Grants Specialist (DIRECT HIRE)

Friends of the Children

1d•$75,000 - $85,000•Remote

About The Position

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by supporting children facing significant obstacles. The organization pairs children with paid, professional mentors, known as "Friends," from kindergarten through high school graduation. The Grants Specialist will be a passionate advocate for children and families impacted by poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. This role will amplify the stories of the children served, communicate the mission's urgency, and celebrate successful outcomes. The position supports the National Grants Team in securing annual funding from foundations, corporations, and public sources. The role involves working closely with executive leaders across the country to pursue grant funding for locally led chapters and direct youth services, contributing to sustainable funding and the organization's vision of ensuring every child who needs a "Friend" has one. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant experience, strong communication and relationship management skills, and a passion for writing and the organization's mission. They should be skilled at identifying and aligning organizational work with grant opportunities, managing budgets, grant reporting, and funding prospects. Excellent project management skills, including planning timelines and managing collaborators, are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
A minimum of five years of non-profit grant-writing experience, including collaboration with program and finance teams to develop content and budgets.
Demonstrated success in obtaining grant-funding from foundations, corporations and/or public funding sources.
Ability to research, learn, analyze and synthesize information for writing grant proposals, letters, articles, impact stories, etc.
Exceptional ability to edit written materials accurately and consistently, including own work.
Exceptional versatility across analytical skills, relational skills, and intuitive abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills resulting in compelling messaging, as well as strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to plan, organize, and complete multiple grant proposals and/or reports and follow-up as required.
Proven track record of meeting deadlines. Ability to communicate project timelines effectively.
Excellent attention to detail, strong computer skills, and general understanding of financial principles.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and effectively solve problems.
Ability to cultivate and sustain relationships and work effectively with National staff as well as leadership and development staff from chapters.
Ability to represent the organization effectively and professionally to a wide variety of audiences.
Willing to be flexible, with the ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion and as needed, especially in regards to meeting deadlines.
Ability to work from home and build relationships with team members virtually.
Ability to independently manage work and project schedule, while also working closely with team and leadership.
Contribute to a positive team culture.

Nice To Haves

Ability to delegate appropriately.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with assigned chapters, meeting regularly with staff including Executive Directors, Development Directors, and Program Directors.
Understand and track the evolving priorities and strategies of each chapter to match them with appropriate funding sources (government, corporate, community-based, individual).
Evaluate the alignment between funder priorities, specific funding opportunities, and the needs of the chapter/organization.
Provide thought-partnership to chapter staff for developing long-term grants strategies and beneficial funding partnerships.
Collaborate with the national team and chapter leaders to develop narrative content and budgets for proposals within specific program focus areas.
Proactively plan and complete grant proposals, grant reports, and fundraising-related writing projects on a timely basis according to the organization’s grants calendar.
Ensure grant proposals are compelling, strategic, and align with funder interests and the funding opportunity.
Prepare grant packets for submission, including attachments and supplemental application materials.
Support the team in maintaining accurate grants calendars, tracking deliverables, due dates, reporting needs, and project information.
Maintain clear and accurate written and electronic records of grant proposals, reports, and submission confirmations, tracking grants activity in shared drives, grants calendars, and databases.
Assist in the research and identification of grants appropriate to Friends of the Children.
Research additional information to support successful grant proposals, such as data demonstrating community need and evidence of the model's effectiveness.
Plan review schedules and coordinate with team members and chapter staff to ensure all grant proposals and reports are reviewed well in advance of deadlines.
Respond to feedback, reviews, and requests for edits; review proposals and reports for chapter and other team members, providing edits and feedback.
Provide excellent service to chapters, ensuring they feel supported and positive about the grants services.
Maintain confidential information in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Undertake special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives.

Benefits

Health insurance (100% employee only premium covered for 2 of 4 plans)
Dental insurance (100% employee only premium covered)
Vision insurance (100% employee only premium covered)
Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (100% paid by employer)
Short Term Disability (100% paid by employer)
Long-Term Disability (100% paid by employer)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Legal, etc.)
401(k) savings plan with company match up to 4% of earnings
Cell phone and/or Internet Reimbursement up to $75/month
Office reimbursement of $150 per year
Paid vacation (up to three weeks annually for the first 4 years, pro-rated in the first year)
Sick Time (two weeks/80 hours awarded annually, prorated for new employees)
Eleven paid holidays (three are floating)
Career Development and Wellness Reimbursement of up to $1000 after the first year ($200 for wellness)
Summer hours and end of year holiday gift of time off (assessed annually)
Employee Perks and Discount Programs