Nativity School of Worcester seeks an ambitious Grants and Communications Officer with a passion for education, fundraising, and donor engagement. The Officer reports directly to the Vice President of Advancement and collaborates with staff, faculty, board members, and volunteers to advance the mission and fundraising needs of Nativity School of Worcester. The Officer is responsible for writing grant applications and reports, gift processing and stewardship, external communications, drafting and proofreading of marketing materials, donor report generation and database maintenance, and project and event management.
Primary Responsibilities:
40% Grant Writing:
- Drafts, reviews, and submits foundation and corporate grant proposals, ensuring all requirements and guidelines are thoroughly addressed (managing proposals for 30+ foundations annually).
- Participates in grant compliance activities, including maintaining accurate records, tracking deliverables, and ensuring timely completion of narrative and financial reports.
- Monitors grant report deadlines and collaborates with program and finance staff to ensure accurate, on-time submissions.
- Conducts research to identify new foundation and corporate funding opportunities, evaluates alignment with organizational priorities, and develops tailored prospect strategies.
- Maintains detailed grant tracking systems to monitor proposal outcomes, reporting requirements, and funding renewals.
- Supports internal stakeholders in articulating program impact, collecting data, and preparing materials for grant applications.
- Builds and nurtures relationships with foundation and corporate representatives to strengthen long-term partnerships and increase funding opportunities.
40% Stewardship and Communications:
- Oversees weekly gift processing, check deposits, and timely donor gift acknowledgment, including drafting personalized thank-you letters and ensuring recognition aligns with donor preferences and organizational standards.
- Collaborates with the Accountant and Operations Manager to conduct quarterly financial reconciliations and supports the Operations Manager and Accountant during the annual audit process to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
- Manages the creation and distribution of external communications, including the Summer Newsletter, Annual Report, social media posts, and other marketing materials, ensuring content is engaging, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission.
- Drafts solicitation and appeal letters, creates mailing lists, coordinates production and distribution, and tracks responses to maximize fundraising impact.
- Works to strengthen donor relationships through timely communications, thoughtful stewardship, and opportunities for engagement, enhancing donor retention and long-term support. This includes making weekly calls to thank donors for their support.
20% Events, Donor Engagement, and Special Projects:
- Supports the planning and implementation of large and small fundraising events. Assists in coordinating logistics for events including: developing invitations, tracking attendance, managing vendors, and working at the event.
- Serves as a frontline team member for donor questions, requests, and other in-person, phone, and email interactions relating to making donations and advancement inquiries.
- Updates donor records and runs reports, and ensures the effective use of the donor database, DonorPerfect
- Supports the Vice President of Advancement, President, Leadership Gifts Officer, and other colleagues with special projects and the identification of new advancement opportunities.
Performs other duties as assigned and assists with school coverage such as recess and lunch duty as needed. Participates in school-wide events, professional development days and orientations. Attends daily morning assemblies (8:00 am) and faculty/staff retreats (two times per year). Works one evening shift per week and assists with special projects as needed. This is an exempt salaried position.
Basic Qualifications
- Two or more years of fundraising or administrative experience preferred.
- Previous grant writing experience preferred.
- Exceptional customer service skills, strong writing skills, and attention to detail.
- Solid computer skills in Microsoft Office.
- Must occasionally work events and evening hours.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must be professional, proactive, collaborative, results-oriented, and be able to adapt to changing priorities.
- Must have the ability to establish and promote good working relationships with colleagues, board members, alumni and donors. Must have an even disposition with a poised confidence and have the ability to deal effectively and politely with people from different backgrounds, experience levels and in all types of situations. It is essential that the individual be courteous and flexible under stress. Must be able to work independently and take initiative.
- Must have demonstrated abilities to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound, and confidential judgment. Must maintain a professional, caring, and conscientious demeanor at all times.
- Must have cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues regarding the internal and external Nativity Worcester community.
- Openness to embracing and promoting the Ignatian mission and identity of Nativity School of Worcester.
TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter and résumé tocareers@nativityworcester.org
Hiring Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower end of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
