GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Grant Writer is responsible for researching funding opportunities that may be appropriate for Goodwill Industries of Greater NE, Inc. This entails conducting and coordinating needs assessments, writing and assembling various grant proposals, and building long-term relationships with funding sources. This position will be responsible for the life cycle of the grant process, from proposal development to grant management and close-out. The Grant Writer will be responsible for maintaining and developing funding sources for existing and projected programs through grant and proposal initiatives directed to various funding agencies and organizations, including public and private entities. They will also assist stakeholders in analyzing grant opportunities, writing competitive proposals, preparing and assembling grant proposals/contracts in compliance with grant guidelines, and managing grants post-award. This position will generate revenue for all programs and services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (NOTE: Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made.)

• Collaborate with peers across Goodwill Industries of Greater NE to create needs assessment by program.
• Identifies and researches new funding opportunities at local, regional and state levels that align with agency priorities.
• Investigates, identifies, and qualifies funding opportunities from corporate, foundation and government sources, and other public and private funding entities for specific projects and programs, and presents viable opportunities to leadership for consideration.
• Writes high-quality grant proposal narratives, applications, supporting documents, and follow-up reports by working internally with program staff to ensure accurate narrative of programs is being related in applications.
• Maintains systems for recording and tracking grant proposals, awards, and related information.
• Maintains library of reference documentation, including funding agency requirements and forms, funder communication, grant agreements and compliance documentation.
• Acts as liaison with grant program team members as well as internal and external partners.
• Creates strong partnerships with internal teams to understand agency priorities.
• Research and updates statistics to be used in grants and proposals.
• Works closely with the departmental leadership to maintain a knowledge of existing programming and needs.
• Ensures programs are operating in compliance with all grant requirements.
• Leads and works with internal staff to ensure all necessary grant documents, including, but not limited to, grant-specific budgets, hard copy signatures, required forms, etc., are created and obtained in a timely manner for submission.
• Meets proposal deadlines by establishing priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, editing, review, approval and submission.
• Manages grants pipeline, clearly demonstrating upcoming opportunities, deadlines, grants awarded and grant evaluation reporting requirements.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and perform all duties in a safe manner.
• Timely arrival and consistent attendance.
• Perform work activities in conformance to Goodwill values (respect, integrity, compassion, stewardship, learning, teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit), immediately report any wrongdoing (unethical/improper conduct, fraud, fiscal mismanagement, etc.), embrace and support cultural diversity, and encourage and support others to do all of the same.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. A combination of education and/or demonstrated grant writing/management experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
• 3 5 years of experience in grant writing and administration is required, with a track record of awarded grants.
• Experience managing grants post-award to ensure progress towards achieving grant deliverables, expenditure of grant budgets, and grant close-out activities.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Raisers Edge or another CRM database.
• Strong research and program evaluation skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license issued in the State of Nebraska and meet insurance requirement.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to communicate in spoken conversation and have normal hearing for telephone use and conversation.
• Ability to be independently mobile on all surfaces, to move safely about the work area.
• Visual acuity, depth perception and a field of vision within normal range.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for the mission of the organization
• Commitment to Inclusion
• Must have excellent communication, analytical, and math skills.
• Community & Service Driven
• Adapts behavior and work methods in response to ambiguity, new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles.
• Must possess good public relations skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Superior customer service skills, the ability to handle competing priorities effectively.
• Meet deadlines; be self-directed and able to work autonomously/independently as needed.
• Speak effectively before groups and/or in public.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people.
• Exercise discretion while regularly managing confidential information.
• Ability to comprehend the desired final outcome of projects and have the initiative to move projects to completion without constant supervision.
• Ability to work well with and to build positive relationships with others.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn.