Summary
Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Grants Manager contributes to IIK’s mission by drafting foundation, corporate, and family foundation proposals and request letters, and managing grant reports. This position is also responsible for maintaining the annual proposal and report pipeline, communicating with funding officers, supporting funder research, and coordinating with finance and program staff to oversee the temporarily restricted foundation allocation process. In collaboration with other members of the Philanthropic Partnerships Team, this position also provides occasional content writing and editing support for organization-wide communications on funding partnerships and works alongside colleagues to understand and synthesize IIK’s mission. This position reports to the Vice President, Philanthropy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Development & Strategy 60%
• Partner with program staff to provide submission of well-researched and well-written grant applications including supporting documents.
• Manage, monitor, and ensure tracking of grant activities throughout the year including scope, budget, schedule/timelines, etc.
• Ensure completion of grant applications and/or reporting requirements prior to or by specified deadlines and in accordance with established goals, objectives, and grant/proposal requirements.
• Support and maintain relationships with program officers and others at funder organizations; proactively reach out to provide updates and facilitate meetings.
• Maintain grants pipeline and funder records using DonorPerfect, Grants Easy Management Software (GEMS), and/or other approved spreadsheets.
• Serve as primary contact for Program Officers/other liaison employees at foundations.
Prospecting & Grant Research 30%
• Prepare and manage a grants pipeline between the range of 40 to 60 opportunities that include a diverse portfolio of private, community, corporate and family foundations where the total ask is worth 2-3x the grants budget of the current year.
• Ensure the upcoming grants pipeline is complete for approval and review of the VP, Philanthropy prior to the start of budget planning season (March 31).
• Focus on securing new funding sources utilizing the Colorado Grants Guide and Foundation Directory resources.
• Provide support (on an as needed basis) to organization Leadership Team regarding complex proposals (government funding, multi-year requests, new initiatives, etc.) including supporting document preparation, editing and proofing, tracking, reporting, etc.
General Support 10%
• Event Support – attend and provide logistical support at the annual Jane-A-Thon fundraiser (annually) and IIK Gala (every five years) as a member of the PPT.
• Serve as a thought partner alongside program leadership to walk external partners/sites through funding opportunities for sustainability (on occasion).
• Collaborate with the Finance/Ops team quarterly as a member of the PPT to thoughtfully share internal organizational updates on fundraising development.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Self-starter with a strong ability and desire to lean into emerging opportunities of growth and learning outcomes regarding grant development, strategy, research, and outcomes.
• Desire to grow professionally in the field of fundraising and philanthropy—grants and foundation relations a plus.
• Close attention to detail to ensure accuracy, credibility, and excellence in all initiatives.
• Strong writing and analytical skills, ability to express new ideas and communicate with diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, as this position will contribute to organizational culture by working alongside all departments.
• Proven track record in successful grant research, writing, awarding, and reporting.
• Familiarity with local funders and philanthropic landscape preferred.
• Bachelors degree in related field preferred.
• Minimum three years of fund-raising experience, preferably in grant management, including raising funds from foundations, corporations and/or family foundations. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of evidence-based programs preferred.
DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES
• Ability to manage multiple demands; results oriented, works quickly and accurately
• Works well with people, and engenders trust and confidence from colleagues
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Highly developed attention to detail
• Able to understand and synthesize complex information into succinct, clear language
• Organized and able to work independently – “can do!” attitude
• Ability to complete tasks in a hybrid work environment
• Enthusiastic commitment to the goals and values of Invest in Kids
• A working vehicle and valid driver’s license
BENEFITS
• Health, dental, and vision: 100% employer paid; dependents are the employees’ responsibility.
• Life Insurance: 100% employer paid; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• 401K: Match up to 3%; 100% vested immediately.
• Health Savings Account; Flexible Spending Account.
• Generous vacation, sick and personal time, in addition to an annual office closure from December 24 to January 1.
• Hybrid work environment & more!
