Grant Writer, Manager or Assoc. Director (dependent on experience)

About the position The Grant Writer will play a key role in Lift to Rise’s revenue development through proposal writing and by managing relationships with foundations, governments and other large donors. The Grant Writer is responsible for a robust annual grant application and reporting schedule and will work collaboratively across departments to help ensure alignment and consistency in funder messaging and engagement. This position will write and edit high-quality proposals and materials from concept to completion, as well as coordinate all supporting documentation for grant requests and reports. The Grant Writer will steward relationships with funders, providing detailed overviews and information about the ongoing work of Lift to Rise. Please note: This role may allow for hybrid candidates but requires a minimum of 1-2 days at Lift to Rise in Palm Desert, as well as an initial onboarding period in office.

Responsibilities

• Write compelling proposals to renew or maintain existing foundation funding base, and secure new philanthropic grants by developing clear, persuasive, and compelling narratives about the organization’s mission, plans and accomplishments, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and deadlines. The organization currently has approximately $3 million in philanthropic grants secured annually.
• Proactively seek out and evaluate opportunities for grants that align with organizational needs and geographic focus. Conduct necessary research to inform the strategy, positioning and outreach to potential funders.
• Draft and edit high-impact materials including letters of inquiry, initial concept notes, grant reports, pitch decks, and other supporting materials.
• Conduct fund development research and stay abreast of trends in philanthropic giving in the Coachella Valley and nationally in the areas of affordable housing, community development, collective impact, policy change, and living wage jobs.
• Maintain working knowledge of the range of partners that comprise Lift to Rise’s Collective Action Network (nonprofits, governments, academics, low-income residents and other partners).
• Develop and organize grant fundraising program, including coordinating and tracking full grant cycles, proposal submissions, and reporting deadlines.
• Manage grant application projects and processes, and stay informed about ongoing work and results, collecting supporting information (e.g, data, budgets, press) from team members.
• Maintain strong relationships with staff and/or program officers of foundations, government agencies and other philanthropic institutions, keeping them informed on how their contributions are being used, responding to requests, and otherwise stewarding these relationships.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to support the organization’s goals.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in grant writing and funder relationship management, with a proven track record of securing institutional grants from foundations, corporations and/or government agencies.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably related to communications, public policy, journalism, English or related areas.
• Exceptional writing, research and editing skills.
• The ability to distill complicated community development concepts, such as affordable housing, housing and economic policy, to a broader audience or transferable experience.
• Ability to meet and manage competing deadlines, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office online suite, comfort with grant portals (e.g. Fluxx, Benevity).
• Experience working in and/or with communities of color.
• Ability to work full-time, including occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
• A passion and authentic commitment to justice and equity for people of all ethnicities, races, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities and characteristics, and philosophies.
• Genuine commitment to resident and community issues in the Coachella Valley, as well as the vision, mission, and values of Lift to Rise.
• This role is based at Lift to Rise in Palm Desert, California.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Able to frequently walk, sit, and perform other job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments Able to occasionally stand for long periods of time
• Visual acuity to operate computer and laptop for extended periods of time
• Able to occasionally lift up to 30-40 pounds without assistance

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with Salesforce or grant management system software preferred.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – Medical, Vision & Dental
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Sick Time
• PTO – Paid Time Off
• Retirement Benefits