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Title: Grant Writer

Unit: Development and Communications

Reports to: Senior Director of Grants

Status: Full-Time; Regular; Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000 Annually

Location: Long Island City, Queens

Days/Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, subject to change based on program needs

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with over $90 million in annual budget with approximately 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 18,000 people a year. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the AVP of Development, the Grant Writer is responsible for analyzing potential funding sources, including foundations, corporations, and government-issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and producing high quality proposals within a specified timeframe that result in grant awards and contracts for The Fortune Society.

Core Competencies:

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune’s core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Grant Writing Experience: Has superior writing skills; understands the proposal development process, especially for large government grants; is able to work in and lead groups for grant projects; is able to work alone.

Strong Project Management Skills: Is highly organized; has excellent attention to detail; can manage multiple complex priorities and meet demanding outcomes; understands how to navigate a large, complex nonprofit

Knowledge of criminal justice issues and Fortune’s program areas: Has knowledge of criminal justice issues; has some background or knowledge of a number of Fortune’s program areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research government, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities and identify those that are potentially a good fit for supporting Fortune’s programs;
• Analyze RFPs, prepare written RFP analyses for senior staff, and lead meetings with senior staff to discuss RFPs that are up for consideration;
• Lead the preparation and development of government, foundation, and corporate grant proposals, including all external and internal outreach and planning required and the drafting of the narrative, budget, and all attachments;
• Design and enforce proposal production schedules;
• Ensure that all internal and final deadlines are met and proposal components are addressed by relevant staff, including development and program staff;
• Initiate communication with essential Fortune staff, including program managers, finance staff, and external partners needed for the preparation of high quality grant proposals;
• Participate in regular meetings with Fortune staff to discuss grant projects;
• Coordinate the submission of grant reports;
• Attend outside trainings related to fundraising and grant development, reentry programs and policies; and attend all internal meetings related to maximizing fundraising opportunities for Fortune;
• Act as a liaison between funders and The Fortune Society; advise program and senior executive staff on communications with appropriate contacts and funder agencies;
• Write and prepare fundraising materials such as concept papers, information packets, and brochures;
• Participate in the ongoing development of creative projects that generate future funding opportunities for Fortune, including projects in partnership with external organizations involved in policy advocacy and research, arts and culture, housing, education, etc.;
• Assist in the development of Fortune’s annual fundraising goals and action plan to achieve them;
• Develop a high level of expertise in reentry programs and agencies that fund them, including housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health, employment services, education, HIV/AIDS, court advocacy, and alternatives to incarceration (ATI);
• Contribute to the overall positive growth and development of the Development and Communications department and to The Fortune Society as a whole; and
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent skill) required; Advanced degree (MPA, MSW or JD) preferred;
• 3-5 years’ experience in producing grant proposals and government RFPs, with a demonstrated track record of success, OR comparable advocacy writing experience in a professional setting (e.g., law, journalism, etc.);
• Exceptionally detail-oriented written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent research, analysis, synthesis, and presentation skills;
• Exceptional project management skills, including relationship building and time management;
• Ability to work effectively and flexibly to produce high quality work products in an extremely fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
• Ability to receive and integrate constructive critiques and feedback;
• Familiarity with reentry programs and a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals with criminal histories in New York City a plus;
• Commitment to the mission of the agency, helping those involved in the criminal justice system to break the cycle of crime and incarceration

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.