Grant Specialist

About the Department:

The Development & Marketing Department is responsible for fundraising, promoting JFCS and engaging with our community. Key functions include:

• Fundraising – securing funding from individual donors, businesses, public and private foundations, community organizations and others
• Public Relations – managing our public image and communicating our successes
• Digital Marketing – utilizing social media, email campaigns and our website to reach a wider audience
• Content Creation – developing engaging content that highlights our impact and the issues we address
• Community Outreach – connecting with others to foster partnership and support
• Volunteerism – recruiting and managing volunteers to support JFCS clients and programs

Job Summary:

The Grant Specialist is a key member of the Development team, supporting the growth of JFCS by building and sustaining a robust and diverse grant program, developing and supporting relationships with corporate sponsors, and supporting volunteer activities for the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Grant Writing and Sponsorships

• Grant identification, preparation, submission, and reporting to meet revenue and program/mission goals
• Work with Development Manager to identify larger grant opportunities and assist with proposal submission and reporting as needed.
• Responsible for all county grants, including identification, preparation, submission, and reporting
• Develop new foundation and corporate donors, maintain existing donor relationships, and solicit gifts for JFCS’ programs and services
• Lead various aspects of JFCS’ annual fundraising efforts, including corporate sponsors
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising and stewardship events
• Prepare all funder reports and other critical stewardship activities
• Research and solicit corporate donations

Volunteer Management

• Ensure that volunteer inquiries are responded to in a timely manner and potential volunteers are connected with programs based on agency needs.
• Work with HR to ensure proper background checks are completed for all volunteers having contact with JFCS clients.
• Represent JFCS at volunteer expos and other events to increase community engagement in the agency mission.
• Work with the Development Data Specialist to ensure consistent and timely tracking of volunteer hours and communications.
• Work with program directors to support volunteers as needed.
• Other related responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management or similar field required; Experience in development with a human services agency preferred
• A minimum of three years’ fundraising and donor relations experience with a proven track record of building and sustaining donor/funder relationships and meeting revenue goals
• Demonstrated success in preparing and submitting grant proposals, including cultivating relationships with foundations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management and organizational skills.
• Experience with planning and executing volunteer, fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events
• Ability to meet deadlines and achieve activity and revenue goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRMs, such as Donor Perfect and Constant Contact.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to cultural competency and working with diverse populations.
• Ability to attend a wide range of volunteer and networking events to promote the message of JFCS
• Passion for JFCS’ mission and ability to inspire donors

Training Requirements:

• Completion of all required agency-wide and program-specific trainings.

Physical Requirements:

• Desk work with computer usage for extended periods
• Occasional irregular hours and capacity to work under pressure
• Must be able to travel to off-site meetings during and outside of typical business hours
• Full range of motion and corrected vision, hearing, and speech (or reasonable accommodations)