Grant Writer + Storyteller Consultant

Position Title: Grant Writer + Storyteller

Staff Liaison: Director, External Affairs

Status: Independent Consultant

Rate: $30-40/hr

Organization Overview

Umoja is a national social impact organization whose work focuses on adult capacity building as the primary vehicle for creating safe, inclusive, and restorative spaces. By investing in sustainable and wellness-rooted adult learning, practices, and mindsets, we equip a community of adults who are prepared to do the ongoing work required to dismantle and rebuild a safe, equitable, and just society. With roots in Chicago and wings across the nation, Umoja centers students in our mission and adults in our practice. For more information, please visit www.umojacorporation.org

Position Summary

Umoja seeks experienced equity-minded writer/storyteller to produce written collateral, primarily for grant applications and reports, as well as, contribute to the organization’s marketing campaigns (e.g. digital newsletter, website, program resources). Reporting to the Director, External Affairs and working closely with the CEO and rest of the External Affairs Team, the ideal candidate will produce accessible, inclusive, compelling, grammatically-accurate, and timely narratives to generate funds from private/public entities that allow Umoja to fulfill its mission. The Grant Writer + Storyteller will be a motivated self-starter with an unmistakable work ethic, sense of urgency, communication skills, and ability to take the work (but not themself) too seriously.      

Location

Umoja’s office is located in Chicago, however this work can be done 100% remotely. 

Scope of Work:

• Generate LOIs and proposals for current and prospective funders, according to required deadlines
• Package grant applications and generate or gather requested attachments
• Write narratives for reports on funded grants, as well as, Umoja’s digital newsletter, website, and program materials
• Work with finance consultants to ensure that financial reports are accurate and reflective of submitted grant budgets
• Support the creation of grant budgets on an as needed basis
• Regularly update grant language to ensure that program initiatives are accurately reflected in narratives
• Collaborate with program team members to gather firsthand stories and information as needed and to ensure an accurate understanding of Umoja’s work
• Communicate as necessary with grant and fund officers at funding institutions under the direction of the Director, External Affairs
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Contract Term + Hours

• Six-month contract for grant writing support as needed with the potential for renewal
• 0-20 hours per week, depending upon content needs and grant cycles

Qualifications: Required

• Commitment to educational equity, racial justice, and restorative practices
• 4+ years of work experience in the fields of Communication, Marketing, Nonprofit Development, or another related field 
• Strong relationship building skills with a diversity of stakeholders
• Engagement in a regular self-reflective practice that enhances one’s sensitivity to and understanding of others across lines of difference, as well as, one’s ability to nurture an inclusive environment 
• Ability to communicate in an effective and compelling manner both orally and in writing
• Experience writing compelling stories with well-documented engagement and impact with a variety of audiences
• Proven ability to understand and write about all people and communities from an asset-based perspective
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage, be responsive, and produce content effectively with regular and tight deadlines
• Flexible and adaptable; the ability to easily adjust course when needed without losing focus on the overall goal
• Proficiency in, or willingness to quickly learn, Google Office (Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar), Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel), and Zoom web platform

Qualifications: Preferred

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in the areas of Communication, Marketing, Nonprofit Development, or another related field
• Grant writing certification

Commitment to Equity

Umoja Student Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive team. To do this, we not only recognize each individual’s diverse identity but also actively create and maintain a culture of inclusion where all Umoja employees feel involved, respected, and supported for their diverse identities. Candidates from communities that traditionally experience discrimination are encouraged to apply. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you require.