The RoleLiberty Science Center (LSC) is seeking a Grant Writer to join its External Affairs team which is responsible for creating and executing the institution's annual fundraising stategies. The Grant Writer focuses heavily on grant writing and research. The Grant Writer is responsible for writing and preparing winning grant proposals designed to secure funding from public instituions, private foundations, corporations, and other grant-giving entities to support LSC's operations and programs.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Institutional Giving, the candidate will develop strategies, craft narratives, assemble and submit grant requests, conduct prospect research, maintain a calendar of submissions and reporting deadlines, as well as maintain and oversee the necessary grant tracking and reporting systems and procedures. What You’ll BringAligned in thought and action, you are committed to LSC’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and excite learners of all ages about the power, promise and pure fun of science and technology. As an exceptional writer and storyteller, you can thoughtfully translate LSC's work into compelling talking points and collateral. You already have a current portfolio of successful grants and a passion for relationship building, a keen eye for detail and project management, and proven effective persistence. What You’ll Do Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions of the job:

1. Conduct a full range of activities required to conceptualize, write, submit, and manage grant proposals, including reports, letters of inquiry, internal briefing documents, memos, and other materials that effectively and succinctly capture LSC's work and impact in a way that yields funding results for the institution
2. Research foundation prospects to strengthen LSC’s foundation revenue pipeline and support the development of cultivation strategies for both new and current foundation funders
3. Research and identify possible new governmental funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local level
4. Liaise with other LSC departments to collect relevant program information, attendance and audience details, publicity and marketing materials, budgets and financial data, to create compelling applications and collateral
5. Manage internal grants/reports calendar and schedule to ensure accurate proposals/reports are submitted on time
6. Maintain contact with funding agencies for informational purposes such as deadlines, program officer information, program requirements and project updates as required
7. Ensure grants are in compliance with the regulatory, funding agency, and policy requirements
8. Monitor post-award requirements, such as periodic reports to funders, project reports, technical reports, and other requirements as may be required by the funder
9. Assist in generating financial information, including budgets and financial reports
10. Update and maintain LSC’s database of funders and prospects; develop and maintain systems for recording and tracking grant proposals, awards, and related statistical information; and develop and maintain a library of reference documentation, including such information as to funding agency requirements and forms, investigator profiles and curriculum vitae, abstracts and reference literature, and other pertinent material
11. Support other organizational and team initiatives and events
12. Participate in LSC employee engagement events
13. Assist with other fundraising projects as requested

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

1. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clear, persuasive, and concise thoughts
2. Develop strategies for LSC stakeholders and external grant funders to collaborate efficiently to support a mutually beneficial partnership
3. Ability to diligently research, collect and analyze information, and develop statistical analyses and reports
4. Knowledge of the development process and research resources and tools in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and STEM sectors
5. Understanding of budgets as they relate to proposal and grant procurement
6. Strong contributor in team environments and ability to leverage input of stakeholders in order to move work forward
7. Displays exceptional project management skills while balancing multiple, complex projects in a highly deadline-driven environment
8. Ability to conduct business with a high degree of professionalism, including confidentiality, discretion, and tact
9. Takes a solutions-based, collaborative approach to driving change and navigating challenges

Preferred Qualification

1. Two to five years of demonstrated success in proposal writing, research, and grantmaking
2. Bachelor’s degree in English,  journalism, communications, marketing, or other relevant fields
3. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura, or other fundraising databases
4. Demonstrated understanding of the nature of foundation philanthropy

Work Culture at a GlimpseLSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to not only our guests but also one another.Classification and ScheduleThis is a full-time non-exempt role. The Grant Writer must be available to work beyond traditional office hours as business needs occasionally demand, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. The ability to periodically work from home will be determined and approved by your supervisor.Physical DemandsThe Grant Writer will work in an open floor plan when in the workplace, so you should be able to work in an environment with moderate noise and use standard office equipment, such as a laptop, phone, and copier. This role will require sitting at a laptop for long periods as well as the ability to navigate the Science Center’s facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. TravelThe Grant Writer may require occasional travel to attend development opportunities or to meet with prospective grant funders in the greater NYC region.BenefitsLiberty Science Center offers a generous benefits and perks package for all eligible full-time employees, including:

1. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
2. 403(b) company match up to 3%
3. Generous paid vacation time
4. An additional week of vacation after 4 years of full-time service
5. Unlimited sick days
6. Long-term disability coverage
7. Flexible spending accounts 
8. Commuter benefits 
9. Paid jury duty
10. Pet insurance
11. LSC family membership
12. 25% staff discount in the LSC store
13. 15% staff discount in the cafeteria

Work LocationLiberty Science Center is located in a beautiful state park in Jersey City, New Jersey, with easy access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. LSC is a pleasant 15-minute commute from lower Manhattan. 

To Apply: Think you have the right comination of writing skills, critical thinking, research abilities, relational skills, and passion? Submit a non-generic coverletter and resume for condiration. Applications without a cover letter written specifically for this role will not be considered. Apply through our LSC careers page.___________________Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.To find out more, visit lsc.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.