The EcoTarium, a Museum of Science and Nature, seeks a full-time or part-time on-site Grant  Writer to join our team. We are looking for an experienced professional with a proven track record of developing well-written, successful proposals and a demonstrable ability to manage  relationships and projects in an Advancement office. The Grant Writer works as one of two team members responsible for researching, fostering, managing, and executing all activities related to a successful grant application and follow-up on awarded grants.

This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer as part of the Institutional Advancement  team. They will work closely with the EcoTarium President & CEO on operating and capital grants and collaborate with all departments within the museum to develop timely grant proposals. The successful applicant will be a proactive collaborator who will work with other staff members, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and outside partners as necessary to ensure all submitted grants have strong chances of approval.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Identification of Opportunities, Proposal Development and Writing

  • Identify and research on new potential funding sources locally, regionally and nationally
  • Develop and write proposals for general operating support, capital projects, and specific educational programs
  • Collaborate internally (with other departments) and externally (collaborative projects with academic and other institutions/ organizations) to support implementable projects that will be compelling as grant applications while meeting the museum’s needs and furthering its  strategic direction/mission
  • Produce supporting material to enhance proposals and assist with efforts to include evaluation and data collection in developed projects
  • Create and track budgets in collaboration with the museum’s finance team

Grants Management 

  • Draft and/or manage all communications to funders including, but not limited to: concept papers, letters of intent, grant applications (federal, state, private foundation, corporation, individual), acknowledgments, grant reports, and all associated letters/documentation
  • For each granted project, lead a kick off meeting with project leader, finance and others as necessary to establish checkpoints and goals. Monitor projects on an ongoing basis in terms of meeting grant requirements, including confirming the remaining grant financial obligation. Communicate as appropriate with funder, including thank you notes and required reports.
  • Act as liaison between the funder and the museum, working with identified project leaders, financial staff, Institutional Advancement team members, and museum leadership in order to facilitate the fulfillment of grant obligations to the donor both from a content and financial perspective
  • Work with federal, state, community, and foundation Program Officers and their equivalents, to ensure compliance with application guidelines and to mediate the needs of the funder with the needs of the museum
  • Act as the museum’s Authorized Official at the federal level, ensuring the EcoTarium remains in good standing with all federal organizations (SAM, DUNS etc.) in order to apply and receive funds from federal agencies, and to submit funding applications to federal  agencies

Administration

  • Manage a Grants Calendar/Database to ensure timely applications, reports, and communications with funders. Track grants considered, applied for, and decision, and progress on grants awarded
  • Maintain files on each funder and potential funder and manage the grants portfolio, to ensure related contact information remains correct
  • Maintain accurate contact information for collaborators and others associated with the grants process and advocacy
  • Coordinate efforts with the President, senior staff, all other staff/Board Members, and external partners as needed to avoid duplication of contact with potential funders
  • General maintenance/upkeep of Altru database

Education and Experience:

  • BA/BS in a relevant field; MA/MS preferred
  • 3 plus years’ experience in successful proposal development for private and public funding, including at the national level
  • Skilled researcher and communicator, in both writing and speaking
  • Strong team player with experience in project development and management
  • Ability to foster strong relationships
  • Highly organized and able to work on simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to conduct/ facilitate meetings as necessary
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat and comfort working in online databases, web-based forms and systems. Working knowledge of Altru/Blackbaud preferred
  • Pass CORI and SORI background checks according to EcoTarium’s guidelines
  • Contribute to a professional and motivational work environment by encouraging teamwork, collaborating with colleagues and providing positive reinforcement to team members when a job is well done
  • Participate actively in all-staff community meetings, daily huddles (when possible), and staff  trainings

Salary: $55,000/year or $26.44/hour

The EcoTarium believes that science and nature are for everyone. We recognize the incredible value of the diversity of the human experience and we are committed to making equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion imperative in how we operate. We prioritize respect, inclusion, and opportunities for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles and perspectives. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we prohibit discrimination of any kind.

Instructions: Please fill out the form below to submit your application.

All applications require a cover letter and resume. Review begins immediately; applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

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