Grants Manager
Responsibility Summary:
This position is responsible for the solicitation and management of all grants from private. The Grants Managers responsibilities include writing and preparation of all grant proposals and reports within prescribed deadlines, cultivation and stewardship of grant makers, prospect research, and coordination of site visits. In conjunction with the Chief External Affairs Officer and other staff, the Grants Manager also develops and implements the overall foundation fundraising strategy, participates in program evaluation and data analyzing, and provides other support, as needed, within the External Affairs Department.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Write and prepare grant proposals and reports to foundations and corporations that meet ChicagoCACs annual general operating goal of approximately $1.2 million.
- Write and prepare grant proposals to foundations and corporations to fund ChicagoCACs capital campaign, program expansion, and other special projects.
- Develop budgets for proposals and reports in coordination with the appropriate staff.
- Develop, write and/or edit supporting materials for proposals and reports, including talking points and fact sheets for meetings and site visits with funders.
- Track all activities and deadlines associated to grant solicitation, proposals, reports, cultivation and stewardship.
- Coordinate and maintain all correspondence related to grants, including gift acknowledgements and files maintenance.
- Research funding prospects, determine eligibility, and match foundation interests with the strategic initiatives of ChicagoCAC.
- Lead monthly Grants Meeting.
- In coordination with program directors and managers, evaluate achievement of program goals and objectives.
- Participate in local foundation networking and training opportunities.
Discretion:
The Grants Manager has a mid-level range of discretion and independent decision-making.
Relationships:
The Grants Manager works closely with the Chief External Affairs Officer, the External Affairs team, and program directors and managers.
Qualifications:
Minimum requirement of a Bachelors degree and 3-5 years of grants management and/or development experience. Demonstrated proposal writing and grants management record and knowledge of Chicago foundation and philanthropic institutions. Experience with government grants, handling confidential information, and The Raisers Edge preferred. Must be skilled in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel, Explorer and Outlook.
Skills required include exceptional written and oral communication, strong research skills, and meticulous organization and attention to detail. Must work well independently and as a member of teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Must be a critical and strategic thinker and possess a high level of initiative and confidence. EOE.