Grants and Development Manager

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: The Grants and Development Manager is responsible for securing funding through grants to support Ascendigo’s mission and programs. This role includes researching and identifying potential grant opportunities, preparing and submitting grant proposals, and managing the entire grant application process from start to finish. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of grant management, collaborating closely with program managers, the Development team, and the Finance department.

In addition to grant management, this position oversees the donor database, ensuring accurate gift entry, donor acknowledgment, reporting, and reconciliation in partnership with the Finance team to align with QuickBooks. The Grants and Development Manager will also maintain relationships with funders, including regular communication, progress reporting, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. Additional development-related tasks may be assigned to support the department’s goals.

Tasks

• Research Funding Opportunities
• Identify and research potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources that align with Ascendigo’s mission and programs.
• Grant Proposal Writing
• Write compelling, clear, and targeted grant proposals and applications that align with the funding organization’s requirements and Ascendigo’s mission.
• Ensure proposals clearly articulate Ascendigo’s goals, objectives, and the intended use of funds.
• Grant Application Management
• Oversee the management the grants portfolio, coordinating with program staff to gather necessary documentation and ensure the timely submission of applications.
• Manage the entire grant application process, from research to submission, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Budget Development & Management
• Collaborate with Program, Development, and Finance teams to develop accurate and realistic budgets for grant proposals.
• Monitor and manage grant budgets throughout the grant period, ensuring alignment with program goals and financial regulations.
• Grant Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including reporting deadlines, expenditure restrictions, and programmatic deliverables.
• Maintain organized records and documentation to support compliance efforts and facilitate reporting.
• Relationship Management
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with funders.
• Provide regular updates to funders on grant-funded activities, addressing any inquiries or requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Evaluation and Reporting
• Monitor and assess the impact and effectiveness of grant-funded programs and projects.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate progress and financial reports to funders, ensuring all reporting requirements are met.
• Grant Tracking and Documentation
• Track and document all aspects of the grant process, including application submissions, award notifications, correspondence with funders, and grant-related expenditures.
• Maintain a comprehensive, organized system for managing grant documentation.
• Track and manage all active, past, and prospect grants in GrantHub, ensuring up-to-date information on grant statuses, deadlines, and reporting requirements.
• Donor Database Management
• Oversee gift entry in the donor database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Manage donor acknowledgment letters, reporting, and reconciliation in partnership with the Finance team to match QuickBooks.
• Fundraising Support
• Provide additional support to the Development team on fundraising initiatives, events, and donor communications.
  

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Grants Manager (3 years) or similar role in non-profit sector that includes grant writing, grant management, fundraising, or non-profit management.
• Experience in researching and applying for funding opportunities, with a demonstrated track record of successful grant submissions.
• Experience with the state of Colorado and federal grants in Health & Human Services a plus.
• Ability to form and nurture positive relationships with co-workers and donors.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Detailed and strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize multiple important tasks. Self-starter who can work independently, efficiently, and effectively to meet deadlines.
• Data-driven mindset with experience managing, analyzing, and interpreting data from donor databases and grants management systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with donor and grants databases is preferred.
• Experience with QuickBooks is preferred but not required if open to learning
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Non-Profit Management or related field. Certification in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit management a plus.
  
  

In Addition

• Must be 21 or over and have legal working status
• Valid driver’s license with no major violations in the past 5 years
• Clean background check with no felonies or flags
• High school diploma required
• Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities
• Personal smartphone with texting capacity
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, email, social media)
• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 25 pounds)
  
  

DESTINATION ASCENDIGO: Ascendigo’s mission is to elevate the spectrum by empowering people, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations. We apply this mission to both the people we serve and the people we work with.

Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of children and adults living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through therapeutic recreation, employment, community integration, education, and an array of behavioral health services. We are head-quartered in Carbondale, CO.

The ASCENDIGO PROMISE to our employees is to provide meaning and purpose in the work we do. We support high performance through thoughtful onboarding and training and acting with integrity. We offer 360° compensation with a path to financial security, personal well-being and fulfillment, and housing assistance.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. Belief in the dignity and potential of our clients. Ascendigo is committed to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

• R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.
• E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.
• S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.
• P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!
• E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others’ situations.
• C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.
• T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.