Development and Grant Writer

Position Summary

The Development & Grant Writer executes a strategic grants program that matches program and organizational needs to funding opportunities from foundation, corporate and government donors. The Development & Grant Writer works closely with the Fund Development team and others throughout the agency to develop compelling approaches and materials that will win financial support for programs, build capacity and meet budgeted goals.

In addition to grant writing duties and serving as the primary writer and/or editor for agency-related development materials, the Development & Grant Writer conducts fund development research; contributes to the grants calendar for timely submission, reporting and stewardship deadlines; and assists with general fundraising activities, including special events.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

Experience

• Three to five years as a grant writer or equivalent fund development writing experience.
• Experience in a social service nonprofit agency and/or an understanding of program delivery and outcomes reporting is preferred.
• Candidates with exceptional writing skills who do not have the required fundraising experience yet have a demonstrated passion for the mission and an outstanding desire to work with the team will be considered.

Competencies and Skills

• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills, with the ability to interpret and package ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Experience with all facets of grant research.
• Ability to interpret program outcomes and data.
• Proficiency with fundraising software and Microsoft Office.
• Extremely well-organized and detail-oriented.
• Able to work independently and as a team player.
• Strong project management skills and ability to consistently meet internal and external deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality throughout daily operations and communications.
• Ability to relate well in multicultural environments.

Responsibilities

• Write and submit all Letters of Intent, grant proposals and reports to prospective and current donors.
• Write and edit all development-related agency materials.
• Coordinate with Program Directors to fully understand and capture program outcomes, status reports, service delivery details and match stories to enhance proposals. This may include site visits; attendance at REACH, Family Engagement and other mentoring programs and events; and interaction with program participants.
• Gather and maintain organizational data, external data, and research data, including outcome comparables; highlight success stories, outcomes and community impact.
• Maintain accurate database records and grant report activity using CRM, including written strategies for all major foundation and corporate donors.
• Research, identify and prioritize new sources of funding on an ongoing basis to ensure budgeted goals are met.
• Ability to cross-train on database, data entry, phones, etc. and to assist Fund Development team members with special event fundraisers and other needs that support agency-wide success.
• Other tasks may be assigned, based on business needs and the department supervisor or CEO’s request.

For a list of agency requirements for all BBBS staff, please see bbbsmilwaukee.org/careers