POSITION SUMMARY:

The Institutional Giving Officer (IGO) is a member of the Development team reporting to the Chief Development Officer. The IGO plays a key role in the Department’s fundraising goals through managing existing grants and working to expand our institutional giving portfolio. The individual selected is responsible for identifying and applying for private funding opportunities that meet the organization’s needs, overseeing and executing the full grant application process. Birch Family Services is an organization supporting children, adolescents and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in New York City. Our early childhood, school and community-based programs touch more than 2,000 individuals and their families each day. The IGO is responsible for building a grants portfolio that will support the mission of Birch Family Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Generate revenue for Birch programs through timely submission of grant proposals
Conduct prospect research on potential corporate and foundation opportunities
Build and maintain an in-depth understanding of Birch Family Services history, program areas, and needs to contextualize grant proposals
Work with program leadership and staff to determine organizational needs and determine which lenders could best address those needs, connect with potential funders, and seek opportunities to apply for funding
Ensure that systems and procedures are in a place for donor cultivation and recognition, site visits, recording and acknowledgment of gifts, research and prospect management, and compliance with all grant requirements
Work with program teams to ensure that budgets are accurately reflected in proposals and reports and tracked throughout grant
Prepare all required interim and final reports for grants received
Develop a working proposal submission calendar and strive to ensure targets are met
Maintain records for renewals, prospects, and related special projects for a diverse portfolio of philanthropic partners
Update Birch leadership of relevant funding opportunities and reporting needs
Collaborate with colleagues to track and report on funding outcomes as needed
Assists with preparation for Leadership and Board meetings as needed
Support the agency’s fundraising events with a focus on identifying and securing potential corporate and foundation sponsors

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Proven success cultivating and soliciting private foundation and corporate gifts
Ability to plan and execute all stages of grant acquisition
Understanding of the fundraising landscape and ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities
Knowledge of and compassion for the special needs community
Ability to collaborate with various departments, leadership, and Board of Directors to achieve development goals
Advanced communication skills including the ability to explain complex topics with clarity and brevity
Exceptional prospect research skills
Highly organized, possessing strong project management skills, including attention to detail and the ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities
Ability to work effectively independently and in cross-functional groups
Ability to communicate confidently and effectively with all levels of organization and external partners.
Other responsibilities as needed

Education:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or professional degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or equivalent experience required.
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years of experience in grant writing, preferably with a non-profit disability services organization
Prior experience or background in areas of advocacy for autism and developmental disability rights or awareness, and issues surrounding such programs, strongly preferred
Proven track record in securing six-figure funding opportunities