Grants Manager

Description

 Job Summary 

We are in search of a motivated Grants Manager to lead our fundraising efforts, primarily focusing on grants. The ideal candidate will possess a solid track record of successful grant writing, cultivating relationships with diverse foundations, and overseeing efficient grant tracking and management processes. This role involves proactive research to identify viable foundation and corporate grant opportunities that align with our organization's long-range strategic plan goals and resource requirements. The Grants Manager will stay informed about policy trends and evolving developments in grant funding for programs, services, general operating support, and capacity building. While the main focus is on raising general operating and programmatic funds, this position may also support the Housing Team in identifying and applying for capital funds from foundations.  This is a hybrid position  with occasional office work required.

GRANT WRITING AND REPORTING

• Research, prepare, and compose Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), grant proposals, and reports aligning with ACOF's mission and programs, including occasional capital grant requests.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of grant-related documents to foundations, complying with guidelines and requirements.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with family, corporate, and private foundations to enhance grant opportunities and ensure continuous support.
• Provide relevant updates and communication to foundations during grant periods to demonstrate program impact.

GRANT TRACKING AND MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the end-to-end grant lifecycle, including prospecting, application development, submission, tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance with grant requirements. Implement and manage a comprehensive grant tracking and management system to streamline prospecting, Letter of Support (LOS), proposal, and reporting processes.
• Interface with finance and program staff to guarantee adherence to grant guidelines and achievement of established goals

RESEARCH AND TREND MONITORING

• Independently monitor and analyze current trends in program services and funding within the philanthropic field, offering insights and recommendations to optimize grant strategies.

GRANT STATEGY AND EXECUTION

• Develop and execute a comprehensive grants strategy, leveraging expertise in grant writing and relationship building with foundations, corporations, and other funding entities.
• Actively research and assess the feasibility of various foundation and corporate grant opportunities in alignment with our organization's long-term strategic goals and resource needs.

GRANT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT 

• Oversee the end-to-end grant lifecycle, including prospecting, application development, submission, tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Efficiently manage grant tracking systems and processes to maximize funding potential and streamline reporting.

POLICY AWARENESS AND TRENDS

• Stay updated and well-informed about policy trends and developments pertaining to grant funding, including support for programs, services, general operating expenses, and capacity building.
• Transform this knowledge into practical insights that can inform our grant strategy and proposal development process.

COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS

• Provide support for ACOF's fundraising activities in collaboration with the team to enhance fundraising initiatives.
• Assist in external communications efforts as needed, ensuring consistency and alignment with ACOF's mission and messaging.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing, English, journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in researching and securing grants from foundations and corporations, including a track record of successfully obtaining grants totaling $25,000 or more. 
• Proficiency in grant writing and management, with a particular focus on diverse funding sources.
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, such as Donor Perfect, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, and/or Neon One.
• Experience in MAC/PC applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Monday.com, and the ability to develop spreadsheets and graphs highlighting critical data.
• Ability to manage the full cycle of grants management and the combined experience of prospect research and cultivating foundation relationships; knowledge of private and public fundraising information sources and proven track record with institutional donors; knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies; and knowledge and familiarity with research techniques.
• Excellent budget development and monitoring skills. 
• Additional skills include: excellent planning and time management skills; strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively; strong conceptual, organizational and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Database CRM systems, and the ability to develop spreadsheets and graphs highlighting critical data. 
• The ability to develop working relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners, along with excellent oral and written communication skills, are critical.
• Strong time management and coordination skills; enthusiasm for team building; a sense of humor and the ability to juggle multiple goals and priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; good presentation skills; the ability to see a project through its life cycle.
• Belief in ACOF's mission.
• Valid California driver's license and availability of vehicle to travel within ACOF's service area.
• Ability to pass motor vehicle insurability requirements.
• Must be able to move/lift items weighing at least 15 pounds. 
• Must be able to operate a computer, personal automobile, and phone system.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of housing and community development field.
• Background in grant management in social services and/or housing sector.
• Experience with writing Capital Grants. 
• Experience with writing grants for government funding. 
• Basic knowledge of Creative Suite, in particular InDesign and Photoshop.
• Ability to communicate with donors, staff, and other stakeholders. 

ACOF is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.  

ACOF will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.  Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.