Senior Grant Specialist

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Cleveland, OH

2d•$64,314 - $73,559

About The Position

As a member of the advancement department of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, the senior grants specialist position develops strategy for and coordinates a comprehensive grant-seeking program to support assigned programs, which collectively deliver more than 150 services at 60 locations across an 8-county service area to more than 400,000 individuals each year. The senior grants specialist works closely with system and program directors, finance, human resources and other departments, as appropriate. As a member of the Catholic Charities advancement team, coordinates grant activities with private/corporate foundations, as well as county, state and federal government funding opportunities. These tasks include coordination of prospect research, deadline tracking, grant proposal and report submissions, budget development, grant administration, applicable consultant oversight and related projects for the Catholic Charities advancement department. Responsible for securing grant awards for Catholic Charities with the goal of a 20% increase year-over-year annually. Collaborates and serves as a key liaison with Catholic Charities program leadership, caregivers, finance officers and advancement staff throughout the proposal development process, especially related to program design and outcomes. Works in partnership with the performance improvement department to determine metrics and support the tracking of data. Pulls data from performance improvement dashboards as needed and coordinates post-award evaluation and reporting. Maintains ongoing communication with program staff related to financial compliance, limitations, activities and outcomes. Manages and/or assigns relationships with external funders, including program officers, corporate representatives and government officials. Convenes and leads site visits. Prepares and submits outcome narrative and financial grant reports in a timely manner. Ensure grant information is maintained by teams in related databases. Oversee the workflow for grant writing efforts and how assignments will be made. Provides guidance to junior grant writer(s) while leading major grant activities in the areas of largest ROI, including for behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder); multi-site services; early learning, and emergency assistance services. Participate in weekly senior-level advancement leadership meetings with senior director of advancement and others to discuss department planning, challenges and visioning. Participates in monthly Catholic Charities meetings with Catholic Community Foundation to share updates and work in a complementary manner. Normal office environment. Regular sitting, talking, listening/hearing. Reading, writing and finger dexterity to manage computer work, phone calls, etc. Analyzing and interpreting data. Communicating with the public. Organizing and coordinating schedules. Occasional travel throughout the Catholic Charities service area.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate understanding and commitment to upholding the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Catholic Social Teaching, and a commitment to the Catholic identity and mission of Catholic Charities.
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of eight years’ experience writing proposals and managing grants in the nonprofit sector.
Proven track record and demonstrated expertise in grant writing and program development.
Knowledge of and experience in all facets of grants and foundation relations, including research, proposal development, budget development, familiarity with online applications, and administration and reporting of grants.
Excellent writing and strong verbal communication skills, with ability to transform ideas into compelling narratives.
Must be able to explain complex technical information in a way that is understandable to the layperson.
Detail-oriented, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accurate records.
Must have excellent organizational and analytical skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with team members across Catholic Charities.
Must possess the ability to work well with staff at all levels, the Board of Directors, and external funding sources.
Solid technical skills, with strong working knowledge of fund development software, Microsoft Office and various other programs.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding discussion around or information contained in funding proposals.
Must have valid Ohio driver’s license and reliable means of transportation for local travel.
Final applicant is required to be fingerprinted to complete background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience in social/human services and health fields preferred but not required.
Knowledge of major public funders is preferred.
Strategic and programming skills are critical to this role.

Responsibilities

Develops strategy for and coordinates a comprehensive grant-seeking program to support assigned programs.
Coordinates grant activities with private/corporate foundations, as well as county, state and federal government funding opportunities.
Coordinates prospect research, deadline tracking, grant proposal and report submissions, budget development, grant administration, applicable consultant oversight and related projects.
Securing grant awards for Catholic Charities with the goal of a 20% increase year-over-year annually.
Collaborates and serves as a key liaison with Catholic Charities program leadership, caregivers, finance officers and advancement staff throughout the proposal development process, especially related to program design and outcomes.
Works in partnership with the performance improvement department to determine metrics and support the tracking of data.
Pulls data from performance improvement dashboards as needed and coordinates post-award evaluation and reporting.
Maintains ongoing communication with program staff related to financial compliance, limitations, activities and outcomes.
Manages and/or assigns relationships with external funders, including program officers, corporate representatives and government officials.
Convenes and leads site visits.
Prepares and submits outcome narrative and financial grant reports in a timely manner.
Ensure grant information is maintained by teams in related databases.
Oversee the workflow for grant writing efforts and how assignments will be made.
Provides guidance to junior grant writer(s) while leading major grant activities in the areas of largest ROI, including for behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder); multi-site services; early learning, and emergency assistance services.
Participate in weekly senior-level advancement leadership meetings with senior director of advancement and others to discuss department planning, challenges and visioning.
Participates in monthly Catholic Charities meetings with Catholic Community Foundation to share updates and work in a complementary manner.