Senior Grant Writer

Job Title: Senior Grant Writer

Department: Capital Campaign Office

Reports To: Vice President, Strategic Impact Investment Fund (SIIF)

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Sr. Grant Writer will identify, define, and develop funding sources to support existing and planned fundraising/program activities as well as lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to potential donors in areas that support for UNCF programs.

ABOUT UNCF

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Research and identify grant prospects at the state and national level. Collaborate with program managers and other stakeholders to understand funding needs and project goals.
• Oversee the compiling and organization of all necessary documentation, attachments, and supporting materials for grant submissions.
• Develop and write proposal concept by identifying and clarifying opportunities and needs, studying requests for proposal (RFPs), attending strategy meetings, participating in relevant staff meetings, and developing a strong understanding of UNCF’s work, programs, priorities, innovations, history, mission, and specific objectives of the programs.
• Maintain accurate records of grant applications, outcomes, and reporting requirements. Conduct thorough research on relevant statistics, trends, and data to strengthen grant proposals in collaboration with other departments throughout the organization.
• Edit and proofread grant proposals for clarity, coherence, and compliance with guidelines.
• Coordinate with finance and program teams to gather financial information and budget details for proposals.
• Stay informed about trends and changes in the grant-writing landscape to enhance the quality of proposals.
• Manage overall grant cycle which includes maintaining grant deadlines, program tracker, and entering relevant information into the organization's database. Meeting proposal deadlines by establishing priorities and target dates for information and share information with the development team. Coordinating requirements with various program staff and contribute proposal status information.
• Draft, revise, and produce high-quality proposals and reports for multiple stakeholders by using templates and following proposal-writing standards including readability, consistency, and tone. Assemble information including project nature, objectives/outcomes/deliverables, implementation, methods, timetable, staffing, budget, standards of performance, and evaluation. Present proposals in creative or required formats. Obtain approvals by reviewing proposals with key stakeholders, including various program and executive-level staff within the organization.
• Has excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated history of appropriately handling communication with high-net worth donors and/or foundation representatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, creative writing, or a related area (master’s degree preferred); 7 years’ experience in grant writing, prospect research, general fundraising or comparable and transferable skills acquired in a professional setting. Proven experience in writing compelling grant proposals that engage prospective funders and result in 6- and 7-figure grants.

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED:

Knowledge of O365 with intermediate to advanced knowledge in Word and Excel. Must be proficient in mail merges and correcting source or cell errors. Must be proficient in the manipulation of Excel formulas.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Compelling writing skills, including use of storytelling, data analysis, and ability to produce succinct summaries, is required.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to engage in strategic planning and process improvement.
• Entrepreneurial attitude including drive for results and proven ability to stay focused on goals.
• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to follow processes and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process.
• Must have multitasking, organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with external partners.
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.