Grant Writer I

Job Title: Grant Writer

Location: SAMMinistries Administrative Office

Reports To: Director of Grants and Research

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Director of Grants and Research

Approved By: Chief Development and External Relations Officer

Approved Date: February 2023

Salary Range: $45,000- $54,000

Apply at: https://www.samm.org/careers/

SUMMARY: The Grant Writer works with the Director of Grants and Research, Chief Development and External Relations Officer, and President and CEO to identify and secure new private/family/corporate foundation, as well as maintain existing corporate, foundation, and governmental and quasi-governmental support for our programs. The Grant Writer researches, cultivates, solicits and stewarding prospects/donors, representing SAMMinistries in a variety of settings both independently and with other staff and contractors.

1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   1. Oversee all aspects of grant submissions including identification, research, assessment, preparation, submission, tracking, and reporting.
   2. Maintain accurate records of strategy implementation to ensure effective follow through, evaluation, forecasting, and future planning in the areas of corporate, foundation, and government or quasi-government funding.
   3. Cross-train as a staff member responsible for writing and reporting all kinds of grants to ensure the grants with the greatest chance of success are submitted each month.
   4. Discuss program requirements and sources of funds available with program and finance personnel to develop program goals and objectives, outline how funds are to be used, support the development of budgets, and explain procedures necessary to obtain funding.
   5. Build and cultivate relationships with funder representatives to develop funding requests that are mutually beneficial.
   6. Prepare a custom donor plan for assigned funders to include 1-3 annual personal engagements.
   7. Write grant proposals according to formats required and submit applications to funding agencies and foundations.
   8. Write reports in compliance with grant requirements or annually when no report is mandated.
   9. Participate in evaluation and monitoring of grant-funded programs as directed.
   10. Prepare and maintain the grant and reporting calendar to ensure all submission and reporting deadlines are met.
   11. Maintain grant files that include all supporting documentation for each proposal and award.
   12. Communicate grant award details to program and finance staff for tracking, coding, and reporting purposes.
   13. Work with the Director of Grants and Research and Database Administrator to maintain data accuracy within the donor database and prepare reports as needed.

1. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
   1. Develop goals, priorities and timelines on a regular basis, ensuring timely and efficient management and completion of all related tasks.
   2. Communicate and coordinate priorities, workload, and challenges to the Director of Grants and Research on a regular basis.
   3. Attend special events on behalf of the agency whether sponsored by SAMMinistries, donors, or collaborating partners.
   4. Present, with commitment and passion, SAMMinistries’ vision, mission, values and goals to the donor community and other audiences.
   5. Attend staff meetings and participate in organization‐wide activities.
   6. Handle other tasks as assigned by the Director of Grants and Research, Chief Development and External Relations Officer, or President and CEO.
   7. Keep up-to-date on trends in the corporate, foundation, and government sectors as well as general philanthropic trends by reading industry publications and attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
   8. Undertake all activities with the highest ethical standards.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, plus grant writing experience preferred; advanced Microsoft Word and Excel skills; non-profit data management experience a plus; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented; proven ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

LANGUAGE SKILLS

It is imperative that the person in this position possess a high level of energy, ambition and orientation toward writing, researching grant potential; interest and ability to speak with a variety of foundations with the goal of seeking and securing gifts for SAMMinistries; strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and computer literacy skills; strong attention to detail, accuracy, and meeting deadlines; ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations; ability to write newsletters, articles, stories, marketing materials, proposals, reports, and business correspondence; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of donors, clients, customers, staff, and the general public.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Candidate must have a valid Texas Driver's License, a good driving record, reliable transportation and proper insurance coverage on automobile use for work. Monthly mileage reimbursed for applicable and documented work-related mileage. Some travel may be required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to operate a computer, copier, fax machine, and a telephone with intercom and work in Microsoft Windows and Office Suite applications. A willingness to learn new programs and applications is essential. Ability to follow instructions, think conceptually, set priorities and interface effectively with staff; coordinate work requirements; handle several projects simultaneously; and to work conscientiously without supervision. Must have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and public speaking ability; ability to maintain strict confidentiality and interact well with all constituencies; ability to work independently, but also be flexible in assisting the team as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires on-site, face to face contact with employees, donors and other SAMMinistries constituents. The work environment is indoors. Workload may dictate work hours in excess of 40 hours per week and during evenings and weekends. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.