Grant Writer

The Grant Writer is primarily responsible for the procurement of both restricted and budget-supporting funding from corporations, foundations, individuals and government agencies through the development and preparation of excellent grant and sponsorship proposals. 

This position works to advance the museum’s strategic plan by maximizing funding opportunities for priority activities and special projects as defined in the plan.  The Grant Writer is expected to foster the culture of collaboration within the museum and to coordinate planning, program and giving opportunities. The Grant Writer is also expected to establish and steward external relationships including overseeing and managing reports to funders.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop fundraising strategies and build relationships across museum to further the mission of the division and meet museum goals and priorities.

• Works with Mission Advancement team to strategize, plan, and implement all phases of activity necessary to successfully achieve fundraising goals for annual fund, sponsorships and restricted grants.
• Seeks and acquires funding to support Department, Division, and institutional priorities with special emphasis on Federal grant opportunities.
• Collaborates with program staff to think weeks, month, and years ahead to maximize funding opportunities.

Manage written communications to ensure clear, consistent and compelling representation of the museum’s case for funding.

• Serves as primary proposal developer and manager, ensuring consistent high-quality representation of museum generally and with regard to specific projects and programs.
• Supports program staff in performing their roles in proposal development; including adherence to deadlines, and aligning proposals to funder priorities using language that resonates with reviewers.
• Assist in preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform donors and prospects of funding goals and outcomes.

Collaborate across divisions while following museum wide standards to ensure the most effective and coordinated pursuit of the organizational mission.

• Orchestrate work and communication flow ensuring high-level customer service consistent with the museum’s vison and mission.
• Uses professional language and style in all e-mail and documents; sets a business-like tone in all levels of communication.
• Understands and utilizes organizational database to maintain funder records, including proposal and report deadlines, submissions and other pertinent data.

Prioritize critical tasks and adjust strategy as needed to successfully fulfill deadlines and departmental needs.

• Demonstrates organization in all areas of work, communication, assigned tasks, and deadlines including but not limited to solicitations, budgets, proposal documents, and grant and sponsorship reports.
• Balances many projects and tasks at once and accomplishes them successfully, often independently, within established timelines, especially during periods of increased workload.
• Completes tasks and projects as assigned, including developing a work plan, tracking details, meeting deadlines, and communicating regularly with supervisor and other stakeholders.
• Takes initiative in solving problems and regularly applies critical thinking and problem solving skills in all areas of work.
• As assigned, leads or assists with projects to further the work of the department.

*Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed.
• Collaboration: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
• Customer Service: Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission.
• Fostering an Inclusive Community: Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external).
• Results Orientation: Focuses on providing a best in class visitor experience through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: AAS of higher, or equivalent mission advancement or grant writing experience

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in project management or administrative role; experience working in a highly collaborative, service oriented environment and working with diverse audiences required.
• Proven experience in donor management and /or database experience. Tessitura database experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in non-profit organizations and fund-raising efforts preferred.
• Familiarity with STEM issues and science programs is desirable.

Starting Compensation: $65,018 - $68,270/year (dependent on qualifications; Compensation Grade 11)

The job duties and responsibilities listed describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and are not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents.

We exist to turn on the science and inspire learning, inform policy and improve lives. We envision a world in which all people have the power to use science to make lives better. We value science as an essential literacy and strive for inclusion inside and out so that our museum and our people reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community.

It is the museum’s policy and practice to hire and promote qualified job seekers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We offer benefit packages to full-time and part-time employees.