Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator

College Possible Leadership Team•Chicago, IL

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 that consistently articulate the organization's mission. The coordinator researches, writes, and submits grant proposals, Letters of Intent, reports, and other materials supporting fundraising and outreach. The role also supports development operations and works closely with the Chicago development team and national marketing team in a matrixed environment to tailor design, messaging, and strategy for Chicago audiences and meet local fundraising and communications goals. The role is organized across grant proposal and report writing (50%), marketing and communications (25%), and development operations (25%). The successful candidate will be an effective storyteller who can manage deadline-driven projects, gather and communicate program information, and work collaboratively across teams and with donors, volunteers, program participants, and other supporters. The position reports directly to the Senior Development Director and works closely with the Senior Growth & Development Officer and Director of Volunteer Engagement. The position is based in an office environment with limited travel. College Possible offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development and growth opportunities.

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 ability.
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 collaborating with staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.
Self-starter able to work independently and entrepreneurially, with an interest in creating and implementing initiatives.
Highly organized and detail-oriented.
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 grant reporting and evaluation are accurate and timely.
Research, identify, and prospect funding opportunities.
Develop and maintain a grants calendar tracking deadlines, communications, and reporting.
Assist in establishing goals for grant development, submissions, and revenue.
Ensure donor communications and follow-up are timely and accurate.
Develop a detailed understanding of College Possible Chicago's programs and use information from varied sources to create compelling, data-informed grant narratives and cases for support.
Gather qualitative and quantitative information from program leadership on successes, challenges, initiatives, and needs for prospective individual and institutional funders.
Develop content and strategy for communications channels, including the website, electronic communications, and social media, using engagement tracking and measurement.
Manage 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.
Support the program team with marketing and communications needs.
Manage the development and communications calendar to integrate messaging across email lists, individuals, institutions, and social media followers.
Support individual giving through direct-mail campaigns, online giving programs, and individual prospecting.
Maintain accurate gift information and revenue tracking.
Support the planning and execution of 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.
Support preparation of 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 reporting to funders on grants and programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.