*Summary/Objective *

The Government Grant Specialist will lead the process for all of the organization's government grant applications (city, county, state, federal), including extensive research to identify new funding sources,  and writing proposals to various government agencies for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. The Government Grant Specialist will work closely with the Director of Grants and administrative teams to prepare applications for program funding.

Essential Functions

• Work closely with the Director of Grants to support organizational fundraising and development of VOA Northern Rockies's strategic and programmatic goals.
• Research, prepare, submit, and manage a consistent, year-round pipeline of LOIs, proposals, presentations, briefings, and progress/impact reports to city, county, state, and federal, funding sources.
• Write and edit clear, accurate, and persuasive funding requests, including letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, reports, and grant applications tailored to each funder's mission, specifications, and deadlines.
• Coordinate application process for government grants above $25K from identification to submission, including production of proposal materials, such as cover letters, narratives, application forms, project budgets, board & staff lists, and other items requested by the funder.
• Assemble all relevant proposal components and ensure that a VOA proposal submission complies with each funder's proposal parameters and detailed requirements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance and other internal stakeholders (Vice Presidents, Sr. Directors) to request supporting information and documentation, such as program processes, personnel, and budgets, and translate that information in a way that will persuade the donor.
• Work with external stakeholders to ensure grant submissions meet the scope, intent and expectations of the fundmaker.
• Work with Director of Grants to manage grant activities for secured grants, including documenting and communicating, reporting requirements, tracking correspondence with funders, producing grant progress reports, and keeping up with funder reporting requirements and action items.
• Manage timeline to complete the collection of relevant data/information for proposal content, internal routing and approvals, and submission to funding sources.
• Meet proposal deadlines by adhering to systems and timelines for the different phases of proposal creation, including information gathering, writing, review, approval, and transmittal.
• Work closely with Program leaders and funders to define proposal and report strategies.
• Maintain an extensively detailed, year-round schedule for all government grants.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of applications, proposals, and funding requirements.
• Conduct research and database searches and use various written, electronic, and public contact resources to access potential foundation and other private funding sources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal, written, and analytical skills to shape ideas and concepts into successful foundation proposals
• Effective communicator with exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal ability
• Solutions-based consultation
• Capacity for attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and execute several complex writing projects simultaneously, often under demanding deadlines
• Able to effectively deal with diverse individuals and groups
• Continuous demonstration of behaviors aligned with a posture of servant leadership and our cultural values
• Ability to assimilate information quickly and concisely and complete grant proposals on time
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may serve s a coach and mentor for other positions in the organization.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptops, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This job's specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This would require lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing on a stool, as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Monthly/Quarterly travel is expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience, or Eligibility Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and at least three years of work experience in development, grant writing, marketing/relationship management, prospect research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the grant writing field.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to adapt writing style as appropriate to VOA's specific relationship with funders.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as creativity, resourcefulness, and humor.
• Excellent research skills, preferably with experience in researching foundations and corporate donors using online databases and the Internet.
• Proficiency in basic software applications is required, including Microsoft products, spreadsheets, Google, etc.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and at least three years of work experience in development, grant writing, prospect research, or marketing or equivalent education and experience.

EEO Statement

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics.  Volunteers of America Northern Rockies will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 307-672-0475.