Grant Specialist

About the Department:

The Development & Marketing Department is responsible for fundraising, promoting JFCS and engaging with our community. Key functions include:

· Fundraising – securing funding from individual donors, businesses, public and private foundations, community organizations and others

· Public Relations – managing our public image and communicating our successes

· Digital Marketing – utilizing social media, email campaigns and our website to reach a wider audience

· Content Creation – developing engaging content that highlights our impact and the issues we address

· Community Outreach – connecting with others to foster partnership and support

Job Summary:

The Grant Specialist is a key member of the Development team. This role supports the growth of JFCS by maintaining a strong grant program, managing grant reporting and deadlines, identifying new grant opportunities, cultivating relationships with funders, and assisting with corporate sponsorships and volunteer activities.

Grant Management and Reporting

• Prepare and submit all grant reports and documentation required by each funder, including progress reports, final reports, financial reports tied to restricted funds, and other required documentation
• Manage grant deadlines and the grant calendar, including the master grant tracker
• Track reporting requirements and ensure reports are submitted on time

Grant Identification and Development

• Identify new foundation, corporate, and other grant opportunities aligned with JFCS programs and priorities
• Work with the Director of Philanthropy/Donor Relations Officer to prioritize larger opportunities and assist with proposal development and submission
• Prepare proposals that accurately represent JFCS programs, outcomes, and funder priorities
• Develop new foundation relationships, maintain existing funder relationships, and cultivate prospects for JFCS programs and services

Sponsorships and Fundraising Support

• Assist with securing corporate and financial sponsorships, including researching and soliciting corporate donations
• Support annual fundraising efforts, including corporate sponsor activities
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events
• Support volunteer activities related to fundraising and events

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a similar field; experience in development with a human services agency preferred
• Budget and financial literacy
• A minimum of three years of fundraising and donor relations experience, with a proven track record of building and sustaining funder relationships and meeting revenue goals
• Demonstrated success preparing and submitting grant proposals, including cultivating relationships with foundations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management, and organizational skills
• Experience planning and executing volunteer, fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events
• Ability to meet deadlines and achieve activity and revenue goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRMs such as DonorPerfect and Constant Contact preferred
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Commitment to cultural competency and working with diverse populations
• Ability to attend a range of volunteer and networking events to promote JFCS
• Passion for JFCS’s mission and ability to inspire donors

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management or similar field required; Experience in development with a human services agency preferred
• Budget and financial literacy
• A minimum of three years’ fundraising and donor relations experience with a proven track record of building and sustaining donor/funder relationships and meeting revenue goals
• Demonstrated success in preparing and submitting grant proposals, including cultivating relationships with foundations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management, and organizational skills
• Experience planning and executing volunteer, fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events
• Ability to meet deadlines and achieve activity and revenue goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRMs such as DonorPerfect and Constant Contact preferred
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Commitment to cultural competency and working with diverse populations
• Ability to attend a range of volunteer and networking events to promote JFCS
• Passion for JFCS’s mission and ability to inspire donors

Training Requirements:

• Completion of all required agency-wide and program-specific training courses.

Physical Requirements:

• Desk work with computer usage for extended periods
• Occasional irregular hours and capacity to work under pressure
• Must be able to travel to off-site meetings during and outside of typical business hours