Under general direction of the Director of Institutional Giving, this position facilitates research, development, review, and editing of institutional grant proposals; conducts basic research for potential funding sources and maintains databases; and supports staff and administration in developing proposals. The Grant Writer will uphold a commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Facilitate grant management for a select number of awarded grants.
- Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Giving to set annual targets and goals for the grants program, including developing quarterly and annual metrics.
- Develop and oversee grants pipeline, including identifying and researching potential funding sources; outlining engagement strategies and plans for building relationships with foundation and corporate representatives; and ensuring ongoing cultivation and stewardship of all grants program funding sources.
- Cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with potential and current foundation program officers and equivalents.
- Manage the grant development process (for corporate, foundation, and government grant applications) from start to finish, including drafting compelling and dynamic letters of intent and full proposals, developing budgets and timelines, and producing interim progress reports, as necessary.
- Meet with all appropriate Woodland Park Zoo and partner organization staff as needed to ensure updated and relevant project information is accurate.
- Support all financial aspects of grants management, including pre-award activities such as budget proposals; post-award activities, including budget modifications, monitoring spending, and meeting with program administrators; and close-out activities, such as reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Identify potential funding sources utilizing databases, publications and government websites, matching the zoo’s program goals and priorities with grant opportunities.
- Update general informational materials in coordination with the zoo’s Communications department.
- Maintain grant database to track grant deadlines, submissions, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and three years of grant writing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with government grants a plus.
- Knowledge of local foundations and local, state and federal grant guidelines.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills with proven grant writing and research skills, including the ability to listen and develop information into grant proposals and codify ideas into coherently written text.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively, balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet financial goals and deadlines.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule for events scheduled on evenings and weekends.
- Knowledge of wildlife conservation issues a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and other software programs.
- Ability to work in a web-based environment with customized and/or other database management tools.
- Ability to gain proficiency in the use of fund raising software (Raiser’s Edge).
- Knowledge of internet research and other electronic tools and sources available online required, including the ability to stay current in this fast-changing media.
- Ability to pay attention to detail and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Ability to write persuasively and form a cogent argument as to why funders should support WPZ.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before). Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status. |