Job Description

Scope

The purpose of the Senior Grant Manager and Writer’s position is to achieve targeted levels of funding for the organization so that GSN’s education experts can continue to serve the schools and districts where students are furthest from opportunity. 

This role leads grant efforts with a dynamic and engaging team of impact makers helping to support underserved students, schools, and communities. The Senior Grant Manager and Writer researches, plans, organizes, writes and manages grant writing efforts, engaging with internal and external stakeholder groups to support funding the organization through state and foundation grants, and corporate donations.

Responsible for being knowledgeable about the organization’s annual grant cycle, researching and writing grant proposals and keeping the team organized in their efforts to support grant proposal production in support of partner schools and districts, and the field services team. The Senior Grant Manager and Writer should be passionate about achieving equitable learning outcomes for PK-12 students and it is preferred that they have knowledge of the Colorado (and national) educational landscape.

Duties & Responsibilities

Grants Management 

• Collaborate with VP of Development and Partnerships, Chief of Field Services, CEO, and other development team members, including the Grants and Communications Associate, to create a documented grants management plan which increases revenues to support the strategic direction of the organization.
• Research and develop a schedule of grants by participating in webinars and other informational opportunities. With the support of the development team, prepare and submit grant applications as outlined in the development plan to generate funds for the organization. Develop and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fundraising processes are carried out in a timely manner.
• Schedule meetings, organize and prepare all needed notes and documentation in alignment with GSN’s Development Team processes, including grant kickoff meetings, in conjunction with the CFO and team.
• Collaborate and contribute creative ideas to the development and communications teams, helping to strengthen fundraising and awareness efforts for the organization. 
• Coordinate gathering, production and distribution of marketing and communication content to be included in materials for development efforts. 

Grant Writing and Reporting 

• Write and collate grant applications and proposals, coordinating with program team members and leadership team as needed to gather necessary information and with the development team to schedule editing, finalizing, and submission.
• Serve as the primary point person responsible for gathering student and school data, and be ready to include this pertinent information in grant applications and other GSN communications. 
• Collaborate with Field Staff to interpret, analyze and ensure accuracy of data and build school relationships.
• Prepare regular grant reports to meet foundation deadlines, reporting on progress, budgets, impact in fulfillment of grant awards. 
• Providing support to Field Services staff to complete needed Colorado Department of Education grant reports.

Communication and Funder Relationships 

• Collaborate and contribute creative ideas to the development and communications teams, helping to strengthen fundraising and awareness efforts for the organization. 
• Identify and develop relationships with corporate, foundation, community, and individual grant funders, along with the development team, aligned to the organization's fundraising priorities.
• In collaboration with the development and communications teams, help support outreach efforts to promote the organization with donors and other key stakeholder groups to maximize public awareness and grow support of the organization.
• Collaborate with the operations and development team to ensure donors are being sufficiently tracked, and receive regular communications with consistent messaging.

Team Participation 

• GSN operates in a holacracy structure and hosts regular staff meetings and retreats where this individual will be expected to participate and/or present.

Qualifications

Education and Experience : 

Minimum: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Grant Writing, Business Development or Fundraising. Experience in Colorado public/charter K-12 school is highly beneficial.

Knowledge : 

Strong writer in the English language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar - to deliver near perfect proposals.

Budgeting

Able to draft grant budgets, understand organizational funding and requirements by funders (matching dollar amounts, percent administrative fees allowable, etc.)

Collaborator Knowledge of principles and processes for providing personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Effective Communication

Knowledge of using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques. Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of resources. Creative Thinking

Brainstorm and contribute new and thoughtful ideas to help strengthen the development team’s efforts to support the larger organization.

Fundraising/Event Planning

Knowledge of fundraising and development principles and research procedures along with special events planning and management.

Software

Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows and Google Suite environment. Must include knowledge of Excel, databases, Internet, and email.

Skills :

Active Learning  

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 

Databases  

Using a computer application to manage large amounts of information, including creating and editing simple databases, inputting data, retrieving specific records, and creating reports to communicate the information.

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Monitoring  

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself to make improvements or take corrective action.

Presentations/Graphics  

Using a computer application to create, manipulate, edit, and show virtual slide presentations. Working with pictures in graphics programs or other applications, including creating simple graphics, manipulating the appearance, and inserting graphics into other programs.

Priority Setting

With guidance from the CEO and VP of Development Partnerships, efficiently determine which actions and projects are most essential and focus efforts there. 

Social Perceptiveness/Coordination

Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Adjusting actions in relation to other’s actions.

Spreadsheets  

Using a computer application to enter, manipulate, and format text and numerical data; insert, delete, and manipulate cells, rows, and columns; and create and save worksheets, charts, and graphs.

Word Processing  

Using a computer application to type text, insert pictures, format, and edit, print, save, and retrieve word processing documents.

Abilities:

Comprehension and Clarity

The ability to read and understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents, along with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to speak and write clearly. 

Deadlines

The ability to work under and manage continual deadlines.

Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing or speech so others will understand. 

Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Working conditions

In performing the responsibilities of the Senior Grant Manager and Writer’s job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the employee will encounter. This role would be able to work in GSN’s offices, and also virtually with some required in person work time and meetings. GSN offers generous holiday and vacation time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Physical requirements

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Senior Grant Manager and Writer ’s job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

While performing the responsibilities of the Senior Grant Manager and Writer’s job, the employee is required to talk and hear. 

Direct reports

This individual may supervise a VISTA or grants and communications associate. 

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