Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

Reporting to the Chief of Development and Communications, the Assistant Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for securing funding from current and prospective foundations at local, state, and national levels. This will include creating and maintaining an accurate grants calendar to ensure funding goals are met, prospecting new funding opportunities to support programming needs, planning and implementing specific strategies for each prospective funder, developing and updating grant proposal language, supporting financial aspects of grant management, producing grant correspondence/cultivation, and coordinating monthly meetings with program directors. The successful candidate excels at identifying and securing funding opportunities that align with CHSC’s mission and strategic initiatives.

Primary Objectives:

• Responsible for the strategic management and coordination of grants
• Develop a comprehensive annual action plan detailing grant application timelines/deadline, and stewardship activities
• Prospect research new funding opportunities
• Manage internal process – coordinate and facilitate departmental meetings to review and prepare for grant requests and required reporting

Essential Duties and Expectations

• Outstanding writing skills with particular strength in tying together a funders area of focus with CHSC programs and needs.
• Must be able to relay information in a concise and persuasive manner
• Prepare, edit, and submit proposals, reports, letters, and budgets for foundation and corporate funders in a timely and professional manner
• Conduct prospect research to support CHSC’s wide array of funding needs and develop creative funder outreach strategies
• Research statistical data to provide needs analysis as required for grant applications.
• Lead the planning process of grant proposals and reports and serve as the liaison between departments
• Support special campaigns through proposal research, preparation, submission and stewardship
• Plan and lead monthly meetings with necessary staff to ensure timelines are met and report requirements are understood
• Maintain an accurate grants calendar, tracking grant deadlines for submissions and reports
• Develop and execute funder cultivation and stewardship, including the scheduling of meetings, preparation of compelling correspondence (white papers, presentations, etc.), and active participation in donor appreciation activities, site visits, and events
• Maintain appropriate documentation and files
• Prepare monthly Grant Activity Report and other reports as requested by supervisor
• Support financial aspects of grants and project management, including budget proposals; budget modifications, and working with the Finance Department on reconciliations and financial reporting
• Contribute to the overall strategy of the fundraising department and work with the team to execute our goals
• Perform other special projects as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (Journalism preferred)
• 5 years minimum of grant writing and fundraising experience is required
• Excellent verbal communication skills including ability to interact positively with stakeholders
• Experience and ability to take the lead on successful team projects
• Strong research skills, preferably with funders using tools like Foundation Search and LinkedIn.
• Ability to learn quickly on the job and synthesize complex themes in writing
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organization skills
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and perform under deadlines and changing schedules
• Must be self-motivated and able to initiate projects and ideas
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team
• DonorPerfect or other fundraising database experience required
• Energetic, positive and enthusiastic worker with a commitment to the values of the organization.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office especially on Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Formatting and grammar nerds preferred!
• Ability to fulfill occasional local travel and evening/weekend obligations is required