What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grant Writer position at The Chicago Lighthouse?
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE : Responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with corporate, foundation, and government funding partners, managing prospect identification, grant development and reporting, and the application process, advocating/spreading awareness about the agency. Responsible for writing proposals for both operating revenue and restricted projects and for submitting timely and accurate reports for existing and new grants. Manages a portfolio of existing funders, stewarding relationships, and managing deadlines for reporting and renewals.
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Roughly 10% of time will be spent in personal visits with corporate/foundation funders or program officers. This position will occasionally require evening and weekend time.
Specific Activities Include But Are Not Limited To
BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Roughly 10% of time will be spent in personal visits with corporate/foundation funders or program officers. This position will occasionally require evening and weekend time.
Specific Activities Include But Are Not Limited To
- Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to research, prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundations, corporate and government sources;
- Perform prospect research to evaluate prospects for corporate foundation, and government grants;
- Research and strategically identify a number of new funding proposals each year, partnering with program leads to conceptualize and craft proposals with executive input;
- Submit approximately 35 proposals per year to corporate, foundation and governmental funders;
- Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/Corporate/government funders;
- Prepare and submit accountability/stewardship reports to funders as required;
- Help manage an effective tracking system for proposal deadlines and follow up reports;
- Maintain current records in database and in files, including grant tracking and reporting;
- Maintain regular personal contact with past and current funding partners;
- Make regular visits to prospective funders and arrange for and coordinate site visits with funder representatives (in person or virtually);
- Develop appropriate recognition and manages the timely acknowledgment of grants received;
- Assist in soliciting sponsorship support for select agency events;
- Assist the President, Chief Advancement Officer and Vice President - Grant Development with funder visits and strategies;
- Work collaboratively with colleagues on overall fundraising strategy planning;
- Maintain and enhance knowledge of best practices in the field;
- Assist in other activities as requested by the Advancement department; and
- Any other duties as deemed necessary by the Supervisor.
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years grant writing experience or transferable experience;
- Previous experience with non-profit fundraising;
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel software; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge donor base software a plus;
- Excellent writing skills and communication skills;
- Collaborates well with supervisor and management, as well as cross-departmentally with program leaders, in addition to working well independently;
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers and to represent the organization to donors and friends in a gracious, professional manner;
- A commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans is essential.
BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:
- 10 days paid vacation
- 12 paid holidays
- 6 sick days accrued over the year
- Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
- Short/long term disability
- Life insurance 2x salary
- Employee recognition events
- Company matched 401(k) plan
- Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000