development officer/grant writer
The Link, Minneapolis, MN
Posted July 8, 2010

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
The Link is a nonprofit founded in 1991 by two former Minnesota Vikings players in collaboration with the late Leonard Lindquist who shared a vision of bringing opportunity and positive relationships to disempowered youth living in impoverished neighborhoods. This grassroots initiative has since blossomed into an experienced youth service organization serving the community through advocacy, housing, education, and intervention services. Over the last 18 years, The Link has touched the lives of nearly 17,500 youth and their family members through our asset-based service philosophy. Today, The Link continues to build positive relationships with youth that create sustainable positive changes.

WEB SITE: www.thelinkmn.org

CATEGORY: Fundraising and Fund Development

SALARY: $24.00 - $28.85 per hour depending on qualifications
TYPE: Part Time 20 hours /non-exempt
DEADLINE: July 30, 2010 12 PM

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BASIC FUNCTION
This .5 FTE position will oversee the grant writing and submission processes to ensure resources available for programming required each year through foundation and corporate grants (currently around $500,000 annually). From prospect searching, grant writing and coordination, grant reporting, submission, site visit coordination, and award processing; this person will be in charge of the grants needed to sustain our viable organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

GRANT WRITING:

• Leads the planning process for grants including generating, integrating, and organizing ideas and managing the writing and production of applications
• Stays current with trends and issues in the fields of development and philanthropy
• Understands and communicates with the grant audience, their motivation, requirements, and expectations
• Procures financial support from foundations and corporations
• Researches new grant prospects; makes recommendations to the Associate Director and Executive Director on which to pursue
• Researches, identifies, and contacts potential funding sources whose guidelines and requirements match those of the agency
• Researches information about grant priorities and guidelines
• Works with the development team to create and implement strategies for securing financial support
• Develops a written plan for each fiscal year to secure foundation and corporate grants, and provides monthly updates on the plan.
• Serves as the lead staff person for all grant applications allowing ample time for review of applications by executive director and other appropriate staff
• Prepares and drafts grant proposals for existing program areas and other initiatives
• Manages funder relationships, including proposals, reports, and other communications
• Works with agency leadership to ensure that funder evaluations and reporting needs are met in a timely fashion
• Ensure recognition, acknowledgement and accurate record keeping of all awarded grants
• Develops and maintains a calendar for tracking application and report deadlines
• Monitors all grant statuses
• Works with Executive Director to maximize Board support for successful grants
• Works with the Administrative Assistant to update and maintain corporate and foundation data

LIAISON WITH COMMUNITY:

• Shares expertise and knowledge within the granting community around Health Realization/Three Principles (the organizational philosophy of The Link)
• Cultivates and maintains partnerships with affiliated organizations and individuals
• Creates and maintains community relations appropriate to the fulfillment of agency priorities and objectives
• Works with Executive Director and Associate Director to host site visits
• Increases community awareness of The Link’s services
• Networks with and forms productive supportive relationships with key organizations and funders in the field
• Strengthens the position of The Link within the funding community
• Promotes awareness of the needs of the target population served
• Participates in committees as appointed internally and in the community
• Represents the organization and its point of view to agencies, organizations, and the general public
• Works with outside consultants, management, and key staff to sustain organizational programs

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

• BA degree in communications, journalism, public relations, development or related field, non-profit management preferred
• 3-5 years of nonprofit grant development experience
• Government grant writing experience preferred
• Proven grant writing and editing skills through an established successful track record in grant awards
• Expertise in effective use of various media platforms
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge software preferred
• Proven ability to work on deadline and juggle a variety of responsibilities
• Ability to self-motivate in largely independent settings
• Demonstrated proficiency in accurate and persuasive written and verbal communications
• Knowledge and familiarity of local and national grant-making institutions, foundations, corporate donors, and community resources
• Familiarity with social service agency operations

HOW TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter and resume to: development@thelinkmn.org. No phone calls, please submit any questions via email.

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