Marketing/Director of Grants

Supervises:  N/A

FLSA Classification:  Non-exempt

Job Purpose: 

Researching, cultivating, writing and stewarding proposals for both operating revenue and restricted projects.  Responsible for submitting timely and accurate reports for all existing grant funded projects, from sources including foundations, corporations and the government (local, state and federal).

Organization Expectation of Employee:

• Adheres to organization policies and procedures that align with the vision, mission and goals ("empowering youth to succeed in education, employment, and life").
• Adheres to OPP's value statement when making decisions that may affect our youth (People First, Trust, Respect, Outcomes, Integrity & Teamwork).
• Works effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences by creating an inclusive environment.
• Acts as a role model internally and externally; maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Utilizes automated and other data systems effectively and efficiently.
• Meets relative goals and expectations of organization business plan.

Major Responsibilities:

• Working in conjunction with the Director of Grants to:
• Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to prepare, submit, manage and steward grant proposals to government, foundation and corporate sources.
• Manage Grants Calendar and pipeline (key dates for cultivation, proposals, stewardship and reports).
• Manage cultivation and stewardship, including funder/potential funder site visits, regular mailings, etc.
• Maintain current records in fundraising database and in electronic files, including contact management, grant tracking and reporting.
• Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/corporate donors.
• Research and identify government funding opportunities.
• Understanding of organizational history and programs.
• Work with Finance and Organizational Performance Departments to gather financial, outcome and other information necessary to report to funders on current grant programs.
• Work with Development and Marketing team to provide input for all print and digital materials.
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested.
• Perform prospect research on foundations and corporations to evaluate prospects for corporate and foundation grants. 
• Collaborate with individuals within and outside of the organization for program development.
• Keeping up on current trends related to population served and updating case for support as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 2-3 years' experience in grant writing
• Bachelor's degree required; English, Journalism preferred
• Experience working in multiple projects and deadline-driven environments

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong written communication, editing, and research skills
• Ability to write clear, structured, and persuasive proposals
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and data
• Ability to work under own initiative and prioritize a range of tasks
• Ability to meet deadlines and work with accuracy and attention to detail  
• Understanding of the nonprofit sector and nonprofit management
• Ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds 
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Strong contributor in team environments
• Awareness of content software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), management tools (Google Suite, Outlook), Design software (Canva, Adobe, Photoshop etc.), and Website (WordPress)