Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator

College Possible Leadership Team • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

College Possible Chicago is seeking a creative, energetic, strategic, and detail-oriented Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator to lead the site's grant work and support communications and development operations. The role researches, writes, and submits grant proposals, Letters of Intent, grant reports, and other fundraising and outreach materials. Working in a matrixed environment with the Chicago development team and national marketing team, the coordinator helps tailor messaging, design, and strategy to Chicago audiences and support the site's fundraising and communications goals. The position reports directly to the Senior Development Director and works closely with the Senior Growth & Development Officer and Director of Volunteer Engagement.

Grant proposal and report writing accounts for 50% of the role. The coordinator develops proposals and reports, researches funding prospects, maintains a grants calendar, supports grant-development goals, and gathers program information and data to create compelling, evidence-informed cases for support. Marketing and communications account for 25%, including content strategy and development, management of print and electronic collateral, donor communications, student impact stories, program-team communications support, and coordination of a communications calendar. Development operations account for 25%, including individual giving support, gift and revenue tracking, fundraising events, donor-record management, gift processing and acknowledgment, stakeholder materials, and coordination of information for funder reports.

The role is based in an office environment with limited travel. The coordinator must be able to stand and/or sit for at least seven hours a day and lift up to 15 pounds when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, English/Writing, or a related field.
• Two to four years of experience in development, communications, marketing, donor relations, or a related field.
• Proven copywriting and editing skills.
• A strong track record of managing multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
• Experience with a variety of communications channels, including multimedia.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Problem-solving ability and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build relationships and balance others' perspectives with flexibility and sensitivity.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter and create and implement new initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of seven hours a day.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies.
• Experience with Salesforce fundraising, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, CRM, and email marketing.
• Experience with InDesign and Canva.

Responsibilities

• Write and submit grant proposals and funding requests, and ensure accurate, timely grant reporting and evaluation.
• Research, identify, and prospect funding opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar for deadlines, communications, and reporting.
• Assist with setting goals for grant development, submissions, and revenue.
• Ensure donor communications and follow-up are timely and accurate.
• Develop an understanding of College Possible Chicago programs and gather qualitative and quantitative information to create compelling, data-informed grant narratives and cases for support.
• Develop and implement content and communications strategies for the website, electronic communications, and social media, informed by engagement tracking and measurement.
• Manage the development, customization, distribution, and maintenance of print and electronic collateral, including newsletters, brochures, and electronic communications.
• Collaborate with the development team on individual donor strategies, including writing and designing direct-mail appeals and donor communications.
• Source and write student impact stories for College Possible audiences and potentially pitch stories to external news outlets.
• Provide marketing and communications support to the program team.
• Manage the development and communications calendar to coordinate messaging across email, individuals, institutions, and social media.
• Support individual giving through direct-mail campaigns, online giving programs, and individual prospecting.
• Maintain accurate gift information and revenue tracking.
• Support annual fundraising events, including collateral, gift and pledge tracking, attendance, sponsor and guest details, and recognition.
• Work with the national office to process and acknowledge local gifts.
• Maintain and manage donor records in Salesforce and shared files, including grant tracking and reporting.
• Prepare materials for the Executive Director, Directors, Board Members, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with local and national finance and development teams to gather information for funder reports on grants and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Complete health, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Training, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• Flexible work options.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Resources to support well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level