Date: February 2024

Position: Grant Writer

Type of Employment: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Development & Communications Manager

Location: Wisconsin Historical Foundation, Madison, Wisconsin

Position eligible for hybrid or remote work

Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation is seeking a motivated grant professional who thrives while crafting a compelling narrative, strategically matching projects with funding opportunities, and maintaining clear processes to ensure a strong grants program. Join our dynamic fundraising team to have an impact on exciting, varied, and complex projects that will benefit the state and region!

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation exists to advance the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

• Mission: The Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories.
• Vision: Enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history.
• Values: We believe that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that provides fundraising and marketing services and administers the membership program on behalf of the Society.

Position Description

The Grant Writer will work collaboratively to grow and manage a robust grants program on behalf of the Wisconsin Historical Foundation and Wisconsin Historical Society. The Grant Writer will lead research to identify viable prospects and collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to develop fundable proposals that align with funder interests and requirements. This position supports the development of a grant strategy for the organization in collaboration with the Foundation’s Fundraising Team and the Society’s Grants Oversight Team.

Core Duties of the Grant Writer

• Lead the development and writing of responsive grant applications for federal, state, and private funders. Collaborate closely with Society colleagues to translate project plans into compelling proposals. Perform final edits on proposals to ensure competitiveness and submit proposals through various electronic systems.
• Convene and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to develop project plans into fundable projects. Determine proposal development strategy, timeline, roles, and tasks required for each opportunity.
• Coordinate with Foundation and Society leadership and the Grants Oversight Team to develop, implement, and evaluate annual and long-range grant funding plans that support a growth strategy to expand grant revenue on a local and national level.
• Research and identify potential sources of grant funding to determine eligibility and strategic alignment. Facilitate review of all grant opportunities with Grants Oversight Team and other program leadership.
• Provide pre- and post-award technical assistance on project design, budgets, tracking, and other grant-related considerations. Collaborate with Society Grant Program Specialist on reporting requirements as needed.
• Maintain and improve a robust grants management process to ensure consistency in grant preparation, review, and tracking. Support internal communication and awareness about active and upcoming grant opportunities.
• Maintain master files on grants and paperwork connected to programs funded by grants.
• Serve as the Foundation liaison for identifying and managing major grant applications and partner with Fundraising Team on grants as needed.

Shared Responsibilities of the Fundraising Team

• Commitment to the Foundation’s and Society’s missions with the aptitude to articulate the case for support.
• Promise to be a dynamic part of a devoted, friendly team that values autonomy and accountability.
• Superb interpersonal and communication abilities, including excellent oral and written communication skills and the professional maturity to build alliances with a variety of external and internal constituencies.
• Collaborate with Society staff to coordinate project fundraising, including defining and maintaining project descriptions, developing proposals and preparing impact reports.
• Participate in professional development organizations and opportunities.

Skills and Qualifications

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation is seeking an experienced Grant Writer with a track record of successful proposals and grant awards. You possess an acute attention to detail and are a meticulous rule-follower when it comes to grant application and funder requirements. You know what it takes to craft a compelling narrative and can ask questions of program colleagues that will bring the strongest project forward.

Other key qualifications for this position:

• Creative and sharp in exploring new opportunities and identifying synergies between funders and Society programs and services.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into clear ideas and closely align proposals and language with funder priorities.
• Motivated and self-sufficient to manage multiple projects and timelines to meet strict grant deadlines and keep projects on track.
• Possess a spirit of collaboration and compassion to build trust with colleagues and partners. Help team members stay on track with grant deadlines and planning.
• Ability to analyze and understand data to make projections and inform decisions.
• Calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment with the ability to appreciate a sense of fun and enjoyment in the workplace. Ability to adapt to constantly changing environments.
• Proficient use of personal computers and routine software applications. Experience with Raiser’s Edge donor tracking software preferred.

Other helpful experience (not required):

• Experience researching and applying to federal granting agencies. Familiarity with requirements of National Parks Service, Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS), and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
• Demonstrated success strengthening organizational reputation among national funders to open doors to new grant opportunities.
• Experience using project management software for team collaboration and planning, including Asana.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time non-exempt position eligible for the Wisconsin Historical Foundation’s benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance; competitive retirement plan including employer match and generous paid time off and paid holiday policy. This position offers a starting compensation of $60,000 - $75,000 dependent upon qualifications and experience and includes participation in the Wisconsin Historical Foundation’s annual incentive compensation plan (a board-approved annual bonus program based on team performance and metrics).

Hybrid Workplace

This position is eligible for hybrid or remote work. The team is required to attend occasional (8 or more per year) in-person meetings or events.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Erika Flaherty at erika.flaherty@wisconsinhistory.org, or mail them to Wisconsin Historical Foundation, ATTN: Erika Flaherty, 816 State Street, Madison, WI 53706. Applications accepted until March 10, 2024.

Direct inquiries to Erika Flaherty at erika.flaherty@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 261-9590.

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.