Grant Writer

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with corporate, foundation, and government funding partners, managing prospect identification, grant development and reporting, and the application process, advocating/spreading awareness about the agency. Responsible for writing proposals for both operating revenue and restricted projects and for submitting timely and accurate reports for existing and new grants. Manages a portfolio of existing funders, stewarding relationships, and managing deadlines for reporting and renewals.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Roughly 10% of time will be spent in personal visits with corporate/foundation funders or program officers. This position will occasionally require evening and weekend time.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to research, prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundations, corporate and government sources;
• Perform prospect research to evaluate prospects for corporate foundation, and government grants;
• Research and strategically identify a number of new funding proposals each year, partnering with program leads to conceptualize and craft proposals with executive input;
• Submit approximately 35 proposals per year to corporate, foundation and governmental funders;
• Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/Corporate/government funders; 
• Prepare and submit accountability/stewardship reports to funders as required;
• Help manage an effective tracking system for proposal deadlines and follow up reports; 
• Maintain current records in database and in files, including grant tracking and reporting;
• Maintain regular personal contact with past and current funding partners;
• Make regular visits to prospective funders and arrange for and coordinate site visits with funder representatives (in person or virtually);
• Develop appropriate recognition and manages the timely acknowledgment of grants received;
• Assist in soliciting sponsorship support for select agency events;
• Assist the President, Chief Advancement Officer and Vice President - Grant Development with funder visits and strategies;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues on overall fundraising strategy planning;
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of best practices in the field;
• Assist in other activities as requested by the Advancement department; and
• Any other duties as deemed necessary by the Supervisor. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years grant writing experience or transferable experience;
• Previous experience with non-profit fundraising;
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel software; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge donor base software a plus;
• Excellent writing skills and communication skills;
• Collaborates well with supervisor and management, as well as cross-departmentally with program leaders, in addition to working well independently;
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers and to represent the organization to donors and friends in a gracious, professional manner;
• A commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans is essential.  

Employee Benefits

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws.  The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities.  All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.