Grants Writer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Grants Writer reports directly to the Director of Grants Management. Responsible for meeting the annual financial goal for institutional donors. Primary responsibilities include research, cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship of grants including grant reports, grant tracking, financial reporting, and establishing and maintaining relationships with corporate, foundation, faith-based and affiliated funders. The Grants Writer is required to use the Raiser's Edge NXT system to manage their portfolio, enter donor (new and existing) information, track deadlines for proposals, reports, and donor touchpoints (meetings, calls, emails. Responsibilities include frequent and effective use of both written and oral communication. This position requires an understanding of the youth, families, and communities served by Lawrence Hall and willingness to learn about trauma-informed approaches.

COMPETENCIES

Prospect Research: Research funding private and governmental opportunities to diversify agency funding sources.

Writing and Editing: Ability to create and edit compelling written communication for funding opportunities. Also, create additional documents such as reports, templates, and follow-up documents as required by internal and external needs.

Time Management: Manage responsibilities in timely manner.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grant Writing/Fundraising/Portfolio Management

• Identifies, researches, develops, and cultivates a dynamic prospect list of corporate, foundation, faith community, and other institutional donors. Conducts background research for agency programs.
• Works closely with agency program employees to develop proposals for new and existing programs and to develop evaluations and other materials required by donors.
• Ensures timely preparation of funding proposals, reports, and accompanying materials to new and current funders, through creation and oversight of development action plan that meets agency's annual financial goals.
• Meets with donors and funders when required for cultivation, stewardship and grant management; represents the agency at public events.
• Works closely with Board trustees and designated employees on fund raising assignments. Writes letters and grant proposals on behalf of trustees and programs.
• Strategize and execute the agency's solicitations to United Way of Metropolitan Chicago and Episcopal Charities.
• Helps research and development of government funding proposals.
• Develops and maintains accurate and timely records to ensure effective stewardship and solicitation of agency donors, prospects, and other key relationships.
• Manages follow-up actions for proposal submissions, report deadlines, and other grantor requirements.
• Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Works closely with other members of department in all areas when called upon to do so, including public speaking engagements and special events
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery.
• Attends at least two trainings related to being trauma-informed in a twelve-month period
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years related experience and proven track record of gift development, donor cultivation and stewardship, and donor communications.
• Requires proficiency in Raiser's Edge NXT or other fundraising database experience as well as Microsoft suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Highly effective verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan work to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to lift/carry 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Valid Illinois Driver's license.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to pass background and drug screen.
• Understanding of childhood trauma and positive youth development/strength-based approaches.
• Prior experience working in setting with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress.
• Valid Illinois/Wisconsin/Indiana Driver's license.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V