Overview
Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.
The Grant Writer will be responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to research, write, prepare, submit, and report on grant proposal to foundations, corporations, public founders, and other grant-making organizations. The Grant Writer is also responsible for identifying new funding sources for programs and supporting funder cultivation and stewardship. This role reports to the Director of Philanthropy, and the role contributes to achieving Financial Development department and organization strategic goals.
Responsibilities
- Write and submit grant proposals, fundraising-related writing projects, and reports on a timely basis as outlined on the organizational grant calendar; maintain a portfolio averaging 4 grant-related submissions per month.
- Work proactively with other YMCA departments to adhere to all programmatic and fiscal reporting requirements stipulated in grants.
- Project manage proposals with staff in all levels and departments, ensuring that all aspects of an application are complete, organized, and flow together in a cohesive manner aligned with YMCA standards.
- Ensure seamless and timely process for all tasks, communication and reports related to the grant process, including letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and stewardship activities.
- Maintain clear and accurate written and electronic records of grant proposals and reports, including grant activity tracking in shared drives and databases.
- Critically assess RFPs and determine which program(s) and partnerships align to respond to the RFP.
- Deeply understand the YMCA’s programs, goals, and financial needs in order to develop compelling proposals, seek new funding opportunities, and report on funding impact.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization (Finance, Development, and Program teams) to ensure financial and reporting requirements are met.
- Demonstrate a high degree of skill in communication and positive interaction with all group employees, volunteers, external agencies/companies, and the community at large.
- Evaluate systems and processes, and for best practices that align with the organization’s mission and values.
- Manage special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Cause Driven Leader Level: LEADER
Values
Strengthens the Y’s culture by demonstrating the values of the Y – honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility – in every aspect of work.
Inclusion
Models cultural competence and supports diversity, effectively working with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
Develop Self and Others
Demonstrates teamwork and personal accountability, seeking and providing feedback, coaching, and resources for development.
Quality Results
Takes the initiative and holds self and others accountable to meet or exceed quantitative and qualitative goals relating to people (employees and members), philanthropy, finance and volunteerism.
Change Capacity
Facilitates change, seeks opportunities in the change process, models adaptability, and leads transition in support of the Y’s mission.
Inspire Others
Promotes creativity, generates excitement, and rewards risk taking, while consistently demonstrating a high level of emotional maturity, maintaining a positive attitude and building strong relationships.
COMPETENCIES
- Communication skills (written)
- Organizing and planning
- Prioritization
- Relationship building
- Stress resistance
- Business acumen
- Judgement
- Creative thinking
- Attention to detail
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most work is performed in a normal Association (corporate) office environment. However, this position may work remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue to seek guidance from local public health agencies and reserve the right to make adjustments to work location as needed
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
TRAVEL
Travel can occur and is primarily local for branch visits as need it, during the business day.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Social Services, Sociology, or a closely related field.
- Three years or more of grant writing or related work experience in fundraising or writing experience in the areas of social services/ humanitarian/ development programming, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understand the grant lifecycle process and knowledge of grant writing (craft, construct, and submit an effective grant application) and grant making techniques, current trends, and best practices.
- Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to plan, organize, and complete multiple grant proposals, projects, tasks and/or reports, meet deadlines and follow-up as required.
- Ability to work under pressure, use independent judgment, and produce a quality grant within tight time constraints.
- Skill in highly persuasive and effective writing with the ability to write a convincing case for funding.
- Excellent attention to detail and strong computer skills.
- Ability to research, analyze and synthesize information for writing grant proposals, letters, articles, etc.
- Exceptional ability to edit written materials accurately and consistently, including own work.
- Ability to interpret grant requirements, general business periodicals, professional journals, financial information, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to represent, effectively and professionally, the organization to a wide variety of audiences.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, MS Teams and Sharepoint
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently effectively solve problems and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges and look for innovative solutions.
- Ability to maintain confidential information and use discretion.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to establish and work collaboratively and cooperatively with a variety of colleagues from different departments.
- A commitment to equity and ensuring that everyone is represented by the organization.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Raiser’s Edge Donor System or other Donor Management Software.
- Grant-based project management experience.
- Life experience with poverty, child welfare, homelessness, behavioral health, or youth violence and a desire to use that experience to improve the lives of others.
- Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
- Ability to speak any language in addition to English.
At the Seattle Y, we are an inclusive organization of people with a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. We also believe in supporting the wellbeing of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment.
Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities.
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity and/or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factors.
We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace; all job offers are contingent on results of a background check and drug screening, including screening for marijuana.. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES:
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Caring
- Passion for Excellence