Foundation and Government Giving Manager

About Pioneer Works

Pioneer Works (PW) is an artist and scientist-led nonprofit cultural center in Red Hook, Brooklyn that fosters innovative thinking through the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science. We provide artists, musicians, scientists, technologists, community organizers, and educators the resources and platform they need to expand their practices. The majority of our multidisciplinary programs, exhibitions, residencies, and performances are free and open to the public.

Position Summary

We're looking for an experienced grant writer to serve as the primary author and project manager of Pioneer Works's foundation and government fundraising materials and processes. In this role, you will write all foundation and government grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for the organization. You will also identify, manage, and solicit a portfolio of mid-level foundation prospects, eventually generating $500,000+ in funding annually.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and communicator with a track record of turning complex programs into compelling, outcomes-driven narratives. In this role, you will exercise strong independent judgement and discretion, confidently making decisions about how to represent Pioneer Works’s programs, impact, and priorities to funders with minimal oversight. You are organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable managing many moving parts at once. This role provides an opportunity to join an ambitious department and sharpen your fundraising skills across a range of sophisticated funding audiences.

In alignment with current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.

Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Management (70%)

• Write and assemble all foundation and government proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), and reports, representing a diverse set of programs across art, science, music, and technology
• Assist in the creation of the organization’s Annual Report
• Use excellent discretion and independent judgment in presenting program content and impact
• Work closely with program teams to develop narrative content and with finance team to develop budget narratives and data visualizations
• Research program topic areas and target populations, integrating findings—including relevant statistics—into your work
• Monitor compliance with grant deliverables and reporting requirements
• Communicate grant requirements and expected outcomes to program teams.
• Support the development of more efficient systems for data collection across the organization

Portfolio Management & Prospecting (30%)

• Build and manage a portfolio of new and prospective mid-level foundation funders totaling $500,000+ annually
• Proactively and independently identify cultivation opportunities among new foundation and government prospects, coordinating preparation and follow up for funder site visits and meetings
• Drive cultivation and stewardship through customized communication and the distribution of publications, including annual reports, newsletters, decks, and event invitations
• Own the moves management process for each funder in your portfolio, ensuring timely communications and tracking key actions and notes in Salesforce donor files
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Advancement and leadership team

Qualifications

• 3–4+ years of grant writing experience, with a portfolio of successful foundation and/or government proposals, or other demonstrated relevant experience
• Excellent and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite, including Word/Docs and Excel/Sheets
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Familiarity with New York City, NY state, and federal grant interfaces and processes preferred
• Experience with CRM databases such as Salesforce preferred
• Experience with Project Management software, such as Asana, preferred

Commitment to Inclusion

Pioneer Works is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply for jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that few candidates meet every qualification for a given role, and value the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that each person brings to our team. We welcome applicants from other sectors and those returning to the workforce. If much of this job description describes you and the role excites you, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with experience. Salary range of $80,000-$90,000/year, with competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, 401K with company match up to 3%, and flexible/unlimited PTO.

Apply

Resume and cover letter should be submitted through our application page. Please do not call to inquire about your application. Should you match our needs, we will be in contact with you.

Policy

Pioneer Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Compensation commensurate with experience. Salary range of $80,000-$90,000/year, with competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, 401K with company match up to 3%, and flexible/unlimited PTO.