Grant and Development Writer

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

A world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Grant and Development Writer writes proposals, grants and reports for government, foundation and corporate donors and prospects, identifies potential new foundation donors, and assists in the creation of specialized correspondence for donors and events.

As part of a creative and skilled team, the experienced Grants and Development Writer will also put versatile skills to work across many channels and platforms on messaging aimed to raise awareness of philanthropic opportunities, illustrate the impact of private support in areas ranging from community engagement and access, education programs, meaningful exhibitions and horticultural displays, or health and social benefits to the various constituencies at Franklin Park Conservatory. Reporting to the Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager, this position will work closely with all members of the development team and cross-departmentally to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities.

Additional Information: The Development team generates contributed revenue and awareness to fund 25% - 30% of the organization’s operating budget, annually. The team’s primary focus is to raise budget-relieving operating dollars, and yet fund program development and capital needs at the same time. Through donor-centric communications and engagement opportunities, building the existing donor pipeline over time to support future fundraising efforts is key to our success.

Additional Information: This is a full-time exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 paid annually.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Writing (60%)

• Creates compelling, persuasive, and concise letters of inquiry, proposals, grants, and reports for foundation and corporate funders.

• Works closely with development staff responsible for foundation and corporate relations to discern programming objectives and financial needs and effectively translates this information into proposals aligned with the Conservatory’s funding priorities.

• Works closely with the VP of Philanthropy and the President and CEO to ensure government funding timelines are anticipated and met, with appropriate letters, contracts, and follow-up reports completed and recorded.

• Conducts local and national prospect research to identify potential new funders and prepares information for team meetings, grants committee meetings, and development Committee meetings for vetting discussion.

• Collaborates with program staff and finance to develop proposal language and budgets that comply with funders’ requirements and align with their priorities.

• Leads the management of the grants committee and grants calendar for letters of inquiry, proposal, and report deadlines and works with internal staff to ensure all deadlines are met.

Development Writing (20%)

• Creates compelling, persuasive, and concise content in support of philanthropic priorities, which may include writing and editing stewardship and cultivation materials, donor impact e-newsletter articles and blog posts, website giving page updates, acknowledgment letters, leadership emails, and more.

• In partnership with the VP of Philanthropy, leads the content creation and timeline for the Annual Report.

Events Writing (10%)

• Partners with development staff responsible for events to capture event format, theme and details and convey through compelling, on-brand event information in the form of online giving/purchasing opportunities, sponsorship package language, social media posts, email communications and invitations, print materials, donor acknowledgments and event talking points or scripts.

• Attends various event planning meetings, as needed.

• Submits grant-like event sponsorship proposals, as requested.

Data Management (10%)

• Enters all corporate and foundation letters of inquiry, proposals, grants and reports into the Tessitura database and appropriate shared drive.

• Communicates budgetary impact of gifts awarded with team, finance and FPC program staff, as appropriate.

• Assists in creating upcoming fiscal year goals based on anticipated submissions and awards for government, foundation and corporate grants.

Other

• Attends fundraising and stewardship events, as appropriate.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

• 2-3 years of grant writing experience with a track record of success is required.

• Demonstrated success in professional fundraising writing via writing samples is required.

• 3 years of experience working in a non-profit organization is preferred.

• Experience with Tessitura is highly preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Superior written and oral communication skills with the ability to be clear and precise.

• Warmth and an ability to convey mission-centric messages in both written and verbal interactions.

• Positive and collaborative team player with a high degree of initiative and self-discipline.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience using Google Suite including Docs, Sheets and Slides is desirable.

• Interest in the arts and/or horticulture is a plus.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000