About Urban Growers Collective
Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. We aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities of color. Rooted in growing food, our mission is to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture.
We provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunities for youth, beginner BIPOC farmers, and men who are at high risk for gun violence. Our aim is to provide jobs while working to mitigate food insecurity and limited access to affordable, culturally-affirming, and nutritionally-dense food.
Our team cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicagos South Side. These farms are production-oriented but also offer opportunities for staff-led education, training, and leadership development. Our produce is available at farmers markets, in our Collective Supported Agriculture program, and at the Fresh Moves Mobile Market.
To apply, please attach a cover letter, three professional references, and 2 writing samples showcasing your grant writing skills
Position Summary
The Grant Writer assists in writing, reporting and prospecting grants to support Urban Growers Collectives annual fundraising. This includes but is not limited to: applications to local, state and federal funding opportunities; proposals and applications to private foundations, corporate foundations; applications to competitive prizes; and completion of associated materials. The Grant Writer reports directly to the Development Manager in all development and fundraising endeavors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Grant Writing (80% 32 hrs/week)

• Support Grant Writing pre-award life cycle including, but not limited to: grant research; proposal layout; drafting and writing; submission; and documentation of project details for internal archives.
• Support Grant Writing post-award life cycle, including but not limited to: recording application status; tracking project and financial reporting requirements; reviewing and summarizing evaluation data; drafting and writing reports; and submission.

Project Support (5% 2 hrs/week)

• Maintain and track grant and report progress and deadlines
• Support scheduling and communications with partners as assigned, including but not limited to: taking meeting minutes; creating and coordinating letters of support and other grant materials; and reporting on grant activities
• Represent Urban Growers Collective in-person, written, and virtual conferencing/video calls, and over the phone with program officers and funding partners
• Assist with special fundraising events, including capital campaigns, annual gala, and annual fundraising drives

Donor database management (10% 4hrs/week ):

• Assist with contact, donation, and revenue database management via CRM software (Keela), including summarizing meeting notes, data entry, running reports, and queries;
• Assist with individual donor cultivation, including mailings, stewarding of recurring donors, and payment processing;
• Assist with financial and file management, including organization of budget, grant award letters and other documentation in Google Drive

Administration (5% - 2hrs / week):

• Promote UGC programs at special events and community meetings, including the creation of slide-decks and presentations;
• Produce and distribute correspondence of letters and emails, as well as acknowledgment and thank-you letters; via CRM, email and postal services.
• Maintain appropriate supplies for projects; filing, typing, copying, binding, and scanning.
• Complete weekly work plan and daily checkouts;
• Submit accurate timesheets & expense reports;

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• A Bachelors degree is required, masters degree preferred;
• Minimum of 1-3 years of grant writing required
• Strong and proven writing and time management skills required for this position;
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and problem solving skills;
• Robust written communication skills; strong editing skills and ability to write clearly and concisely;
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, docs/sheets/slides)
• Experience with CRM database use;
• Ability to work in an open-office environment;
• Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and teens;
• Ability to think critically and creatively;
• Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work unsupervised to complete the job;
• Passion for community food system development, urban agriculture, and food sovereignty
• Required: Able to work on holidays / weekends (if needed).

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions:

• Must be willing and able to work in an open-office environment; and
• Position will require prolonged use of a computer, to be provided by Urban Growers Collective.

Schedule:

• This is a full-time salaried position, 40 hours per week;
• Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm (regular schedule) / 10:00a-7:00p (if evenings required);
• Breaks: 2 - 15 minute breaks (paid) 30 minute lunch (unpaid); and
• Occasional evening hours will be required to participate in farm and community events. Start time will be flexed to accommodate change in schedule.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Vacation Pay, Personal/Sick Pay, Wellness Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Student Loan Assistance Program, Retirement Plan
UGC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Flexible work from home options available.