What are the responsibilities and job description for the Donor and Grants Specialist position at Greenwood Rising?
Background
A key project of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission was the creation of a world-class
history facility to showcase Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District. The museum-grade exhibition, “Greenwood
Rising,” tells the story of the original Black Wall Street and reconnects this iconic African American enclave.
The facility is designed by Local Projects, a New York firm who helped design the 911 Museum and curated by author/historian Hannibal B. Johnson.
The overarching theme for Greenwood Rising, “The Human Spirit,” speaks to the dignity of a people who
turned trials, tribulations, and tragedy into a triumph.
Position Summary
The Donor Specialist is a key leadership position engaging the philanthropic community for Greenwood
Rising. The Development Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of raising support from foundations,
corporations, and government sources requiring researching opportunities and writing full grant proposals for both unrestricted operating revenue and restricted projects. A key aspect of this position is building partnerships between Greenwood Rising and public and private organizations that share a similar commitment to education and history. The Donor Specialist will actively engage in researching opportunities, working to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships that will result in funding for the immediate and long-term goals of the organization. They will also serve as the staff liaison to the Development Committee, an oversight sub-committee to the Board of Directors. Duties will also include managing a membership program, as well as recruiting and retention of members.
Essential Functions
(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions)
• Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs of the organization.
• Research and identify grants that match the objectives of the organization.
• Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization
and ensure timely submission.
• Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals.
• Manage grant proposal calendar to reflect all grant activity.
• Track current grant cycles and renewal processes and ensure good stewardship to guarantee continued
funding.
• Develop and maintain strong ongoing relationships with donors, funders, colleagues, and other
supporters, including prompt response to all inquiries.
• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities and their impact.
• Work closely with board treasurers on budget, donations, incoming and outgoing transactions, and
fundraising goals.
• Advise staff on grant obligations pertaining to their programs or departments as necessary.
• Work with the finance/accounting to gather information necessary to report to corporate/foundation
funders on current grant programs.
• Make appointments for Executive Director with donors and prospective donors for onsite tours.
• Ensure maintenance of records including but not limited to: Letters of Inquiry, Grant Requests, Grant
Reports, Donation Receipts, Confidentiality Agreements (Board), Grant Awards & Checks, Grant Related Program Data.
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested.
• Develop and lead membership drives, plan member events, and create and implement outreach
strategies to expand membership base or engage with existing members.
• Write promotional materials and design membership benefits, observing and analyzing
member trends and feedback.
• Maintain a membership database.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity.
• Engaging and passionate – must be able to explain the impact of Greenwood Rising
• Self-motivation – results oriented, sets well-reasoned goals and strives to exceed them, committed to
continuous learning and growth.
• Customer Service – service minded, strong desire to work with sponsors, donors, and organizations to
provide responsive, respectful customer service.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems (Roller is the system used at Greenwood Rising).
• Ability to work with Microsoft suite (i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to work the Google suite (Google Drive, GMail, Sheets, Calendar, ect.).
• Copy editing skills.
• Ability to pay close and accurate attention to details.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of institutional history and programs.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources.
• Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising processes.
Supervision Received
The Donor Specialist will report directly to the Executive Director. Work is performed under general direction, with the Executive Director setting overall objectives and determining resources available. The Donor Specialist and Executive Director, in consultation, develop specific goals and business plans. Work is reviewed periodically for adherence to established production, staffing, and objectives, effective and efficient functioning of operations, and adequacy of professional judgment.
Supervision Exercised
No supervisory responsibilities.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, creative writing, or a related area (master’s preferred)
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in grant writing or fundraising
• Previous work experience in a museum setting or non profit setting strongly preferred
Work Environment and Physical Demands
This position is a full-time, exempt position with typical hours of Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 with occasional
weekend work and hours in excess of 40. Work takes place primarily in the museum/office setting. This position involves frequent talking, sitting, standing walking, bending, stooping, and squatting. Occasional travel may be required.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
It is the policy of Greenwood Rising to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
- age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.