Overview

About Us:

Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is a nonprofit Catholic organization. For more than a century, we have cared for generations of families, owning and operating premier senior living communities that offer a spectrum of housing and care options including independent living, assisted living, memory support services, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community-based home care. Our charitable programs extend to a domestic violence prevention center and shelter, and we provide scholarships and educational support for students attending an all-girls Catholic high school in the Chicago area.

About Your New Role:

Welcome to the heart of transformational giving, where every grant represents a beacon of hope and possibility. As the Senior Grants Manager at Franciscan Ministries, you'll be at the forefront of our mission to empower communities and ministries with the resources they need to flourish. Your role transcends driving grant submission strategy; it involves forging meaningful connections and nurturing partnerships that go beyond transactional exchanges. Your expertise will help craft tailored proposals that address the unique needs of each community and ministry, ensuring that every dollar invested makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. Reporting to the Corporate Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving, you will lead our grant management efforts, stewarding resources with precision to maximize their impact. Most importantly, you'll be a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between vision and reality, and fostering a culture of generosity and compassion that defines Franciscan Ministries' legacy. Join us on this journey of empowerment and possibility, where your passion meets purpose, and together, let's build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Specific Task/Duties:

Grant Management Responsibilities:

• Collaboration: Work effectively with diverse stakeholders within Franciscan Ministries to drive grant fundraising results and manage grant projects and relationships related to corporate, foundation, and government relations.
• Program Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive grants management program across the organization. Implement strategies to establish and expand relationships with grant funders and community partners, submit impactful proposals, and communicate the foundation’s mission and message to all philanthropic grant funding supporters.
• Research and Outreach: Research and contact potential foundation and corporate funders to support programs, scholarships, capital, and other projects related to St. Jude House, Madonna Foundation, and our Senior Healthcare Communities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Funder Engagement: Identify and contact potential funders for grant support and build quality relationships.
• Donor Relations: Manage donor relations, communications, and recognition for our supporters.
• Internal Communication: Communicate regularly with the development team, executive directors, and finance to build knowledge and awareness of grant-related practices and opportunities.
• Procedural Development: Develop effective procedures and implement best practices.
• Proposal Writing: Research, write, and submit competitive proposals to private and public foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Program Coordination: Consult with program directors/managers to identify program priorities and coordinate proposal development.
• Reporting: Manage and/or submit all required reports to funders.
• Outcome Measurement: Work closely with program directors to obtain client, resident, and scholar outcomes for grant reporting.
• Financial Collaboration: Partner with finance staff in creating grant tracking policies and providing information on pending and committed grant funding awards.
• Database Maintenance: Maintain grant fundraising records within the donor database (Raiser’s Edge).
• Continuous Learning: Maintain awareness and knowledge of potential new funding and strategies for education and programming for disadvantaged students, domestic violence/human services, and aging healthcare priorities.
• Ethical Standards: Uphold and display the highest level of ethical conduct.
• Additional Responsibilities: Assist the Advancement division with other writing responsibilities and special events as needed.

Mission/Values:

• Mission Support: Uphold and maintain the Mission and Philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, serving as a positive role model in all business interactions.
• Confidentiality: Respect and safeguard the confidentiality of information regarding all Franciscan Ministries constituents, including scholars, residents/clients, co-workers, schools, and family members.
• Professionalism: Project a professional and caring demeanor at all times.
• Financial Responsibility: Ensure budgetary guidelines are met and demonstrate financial responsibility.
• Teamwork: Demonstrate an attitude of teamwork, consistently displaying respect for self and others in manner, word, and action.
• Proactivity: Take ownership of job responsibilities, initiating prompt and appropriate action/follow-up in all areas.
• Resourcefulness: Exhibit initiative in anticipating and meeting the needs of the Advancement division proactively.
• Openness to Change: Welcome suggestions and new ideas as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve services.
• Alignment with Strategic Plan: Align personal goals and objectives with the overall strategic plan of the organization.

Position Requirements:

• Education: At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in communications, education, business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree in communications, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of five years in grant development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability. Ten years of progressive fundraising experience, including grant writing, accounting and statistics, gift reporting, and receipting.
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage grant programs and develop funding strategies to achieve program and fundraising goals. Experience in grant research and application processes, including government and non-government grants. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, take initiative, and work independently.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with the geographical service area and an interest in serving the underprivileged. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge fundraising software is essential.
• Ethics and Judgment: Ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment, handling confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Ability to embrace the mission of Franciscan Ministries.
• Professional Associations: Membership with the Grant Professional Association is preferred.
• Additional Experience: Experience with annual funds, capital campaigns, and planned giving is preferred.

Join us at Franciscan Ministries and contribute to a legacy of care, compassion, and community empowerment.