idealist.org

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up is a non-profit organization with a mission to prepare urban young adults aged 18-24 for life and work in our technology-driven society, while guiding them toward successful careers and higher education. Through a one-year, intensive training program, students receive a unique combination of hands-on technical and professional skills, college credit, and corporate internships.

In our ninth year of operations, Year Up serves more than 600 students per year across six sites in Atlanta, Boston, Providence, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and expects to add 1-2 sites per year over the next 2 years. Year Up has received numerous awards, including Fast Company Magazine's Social Capitalist Award for innovative business model and social impact in 2005, 2007 and 2008. See www.yearup.org for more information about our program.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Grants Management, the Grants Coordinator operates as a specialist to meet the fundraising goals of Year Up NYC (20+ staff), a site within a national nonprofit organization. This is a unique opportunity to join a highly dedicated fundraising team, supported by a strong local board, Leadership Council, and national board of directors. In 2009, Year Up NYC is budgeted to raise $1.1 Million of a $4.3 Million budget from foundations, and the Grants Coordinator will lead this effort for the Development Team.

The Grants Coordinator will work with the Director of Policy and Grants Management to identify new prospects from outside current foundations, strengthen relations with current foundations, and identify grant opportunities that match the Year Up program. The Grants Coordinator will also draft all grant proposals, renewal requests, reports, correspondence, and gather program information from colleagues and analyze it as requested by foundations. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that Year Up complies with all deadlines and stays on track to meet budget goals.

In keeping with Year Up's values, the Grants Coordinator will also interact with students as an advisor, group facilitator, and advocate, participating in creating and sustaining a positive educational environment, with trust among students, faculty and site leaders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Providing a high level of service to foundations; continually raise the bar, allowing quality of service to reflect the quality of Year Up program

* Keeping current on philanthropy news and policy reports relating to workforce development and disconnected young adults

* Developing an operational understanding of Year Up program

* Communicating effectively in various manners by:
o Writing correspondence, grant proposals, and reports with correct grammar and style
o Answering telephone calls

* Tracking multiple tasks in different level of importance such as:
o Creating and maintaining filing systems and grant calendars and timelines
o Researching prospective foundations

* Creating reports based on program information

* Demonstrating business acumen by:
o Utilizing Salesforce database
o Managing lists

* Maintaining a business environment

* Developing and sustaining positive relationships with Year Up staff, students, and supporters by:

*Attending and participating in meetings

* Seeking to learn from others to improve

* Taking on new responsibilities when necessary

* Assisting the Development Team as needed

All tasks are expected to be completed by:

* Providing high service in a timely manner

* Updating priorities

* Accepting the constant change for the better at Year Up

* Applying critical thinking

* Working to find a solution

* Demonstrating passion and enthusiasm for Year Up's mission

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Proven passion for working with urban youth and an unshakable belief in their potential

* Some pre-existing network and relationships with New York City foundations

* Ability to leverage relationships and events to cultivate additional opportunities

* Experience with grant writing

* Eagerness/ability to identify challenges and implement solutions

* Excellent organizational and project management skills

* Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

* High and professional customer service skills with follow up and follow through

* Flexibility and willingness to learn and work on different tasks as needed

* Ability to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time and deliver within deadlines

* Experience and poise dealing with staff, donors, students and clients

* A professional and resourceful style with the ability to work independently and is comfortable in a close-knit team-oriented setting

* Bachelors degree, Masters preferred

* Experience with Salesforce a plus

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Year Up also offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare, dental, 401(k) match and vacation.

Year Up is an equal opportunity employer.

TO APPLY:

Please email a resume and a cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, (both in Word format) to Margaret Rizzo at mrizzo@yearup.org.