Objective:

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Grant writer is responsible for preparing and

producing grant proposals and solicitations for funding. The Grant writer researches and

recommends funding opportunities; develops solicitations and proposals for general operating

needs, Discovery programs/exhibits and capital projects; prepares progress and final reports to

donors; and maintains grant information in the departmental database. Audiences include

institutional and family foundations, corporations, nonprofit partners, higher education

institutions and government sources.

Job functions:

Prepare grant proposals for foundations (institutional and family), corporations and government entities that make a compelling case for financial support and address identified organizational funding priorities.
In collaboration with the Director of Development, research, identify and gather information on fundable projects.
Maintain an organization-wide grants deadline calendar using available database tools.
Prepare interim and final project reports to funding sources on a regular and scheduled basis working with education, finance and other departments to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
Research and recommend funding opportunities from a broad range of sources, linking their compatibility with organizational needs.
Conduct research to locate data that supports case statements for grant proposals and reports. This may include data collection and surveys of literature from a variety of sources (e.g., Discovery staff, Altru admissions database, government officials and reports, program experts, directories, guest testimonials, etc.).
Schedule trustee site visits and include key staff, including the President/CEO, Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer in meetings, as appropriate.
Make recommendations on strategies, policies and procedures related to proposals and Development fundraising goals.
Maintain accurate database records and donor files.
Communicate regularly with appropriate teams and departments on the status of pending proposals.
Represent The Discovery at internal and external meetings.
Keep Charity Navigator and other nonprofit donor evaluation tools updated.
Assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Development.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree required – Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Finance, Business, Political Science or Liberal Arts or related.
At least three years professional grant writing, nonprofit experience, preferably with an education-focused organization.
Successful, quantifiable track record of funded grant proposals at local, state, federal level.
Able to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other staff members, museum members, donors, vendors and suppliers.
IT literate: Above average competency with word processors, CRM databases, spreadsheets, project management software and web applications, e.g. Microsoft Office, Outlook, Altru, Candid or other donor/research databases.

Necessary skills:

Enthusiasm and passion for The Discovery’s mission to inspire by being the place to nexperience science.
Demonstrated writing ability for a public audience and for formal proposals/reports.
Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, written/verbal communications and customer service skills to work effectively with people of diverse talents and backgrounds.
Demonstrated excellence in problem solving and analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated excellence in organizational and project management skills; prioritizing multiple projects in order to meet individual and departmental deadlines.
Ability to remain current with standard policies and procedures.
Working knowledge of office practices, procedures and business writing.
Ability to plan work efficiently to meet the departmental budgets, goals and objectives.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Characteristics:

Self-starter, must be able to perform with minimal supervision.
Ability to work within a team and use internal and external resources to perform at a high level.
Ability to creatively problem solve and make recommendations to Director of Development and other staff as appropriate.
Excellent verbal and written communications, professional appearance/demeanor.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to change.
Must have strong attention to detail.
Ability to work extended hours, evening and weekends, in and out of The Discovery as needed.
Possible light lifting.
Valid driver’s license.

Environment:

General office environment. Work is sedentary in nature but may require standing or walking

for up to 10% of the time. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with

standard office equipment available. Occasional manual labor required for special events.

The Discovery

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Grant Writer