Grants Manager

Common Threads Overview: 

Common Threads is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is national in scope but has local footprints in each of our 12 major program locations. Common Threads is a national nonprofit that provides children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage healthy habits that contribute to wellness. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes, encouraging our participants to celebrate the world around them.  

Grants Manager Position Overview: 

Common Threads (CT) is seeking a highly motivated Grants Manager to manage a portfolio of current giving partners, and to grow our funder network by earning new foundation and corporate grants. The incoming Grants Manager is responsible for managing current funding accounts, including writing reports and renewals requests, and stewarding foundation and corporate partners during their grant terms. The Grants Manager will also help grow Common Threads’ network of funders by cultivating new or growing relationships with institutional and corporate funders as identified by yourself, by our Program Managers, and/or by the Director of Development. Responsibilities include grant writing, report writing, conducting research to identify potential foundation support, as well as outreach, relationship-building, and stewardship engagement with potential and current funders. You will manage deadlines and grant compliance. You will engage program and leadership team members and boards to help cultivate relationships, coordinate site visits, and ensure your grant accounts and contacts are frequently activated and engaged with CT. Responsibilities also include keeping records of grants submitted and upcoming using our CRM and tools such as Google docs, maintaining outreach calendars and drafting invitations and organizational updates, and all grant-related administrative work. Common Threads currently submits about 150 grant applications on an annual basis, as well as grant reports and concept papers. The Grants Manager reports to the Director of Development and may also work closely with Program team members who operate programs in our 12 U.S. markets, and with Communications colleagues. The Grants Manager may also contribute to creating, refining, and formatting or revising other communications and written materials required for the development team to effectively secure dollars for the organization and provide effective stewardship with foundation partners.

Responsibilities: 

• Work with Director of Development to meet annual goal for foundation as well as other institutional funder revenue
• Conduct in-depth prospect research and assist Director of Development in stocking annual pipeline with viable funding requests for all target markets (currently Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York City, Austin, Pittsburgh, Dallas/Ft. Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas), with primary responsibility assigned for certain markets
• Manage all aspects of grant application process (LOI, Proposal, Report) for a portfolio of funders assigned by Director of Development
• Contribute to the development and execution of stewardship plans, which may include but is not limited to initiating or working with Director, VPs, Program colleagues to help drive and participate in foundation partner introductions, ensure donor recognition and partner benefits, site visit uptake, appropriate foundation partner appreciation, and outreach and communication with prospects and current and past funders
• Contribute to Foundation Relations database: Responsible for the accurate and timely entry and management of foundation information, including contacts, deadlines for all application materials and reports, and key recognition and outreach activities.
• Contribute to projects that engage the entire Development and Communications Team (such as annual campaigns, panel events, upkeep of key CT collateral materials, etc.)
• Engage with Program Managers and other team members as needed for grants to obtain all necessary details of CT’s current and planned programs and activities
• Work collaboratively with the Development Team on projects that improve department systems, protocols, and efficiency
• Provide grant writing and editing support for Director of Development
• Provide editing, formatting, or composition support to other staff as needed
• Other duties as assigned

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

Qualifications:  

• Excellent writing and editing skills, and proven ability to construct clear written arguments
• Three years + experience in fundraising activities for a nonprofit organization or foundation
• Previous grant writing experience desired; previous writing experience required
• B.A. required
• Ability to work within a mission-driven environment to develop professional and respectful relationships with people both internal and external to Common Threads 
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to manage projects with minimal supervision
• Ability to quickly form relationships and build trust among coworkers
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Be self-motivated, confident and have outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organizational, time management and logical thinking skills
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Experience and/or high comfort level working virtually with internal and external team members

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS 

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. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

How to apply: Submit resume and cover letter. No phone calls please. Serious applicants only, incomplete applications will not be considered. No third-party firms.