If you enjoy working in a strong team environment, have great attention to detail, and are deadline driven then the Grants Specialist position and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) is where you need to be. The Grants Specialist is a vital member of the Resource Development team and must enjoy project management, writing, and collaborating with multiple teams while holding true to UWABC’s long-term strategic vision.
Position is responsible for managing the grants ecosystem and conducting the full range of activities required to research, prepare, and submit grants to foundation, government, and corporate sources and is supported by department leads that are responsible for program management and reporting, financial coding and team collaboration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with the Resource Development team and other departments to meet annual revenue and engagement objectives
- Investigate local, state, federal, private, and corporate sources of funding. Understand and track the current and evolving market
- Perform internal reviews of UWABC needs with VP of Finance and Operations and department leads, and assess the feasibility of obtaining external funding for project and program proposals
- Work with the Vice President (VP) of Resource Development and other UWABC department staff to develop budget information for new grant applications
- Collaborate with VP of Resource Development, Leadership Team, and program staff to create multi-year grant strategies that meet the funding needs for programs and general operations
- Develop and maintain a grant management system (including calendar) for funded grants that includes report due dates, budget adherence, grant impact reports, and any other grant requirements
- Coordinate, manage, and lead grant development teams of key internal and external stakeholders
- Work with various UWABC teams to ensure the most current information for proposals is organized and stored in the Google drive; including up-to-date information on program plans, targeted outcomes, demographics, current board lists, and financials
- Research potential grants that will advance UWABC’s work and present options to staff for feedback
- Develop and maintain a library of information on funding sources, grant writing, and community and state data relevant to UWABC programs and services
- Coordinate, work with department leads to develop (includes writing, proofreading, editing), and process grant applications, letters of intent, presentations, and reports from concept to submission stage while working closely with UWABC departments throughout all phases
- Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals
- Answer staff questions about allowable expenses in each grant
- Exhibit understanding of institutional history and programs
- Provide development input for institutional materials
- Partner with the Finance department to create budget templates and program-specific guidelines
- Work with department leads to write grant reports that are due annually or semi-annually
- Create and disseminate regular reports in CRM software to track grant activity (length of grant, spend down, etc)
- Perform other related duties as assigned
- Participate in United Way events and experiences as scheduled or requested
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector related to grant development and management including federal, state, and private sources; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent editing skills and attention to detail
- Experience working in deadline-driven environments
- Commitment to UWABC's guiding principles and ability to model those principles in relationships with colleagues and partners
Technical Skills, Abilities and other Requirements
- Proficient with computers and software, including Google Suite and MS Office
- Ability to learn and use a variety of other software platforms (e.g.Zoom, Asana, CRM)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maneuver complex work environments, engage in planning and problem-solving and execute details
- Demonstrated ability to use discretion and independent judgment and/or action in evaluating situations and making decisions
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish fact and draw valid conclusions
- Ability to communicate (oral and written) with coworkers, donors, vendors, service providers and community in a clear, service-oriented and professional manner
- Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
- Holds self and other team members accountable for achieving results
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems and skills as needed
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Prior project management experience
- Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets insurance requirements and access to reliable transportation
Nice to Have
- Prior experience working within a United Way
- Prior experience writing and managing Department of Education grants
Physical/Mental Abilities:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals who are differently abled to perform the essential functions.
While performing duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:
- Sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms
- Talk and hear
- Use finger and hand motion, including keyboarding
- Use close and distance vision, depth perception, and adjust focus
- Moderate stress level caused by tight deadlines
- Use a computer for extended periods of time
- Interact in an office environment that contains a moderate amount of noise
- Lift up to 20 lbs.
- Drive a vehicle within the region
This position is exempt from overtime regulations. This position is based in our office in Asheville, NC for at least 70% of the schedule. After an orientation period and if the work allows, this position may choose to work remotely for up to 30% of the schedule.
Reports To: VP of Resource Development
Supervises: 0
Hours: 40/week
Hiring Range and Benefits: $50,000 - $55,000 annually plus full benefits, including paid vacation, sick and personal leave; employer contributions to 401(k), contributions to health, dental and vision insurance benefits and self-care fund, life and disability insurance, and coaching and support
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law