Senior Grant Officer

The Senior Grants Officer plays a key role in securing funding for Ascentria by creating and managing the strategy for a portfolio of funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. This position involves crafting detailed and persuasive grant proposals and collaborating with internal teams to gather necessary information for successful submissions, as well as facilitating strong external partnerships with funders. Strong writing, research, and organizational skills are essential, as the Grant Director will be responsible for translating complex projects into compelling proposals that align with the organization’s funding goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

Research & Identify Funding Opportunities

• Conduct research to identify available funding sources that align with the organization’s goals.
• Create and maintain a pipeline of new and existing opportunities and partner with the development team to integrate grant strategy into overall development strategy.
• Update and manage a database/calendar of all grant prospects, renewals and submissions to ensure alignment with revenue and programmatic goals.

Grant Proposal Development

• Write, edit, and submit well-structured, persuasive grant proposals, tailored to each funding source’s guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather required information, such as budgets, program descriptions, and outcome data. This will require effectively working with managers, directors, and staff across the organization to create compelling program designs for submissions.

Grant Management

• Ensure timely submission of grant applications, follow-up reports, and other required documentation.
• Monitor deadlines and deliverables, coordinating with program leadership to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of all communications, submissions, and funder responses.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential funders, providing progress reports on funded projects.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and networking events to engage with funding sources, learn about new opportunities, and elevate Ascentria’s work.

Research and Data Collection

• Conduct in-depth research on topics relevant to program development and funder interests.
• Analyze program data and outcomes for integration into grant reports and applications.
• Review RFPs, extract relevant information, and communicate requirements to contributors.

Non-Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist Development and external relations team with additional fundraising, marketing and advocacy tasks as needed.
• Participate in opportunities to elevate brand awareness of the organization including, but not limited to, social media posting and content generation, event attendance, attending and participating in relevant advisory group/s as needed etc.

Required Education and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, required.
• Minimum of 6-7 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, and communications with a proven track record in securing funding specifically through grants, contracts, and foundations.
• Multiple years experience with all facets of grant writing from prospecting, submission, reporting and stewardship while working under tight timelines.
• Experience working in a not for profit organization.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete and pass an in-person timed writing sample as part of the interviewing process.
• Willingness to travel throughout the New England region (10-15%).
• Genuine interest in human services and a strong commitment to Ascentria’s mission.
• All other duties as assigned, based on department needs.