Position Summary:
The Grants Manager is responsible for researching, preparing, submitting, and managing grant proposals and reports that support MPC’s revenue goals and meet funder guidelines and criteria. The Grants Manager serves as a grant writer, manages funder relationships and expectations, engages in compliance reporting, and supports special project initiatives. The Grants Manager will work closely with the program team to create proposals and other funding opportunities. The position is responsible for supporting efforts that meet or exceed the fundraising goals established by the Director of Development and the Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications of MPC.
Full description and application information are available here.
About MPC
Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone. Our vision is focused on creating a Chicago region where every community is valued, every person has a voice, and every neighborhood thrives.
Since 1934, MPC has operated as an independent, nonpartisan organization serving metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.
MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking to expand our team. Successful team members are curious and collaborative with strong communication and project management skills who recognize the connections between our core areas of work and seek to affect meaningful change. Central to living our values is embracing MPC’s organizational commitment to an anti-racist, anti-oppressive workplace and centering equity in strengthening our internal policies and practices.
Supervisor: Director of Development
Responsibilities:
Develop grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization’s goals, objectives, and strategies to potential funders.
Research, write and manage federal, state, local government, private foundation, and corporate grants.
Develop and maintain a strict calendar, and ensure all grant proposals and reports are written, approved, and submitted prior to all deadlines.
Maintain accurate records of grant submissions, outcomes and reports.
Collaborate with the program team to gather relevant information and data needed for grant applications and reports.
Work closely with other development staff to enter relevant information into Raiser’s Edge and financial documentation.
Create budgets and revenue projections in tandem with program and operations teams.
Schedule and attend donor meetings with foundation and select competitive applications.
Collaborate with the development team on all other department tasks, including internal and external communications, major giving, annual reports, donor communication, events, database management, etc.
Work on other strategic writing and research-based projects, as well as general fundraising and administrative tasks, as assigned.
Stay current on grant funding opportunities and requirements.
Maintain proficient knowledge of MPC’s history and current projects and the ability to tell the organization’s story and outcomes to funders and potential funders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, business, nonprofit management, etc.)
- At least 3 years of experience in grant writing, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
- Experience producing and managing grant proposals and reports for corporate, foundation and government/public funders.
- Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to develop compelling narratives that effectively communicate the organization's mission and goals.
- Familiarity with grant application processes and requirements.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
If you are passionate about supporting MPC’s mission and have a proven track record of securing grant funding, we encourage you to apply. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.
EEOC/Diversity Statement:
MPC is an equal opportunity employer, and we stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and of all ages to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Salary range for this position is $73,000.00 -$84,000.00
For the 2023 Benefit year, Metropolitan Planning Council’s robust and competitive compensation package for new full-time employees includes covering approximately 80% of the employee premium for health benefits, 100% of the employee premium for dental benefits, and Disability and Life insurance. Additionally, MPC provides all full-time employees with a hybrid work environment, parental leave, up to five weeks of accrued vacation, transit benefits, a professional development stipend, and access to an onsite fitness center.