Funding Specialist

ISG•Bloomington, MN

108d•$65,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi-disciplinary, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design firm, supporting clients throughout the nation. Our mission: simplify solutions—passionately design the future, drives the work we do for our clients. ISG employee owners are motivated by a shared goal to stretch the limits of great design and go above and beyond to positively influence each other, our clients, and the communities we serve. If this sounds like a mission and culture you want to invest in, explore your career potential within our Planning team. We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Funding Specialist to join our dynamic architecture and engineering firm. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, preparing, submitting, and managing loan and grant applications from initiation through closeout supporting the firm’s projects and initiatives, making strong writing and data entry skills essential to the role. Your expertise will enable our team to secure funding for innovative designs and engineering solutions that positively impact our clients and communities. Given the nature of this work, it is critical that you can work efficiently and effectively under the pressure of funding application deadlines.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in grant writing, loan application preparation, or a related field
Strong knowledge of public and private funding programs relevant to architecture, engineering, and construction projects
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling proposals
Proficiency in budgeting, data analysis, and project management tools
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple applications simultaneously
Familiarity with compliance requirements and regulations of common funding agencies

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field, preferred, but not required
A background in architecture, engineering, or construction management is a plus

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate local, state, federal, and private funding opportunities that align with the firm’s project objectives and client needs. Funding opportunities may include SRF and other state agencies, CDBG, USDA, EPA, DOT, COGs, to name a few
Stay updated on industry trends, changes in funding criteria, and deadlines for applications
Complete grant applications that span a great variety of geographies, business units, and granting entities, requiring the ability to learn new tasks and processes effectively and efficiently
Gather, analyze, and compile necessary information and documentation required for loan and grant applications
Collaborate with internal teams, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to develop persuasive narratives and ensure technical accuracy
Prepare application schedules, and supporting materials tailored to specific funding requirements
Submit complete and timely applications in accordance with funding agency guidelines
Analyze multiple funding opportunities and identify where alignment exists, creating a complete funding package for projects that may consist of multiple applications or funding sources
Accountable to manage each application and ensure that they are progressing on applications in a timely manner to meet deadlines
Monitor the progress of submitted applications and communicate updates to internal and external stakeholders
Serve as the primary point of contact between the firm and client or organizations applying for the grant.
Coordinate communication and meetings with funding agencies as needed
Analyze success rates and provide insights for continuous improvement of application strategies
Be an accountable, eager, and creative employee owner! Maintain a growth mindset with the potential to develop, build and lead a team