Director of Grants and Research

About the job

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network seeks a Director of Grants and Research to guide the organization to long-term financial sustainability by managing grant development activities for the organization, researching opportunities, writing and submitting proposals, and submitting timely and accurate reports for grant-funded programs and initiatives, to include grant writing and reporting with public agencies, private foundations, and corporations. This unique individual will also be instrumental in shaping future fundraising activities such as funder cultivation, engagement, stewardship, and annual fundraising events.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct and manage grant process from prospect research, to application compilation and submission, to award review, signature, and tracking
• Lead a strategic approach aimed at securing financial support from new and existing institutional foundations, family foundations, corporations, public/governmental grantors, and other grant resources
• Evaluate all potential grant opportunities and determine whether the agency should apply based on evaluation of financial alignment, strategic alignment, implementation needs/requirements, and application complexity/requirements
• In collaboration with the Co-Director of Grants and Research, provide management leadership to the grant-writing process including, forming grant-writing teams, setting deadlines, assigning tasks, overseeing process, final review, and timely submission of all agency grant applications and follow up
• Prepare letters of inquiry, proposals, grant applications and funder reports, ensuring that all data is completed accurately and on time
• In collaboration with the Programs Team and Chief Impact and Innovation Officer, assist in tracking and reporting for grant awards, submittals and projects that maximize the impact of a potential grant or contract
• Maintain knowledge of agency funding gaps and prioritize program funding needs
• Maintain an annual grant cycle calendar to identify and track state, federal, and foundations grant openings to ensure that complete, professional grant applications are submitted in a timely manner
• Maintain comprehensive data files on all foundations/grantors including, relationship contacts, funding requests, secured funding, reporting requirements, etc.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in liberal arts and sciences field plus a minimum of 5 years of related grant management and writing experience with public and private (federal, state, and foundations) grant proposals and applications is required.
• A proven track record of success in securing gifts from foundations and corporations
• Excellent self-management and organizational skills motivated by outcomes and goals
• Proven leadership and management experience delegating and creating clarity for team members and direct reports
• Strategic thinker who has the ability to build consensus across a diverse organization
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, goal‐oriented, and capable of multi‐tasking
• Experience with Salesforce or other donor management software preferred
• Experience with MailChimp or other email marketing software preferred
• Demonstrated success in information management and project management
• Budget planning and financial management experience a plus
• Experience with staff or intern supervision a plus
• Passion for NLEN mission and goals
• A commitment to social and economic justice
• Excellent time management skills and communications follow-up habits

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• Hybrid work schedule
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

North Lawndale Employment Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary for this position is $80,000.