Grants Specialist

Description:
Reporting to the Director of Institutional Giving, the Grants Specialist is responsible for securing government and foundation funding for the Aquarium’s programs. The Grant Specialist’s primary responsibility is to guide prospect research, strategy, and proposal process to secure government grants. S/he will provide support to principal investigators (PIs) and Aquarium staff members in the proposal development and submission process, survey and forecast government funding opportunities to ensure a robust pipeline, and serve as a partner to PIs in devising approaches for competitive proposals to federal and state agencies. In addition, the Grant Specialist will write foundation proposals and reports in support of Institutional Giving team deadlines and goals and may manage a small portfolio of foundation donors.

SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (35 hours/week). Additional hours may be required as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising/Proposal Development

1. Lead prospect research to identify and track federal and other government funding opportunities; produce and distribute at least quarterly forecasts of federal opportunities and work with PIs to ensure a robust, multi-year funding pipeline.

2. Work with PIs and organizational leadership to evaluate government funding opportunities, determine what projects may be a match, and formulate proposal strategies.

3. Collaborate with PIs and Office of Sponsored Programs to set, monitor and meet timelines for government proposal development. Manage time-sensitive projects, with responsibility for on-time and complete submission of funding proposal packages; convene discussions with internal stakeholders to define government proposal requirements and strategies.

4. Edit government proposal content provided by PIs and draft sections of proposals, abstracts, cover sheets and other supporting documents as required. This may include securing and preparing documents related to sub-grantees.

5. Coordinate with PIs and Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure that government proposal budgets and budget justifications meet funder requirements and are competitive for funding.

6. As needed to support Institutional Giving team goals, cultivate, solicit and steward a small portfolio of foundation donors. Coordinate with program and organizational leadership to maintain active communication with donors, meet donor reporting requirements, and secure proposal invitations.

7. As needed to support Institutional Giving team goals, write high-quality proposals, inquiry letters, and reports to foundation donors and prospects in coordination with Director of Institutional Giving, PIs, and other staff. Ensure that budgets and financial reports meet donor and NEAq requirements.

8. Cultivate strong working relationships with PIs, Office of Sponsored Programs and other staff that result in successful proposals. Implement and support internal protocols and policies to ensure effective communication and appropriate proposal and budget review.

9. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of priority areas within the Aquarium for governmental and foundation support. Maintain knowledge of initiatives, current programs, and other funding opportunities from government sources. Maintain knowledge of governmental and foundation funding and other philanthropic trends.

Program Management

1. Coordinate with other staff on gift accounting, gift acknowledgement, accurate record keeping, and timely financial reporting.

2. Participate in program planning to help align organizational strategies and funding opportunities.

3. Participate in Institutional Giving team and Development Division planning to inform and track progress against multi-year fundraising strategies.

4. Maintain active prospect management system in Raiser’s Edge.

5. Perform other related duties, as assigned, to support Institutional Giving and Development Division goals.

Qualifications:
Minimum Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree and five years of grant writing experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated experience developing, writing and editing proposals and supporting documents for federal and state agencies.

· Proven success securing funding from government agencies. Foundation experience desirable.

· Research and prospecting skills, including knowledge of grants.gov, NSF Fastlane, and other resources for identifying new funding opportunities.

· Strong sense of ethical conduct, and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgement in all matters, including those relating to sensitive donor relations issues.

· Ability to set priorities and perform multiple complex tasks in a deadline driven environment, with attention to quality, accuracy and detail; outstanding organizational skills.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically; problem-solving skills

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to guide processes that involve multiple internal stakeholders.

· Familiarity with budgets and ability to create spreadsheets. Proficiency with Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Raiser’s Edge.

· Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission.

How To Apply:
For more information and to apply online please visit:http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

**Please note, a cover letter and resume are required with application submission for consideration.

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

Apply by:
April 01, 2016