Grants Director
FirstGen Forward
Remote, located anywhere in the contiguous 48 states
Anticipated Start Date: 11/18/2024
Description
This role focuses heavily on writing new grants and grant reports. While it is not an externally facing position, there may be opportunities to join meetings with prospective and current donors for those interested in learning more about that work. As a leader, the person in this role will be responsible for creating grant and major gift proposals that support the Growth Team in achieving fundraising goals, as well as drafting grant reports for existing supporters.
These proposals are typically developed in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but may occasionally take the form of slide deck presentations. Additionally, this role will manage internal and external communications, including the monthly newsletter for the Growth Team. When needed, the Grants Director will also draft professional development materials for FirstGen Forward team members to engage in learning more about growth and fundraising initiatives.
Responsibilities
Lead execution of new multi-million dollar private, corporate and public grant applications. This includes managing the grant application process including project managing the submission of all key pieces of a grant internally before submitting the grant and the writing of the application itself.
Prepare all grant reports to existing FirstGen Forward philanthropic supporters.
Reports range from two page descriptions of work completed to more intricate reporting documents requiring information from different FirstGen Forward departments including budget, data, and programming.
Seek out new grant opportunities for FirstGen Forward that align with the mission and can supplant and/or supplement current programmatic execution.
Manage internal and external communications on growth work including the monthly external newsletter, monthly internal team update and other communications as needed.
Prepare project plans for grant projects that incorporate the talents and time of multiple Center staff members so that teamwide content expertise can be brought to each funding opportunity.
Prepare presentations for funders and donor prospects including slide decks with up-to-date data, charts and images of the FirstGen Forward’s work in action.
Monitor progress towards Growth Team quantitative and qualitative goals in clear and transparent ways including CRM data. Assist with all-team projects and participate actively in staff meetings and projects.
Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to support the Sr. VP of Growth and FirstGen Forward.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree required. This leader must be an excellent writer who is able to synthesize FirstGen Forward’s work in compelling short and long form grant applications.
To do that well, this person must also be a learner who can describe the ways that the FirstGen Forward team creates change for first-generation students through the team’s network, field building, innovation, and coalition building efforts.
Project management experience, project management software experience (Asana preferred).
At least five years of corporate, non-profit, foundation, K-12 education, or higher education fundraising writing experience.
A track record of achieving quantitative fundraising results as a member of a successful fundraising team. Experience writing, and winning public grant proposals, e.g. grants to the U.S. Department of Education.
Experience with and/or an ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including thought partners, and internal and external leaders.
Entrepreneurial spirit with a sense of urgency for concrete outcomes.
An unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Highest integrity. High-level proficiency with Excel, Powerpoint, and MS Word. Experience with Salesforce CRM and Asana preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse workforce and membership.
Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Office Location
The work location for this position is Home-Based, meaning you can be located anywhere in the contiguous 48 states and you have a permanent remote office. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities.
Travel
This is a remote position that will require travel to in-person meetings and gatherings approximately 4-5 times per year. Occasional overnight travel to represent the FirstGen Forward at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports.
As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. Physical Requirements This position is remote with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing. Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs.
Additional COVID-19 Information
Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible.
All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. In certain circumstances, NASPA therefore FirstGen Forward may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA and/or FirstGen Forward may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement
NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA and FirstGen Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA and FirstGen Forward also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.
How to Apply for this Job
About the Organization
FirstGen Forward aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.
WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.
Discover More Jobs
