Destination Ascendigo : Ascendigo’s mission is to elevate the spectrum by empowering people, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations. We apply this mission to both the people we serve, such as our participants and clients, and the people with whom we serve, such as our co-workers and other stakeholders.

Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through therapeutic recreation, employment, community integration, education and an array of behavioral health services. We are headquartered in Carbondale, CO. Currently, Ascendigo employs more than 50 full- and part-time year-round staff members and approximately 30 additional employees during our seasonal summer camp programming.

The Ascendigo Promise to our employees is to provide meaning and purpose in the work we do and a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. We support high performance through thoughtful on-boarding and training and acting with integrity. We offer 360°ree; compensation with a path to financial security, personal well-being and fulfillment, and housing assistance.

Job Summary: This position is for a Grants Manager or Grants Assistant Director, depending on experience, and is responsible for overseeing the process of securing funding through grants to support Ascendigo’s mission and programs. Primary duties include researching potential grant opportunities, preparing grant proposals and applications, and managing the grant application process from start to finish. The position will work closely with program managers, the Development team, and the Finance department. The position will manage the day-to-day operations and tactical aspects of grant management as well as work closely with program managers, the Development team, and the Finance department. This position is also responsible for managing relationships with funders including maintaining regular communication, providing progress reports, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Manager Responsibilities:

• Research Funding Opportunities: Identify potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources that align with Ascendigo’s mission and programs.
• Grant Proposal Writing: Write compelling grant proposals and applications that clearly articulate Ascendigo’s goals, objectives, and intended use of funds while adhering to the requirements and guidelines of each funding opportunity.
• Grant Application Management: Responsible for grant application management for a $200K portfolio from start to finish, which may include coordinating with program staff, gathering the necessary documentation, and ensuring timely submission of applications.
• Budget Development & Management: Collaborate with Program, Development, and Finance teams to develop accurate and realistic budgets for grant proposals, as well as monitor and manage grant budgets throughout the grant period.
• Grant Compliance: Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including reporting deadlines, expenditure restrictions, and programmatic deliverables, and maintain organized records/documentation to support compliance efforts.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, including regular communication, programing updates on grant-funded activities, and addressing any inquiries or requests.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor grant-funded programs and projects to assess their impact and effectiveness and prepare and submit timely and accurate progress reports and financial reports to funders.
• Grant Tracking and Documentation: Tracking and documenting all aspects of the grant process, including application submissions, award notifications, correspondence with funders, and grant-related expenditures.

Additional Director Responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire grants program alongside the CDO, including setting goals and objectives, developing grant-seeking strategies, establishing policies and procedures for grant management, building relationships with funders, and ensuring that the grants program aligns with the organization's mission and strategic priorities. This leadership position will also be asked to stay informed about trends and best practices in grant management to continuously improve grant writing and management skills to enhance the organization's fundraising efforts.

Manager Qualifications :

• Proven experience as a Grants Manager (3 years) or similar role in non-profit sector that includes grant writing, grant management, fundraising, or non-profit management.
• Experience in researching and applying for funding opportunities.
• Experience with the state of Colorado and federal grants in Health & Human Services a plus.
• Ability to form and nurture positive relationships with co-workers and donors.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Detailed and strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize multiple important tasks.
• Self-starter who can work independently, efficiently, and effectively to meet deadlines.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, donor database (Kindful) experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Non-Profit Management or related field. Certification in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit management a plus.
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required to accommodate meetings and special events.

Director Qualifications:

• Significant experience in a leadership or managerial role within a non-profit organization (5 years) including managing budgets and overseeing grant programs.
• Strong strategic planning and vision to implement strategic plans for grant acquisition and management that align with Ascendigo’s mission and goals.
• Strong relationship-building skills and experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with funders, donors, and other key stakeholders to support the organization's fundraising efforts.
• The ability to analyze data, evaluate grant opportunities, and make strategic decisions regarding grant acquisition and management, as well as the ability to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks related to grant funding.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and represent the organization professionally in meetings and presentations.
• A deep understanding of nonprofit governance, compliance, and best practices related to grant management, as well as familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• The ability to inspire and motivate staff, provide strategic direction and guidance, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and lead by example in advancing the organization's mission and goals.

In addition,

• Must be age 21 or over and have legal working status.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
• Must have a clean background check with no felonies or flags.
• Must provide a current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Should have at least a high school diploma.
• Must have flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities.
• Applicants are required to have and use their own smart phone for work duties. Ascendigo provides a monthly cell phone stipend for this use.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, email, social media)
• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 25 pounds)

Personal Characteristics:  should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of a holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. He/she should believe in the dignity and potential of our clients. We also have a commitment to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. which stands for:

• R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.
• E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.
• S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.
• P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!
• E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others’ situations.
• C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.
• T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.