Sr. Grant Specialist

YMCA Of Greater Seattle•Seattle, WA

1d•$84,000 - $103,000

About The Position

The Senior Grant Specialist is responsible for stewarding grants from corporations, foundations, and public funders through the grants pipeline. This role reports to the Director of Grants and Foundations, and the role contributes to Financial Development department and organization strategic goals. The Sr. Grant Specialist will be responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to research, write, prepare, submit, and report on grant proposals to foundations, corporations, public funders and other grant-making organizations in support of the YMCA. The Sr. Grant Specialist is also responsible for identifying new funding sources for programs and supporting funder cultivation and stewardship.

Requirements

Education or experience in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Social Services, Sociology, or a closely related field.
Three years or more of grant writing or related work experience in fundraising or writing in the areas of social services/ humanitarian/ development programming, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Understand and ability to work on the complete grant lifecycle process (from research to identifying the opportunity to applying and post-award reporting).
Ability to handle multiple projects/tasks and juggle priorities while adhering to strict deadlines.
Ability to work under pressure, use independent judgment, and produce a quality grant within tight time constraints.
Demonstrated success in obtaining grant funding from foundations, corporations, and public agencies (local, state, and/or federal).
Skill in highly persuasive and effective writing with ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to develop a convincing case for funding
Excellent attention to detail, strong computer skills, and general understanding of budgets and financial statements.
Exceptional ability to edit written materials accurately and consistently, including own work.
Knowledge of grant writing and grant making techniques, current trends, and best practices.
Ability to interpret grant requirements, general business periodicals, professional journals, financial information, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to represent, effectively and professionally, the organization to a wide variety of audiences.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
Ability to maintain confidential information and use discretion.
Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to establish and work collaboratively and cooperatively with a variety of colleagues, adapting communications and approaches to gain inputs resulting in timely and responsive grant proposals.
Critical thinking skills to tackle challenges and look for innovative solutions.
A commitment to equity and ensuring that everyone is represented by the organization.
If applicable, other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Sociology, or a closely related field.
Raiser's Edge Donor System or other Donor Management Software is preferred.
Grant-based project management experience is preferred.
Life experience with poverty, child welfare, homelessness, behavioral health, or youth violence and a desire to use that experience to improve the lives of others.
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
Ability to speak any language in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Draft and ensure timely submission of letters of intent, grant proposals and funding reports on a timely basis as outlined on the organizational grant calendar; maintain a portfolio averaging 5-7 grant-related submissions per month, in addition to reporting and stewardship activities.
Learn the YMCA’s programs, goals, and financial needs in order to develop compelling proposals, seek new funding opportunities, and report on funding impact.
Critically assess financial documents, including program budgets, organizational 990s, financial audits and contract revenue.
Project manage proposals with staff in all levels and departments, ensuring that all aspects of an application are complete, organized, and flow together in a cohesive manner aligned with YMCA standards.
Ensure seamless and timely process for all tasks, communication and reports related to the grant process, including contract review, letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and stewardship activities.
Maintain and record accurate information on proposals, declinations, and awards, reporting requirements, and application timelines to ensure all deadlines are met and proposals are tracked electronically; including grant activity tracking in shared drives and databases.
Critically assess RFPs and determine which program(s) and partnerships align to respond to the RFP.
Work proactively with other YMCA leaders to ensure compliance with all programmatic and fiscal reporting requirements.
Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization (Finance, Financial Development, and Program teams) to ensure financial and reporting requirements are met.
Demonstrate a high degree of skill in communication and positive interaction with all group employees, volunteers, external agencies/companies, and the community at large.
Be able to evaluate systems and processes, and for best practices that align with the organization’s mission and values.
Special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives.
Performs all other duties as assigned.