Grant Writer, External Affairs and Administration [Bronx Children’s Museum]

The primary responsibility of the Grants Writer is to write government and foundation grant proposals and perform other high level writing tasks. S/he will work directly with the Executive Director to develop and nurture profitable relationships with institutional donors, government funders, as well as foundations and corporations to secure funding for agency programming and general operating support.  S/he will develop, write, and prepare proposals, reports and contracts and meet the requirements of specific requests for proposals or applications (RFPs/RFAs). S/he will work closely with the Executive Director to support a sustained effort of identifying, soliciting, and retaining institutional donors. The Grant Writer ensures timely submission of proposals and reports; ensures that grants are responsive to RFP/RFA requirements and regulations relating to government grants and contracts. S/he will work with and support the Museum Board, assuming an essential role in expanding capacity to conduct successful individual donor campaigns thereby strengthening the Museum’s overall fundraising program. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee development activities.
• Write, develop and prepare proposals and corresponding reports for $650,000 growing budget.
• Help develop and oversee program budgets and expense reports.
• Establish and implement a system of prospect research for support from government funding agencies and government officials.
• Conduct annual appeal and mini fundraisers with help of administrative assistant.
• Develop and maintain ongoing prospect research as required.
• Attend bidders’ conferences and technical assistance workshops (RFPs/RFAs).
• Ensure compliance and meet reporting requirements for existing agency government grants.
• Update and maintain monthly calendar of proposal deadlines and contract reporting requirements.
• Plan and host fundraising and non-fundraising events.
• Administrative duties: perform other writing duties as needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• BA in journalism, English, creative writing, sociology, or related field or equivalent work experience with writing and project management.
• Experience working (and writing) for a social services agency or educational organization.
• Minimum of five (5) years of writing experience and progressively responsible experience in development, with a proven record of accomplishment in securing institutional funding from government sources, preferable for a human services organization or similar agency.
• Exemplary writing skills.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.

• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Speak a second language (Spanish highly preferred).
• Bronx resident a plus.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail, accuracy and pacing.
• Extensive experience in writing and preparing technical project proposals or reports for government funding agencies, budgeting, including the analysis of government RFPs/RFAs and contract requirements.
• Ability to work (and write) professionally in a deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with the New York philanthropic—government, foundation and corporate—community.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and fundraising databases.
• Ability to respond quickly to new fundraising opportunities and to changing priorities.
• Flexibility and ability to work virtually, adapt to shifting duties while maintaining focus and follow-through.