Grant Writer

Description

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:

Under the direction of the Director of Institutional Giving, and in collaboration with the Institutional Giving Manager, the Grant Writer will be responsible for prospecting, researching, preparing, writing, and submitting proposals and grant applications in support of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra advancement department’s ongoing needs and priorities.  The primary focus is to write proposals and applications for both private and public funding, research new grant opportunities, and submit timely and accurate reports for grant funded programs and projects. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and identify funding opportunities available from public (national, state, local) and private sources. These include federal, government, foundation, and corporate giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the institutional giving team to develop and update program narratives, activities, objectives, and outcomes and develop successful grant proposals that meet funder guidelines and giving priorities.
• Manage multiple grant writing timelines and oversee the grant schedule to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports.
• Develop and maintain internal grant reports to inform key staff members when grant awards are received and to ensure proper implementation of programming.
• Compile mid-year and end-of-year data from various organizational departments to update grant templates and provide accurate information for the annual report and other communication tools.
• Maintain good records of grant funders, prospect research, grant processes, and outcomes both in databases and in paper files. Tessitura or other donor database experience a plus.
• Maintain broad subject area knowledge through scholarly research which includes examination of internet, professional and academic publications, news digests, and statistical assessments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: This position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in a related industry or writing-oriented position. Successful candidates will have a bachelor’s degree – English, Communications, or Journalism preferred – and a minimum of 5 years of experience in grant writing, or a minimum of 3 years comparable or transferrable skills acquired in a professional setting. Successful experience in obtaining government grants and corporate/foundation support preferred.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS: This position is highly visible and has contact with MSO Board members, MSO staff and orchestra members, and prominent people in the community.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Grant/proposal writing experience preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Experience in managing a budget, working with profit & loss statements, etc.

REASONING ABILITY: This position requires the ability to define problem, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must be able to multi-task and work independently with great attention to detail and meet deadlines.  This position requires a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously, excellent organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Qualifications

Salary : $48,000 - $50,000