DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARY:The Director of Grants is a critical member of the Development team and is responsible for driving the grant funding strategy and execution for our association. This position will research prospective funders, identify aligned opportunities, collaborate across departments, write and submit compelling grant proposals, as well as implement systems for effective management of all components of the grant process. This role will cultivate relationships with current and potential foundations and corporations that can help deepen our impact on the community. Reports directly to the Vice President of Finance and Administration.You will also support the association's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and the core character values of the YMCA. This role will partner closely with other senior leaders throughout the enterprise to achieve outcomes.OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Grant Writing & Impact Narratives (60 %)
- Write, compile, and submit grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, and corporations, with a focus on securing 5-7 figure grant funding, including multi-year proposals.
- Accountable for securing a minimum of $2M annually in grant funding.
- Drive coordination with the Development team, executive leadership, program team members, and the Chief Executive Officer on deadlines, the timing of submissions and requests, and information-sharing.
- Lead the grant process from start to finish, including pre-planning with relevant departments, collecting required documentation and financials, and clearly identifying expectations and deliverables prior to grant submissions.
- Utilize data for analysis, evaluation, reporting, and logic modeling to portray program impact and craft compelling narratives to secure funding.
Grant Tracking & Reporting (20 %)
- Establish and manage a comprehensive process for timely and accurate grant evaluation, quality compliance, project and program fulfillment, and reporting to funders.
- Create and maintain an efficient and effective grant tracking and reporting system that aids the financial development efforts of the Y.
- Align with the Marketing team on accurate and timely publicity of grant awards in accordance with funder agreements.
- Maintain rigorous funder records in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Database System and execute an organized system of communications to steward grant partnerships regarding awards and the management of funders' requirements for recognition.
- Lead personalized stewardship to thank and reflect grantor impact of their support.
- Lead strategic cultivation efforts for building relationships with potential new funders.
Grant Prospecting & Planning (20%)
- Partner with Development, Marketing, and program team members to proactively prepare for proposal creation and submission, which includes creating comprehensive narratives reflecting the robust YMCA programs.
- Identify funding needs and proactively research new grant opportunities, building our prospect portfolio of foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals.
- Partner with the volunteer manager and development team on the identification of corporations to engage with volunteer efforts and manage an ongoing prospect pipeline for potential grants and sponsorships.
- Partner with departments across the association as they relate to grant development for successful funding and reporting compliance.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (Leader):Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.QUALIFICATIONS:
- Five (5) + years' experience in writing grants.
- Proven record of accomplishment securing 5-7 figure funding through the grant writing process.
- Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising and grant writing best practices.
- Experience with using a Customer Relationship Management Database. (Raiser's Edge is preferred, but not required.)
- Grant Professionals Certification (GPC) or related certification is a plus.
- Excellent proofreading and editing abilities
- Advance proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom and other databases
- Strong internet research skills are required
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to express complex ideas with clarity and precision in written documents
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
- Advanced problem-solving skills; tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns
- Ability to effectively and efficiently work independently and remotely, with high levels of self-accountability
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.