Position Summary:
The Grant Writer will identify, define, and develop funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies on behalf of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. The Grant Writer will coordinate the grant portfolio across United Way and three Collective Impact initiatives. Primary responsibilities include researching funding opportunities and preparing of proposals, grant applications, and grant reports. The location of this position is flexible and can be located in Bridgeport CT or Danbury CT.
Effective July 1, 2023, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and United Way of Western Connecticut will merge to become United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. This strategic partnership brings together the strengths and resources of both organizations to create a united force for positive change and enhanced community impact across Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. As United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, we will have a stronger, more coordinated approach to addressing the needs of our region, serving 27 towns, including the Cities of Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, and Stamford, and the Towns of Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Kent, Monroe, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, Stratford, Trumbull, Warren, Washington, Westport, Wilton, and Weston, Connecticut
Essential Functions:
Key Responsibilities:
1. Understanding of United Way Programs and Collective Impact Initiatives: Develop and maintain a deep understanding of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut programs and the three Collective Impact initiatives to effectively communicate their impact to potential funders.
2. Research and Funding Opportunities: Research and identify public and private funding opportunities, staying informed about grant programs, RFPs, and other funding sources that align with the organization's mission and objectives.
3. Fundraising Priorities: Collaborate with the Senior Management and Community Impact team to understand fundraising priorities and align grant-seeking efforts with strategic objectives.
4. Calendar and Data Management: Work with colleagues to ensure accurate and up-to-date records of grant deadlines, as well as written funder summaries in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
5. Grant Sourcing and Management: Identify, secure, and renew foundation, government, and corporate grant funding. Review, recommend, and implement strategies for all government and private Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitations.
6. Proposal Development: Produce compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports in collaboration with program staff, ensuring that proposals reflect the organization's mission and meet funder requirements.
7. Collaboration with Major Gifts Officer: Collaborate with the Major Gifts Officer to identify and apply for funding opportunities from Family Foundations, fostering relationships with potential donors.
8. Proposal Coordination: Coordinate the proposal development process across United Way and three Collective Impact initiatives; engage program colleagues for their content expertise, and work with the Finance Team to ensure that grant proposal budgets are ready for timely submission.
9. Acknowledgment and Reporting: Collaborate with the Collective Impact and Marketing teams to summarize accomplishments for sharing with funders, and ensure that grant awards are acknowledged through a multi-channel approach.
10. Reporting to Leadership: Provide regular updates on grant-seeking activities and outcomes for the Senior Management and Board of Directors.
11. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and complete grant records in fundraising software and other databases.
Systems and Processes: Assist in developing systems and processes for grant management tracking to improve efficiency and effectiveness in grant-seeking efforts.
Preferred Experience and Education:
Bachelor’s degree required.
3-5 years of hands-on grant writing and budget development experience with both private and public grants.
Previous federal grant application, submission, approval, and management of funds.
Demonstrated track record of securing new funding opportunities.
Ability to thrive in a creative, dynamic, deadline-driven environment with flexibility.
Excellent research, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as database management skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
Network of relationships with public and private funders.
Benefits:
Paid Time Off – vacation, sick time, 10 paid holidays including 2 floating holidays
Paid Family Leave, FT staff
Health Insurance – medical, dental, and vision
Life Insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and related coverage
Retirement plan
Hybrid work arrangements
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should apply at www.unitedwaycwc.org/employment. No application will be reviewed without a cover letter. United Way is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks to hire staff members who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. All positions are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, employment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If much of this job describes you, please apply. Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet all qualifications. We recognize this and encourage those with relevant skills and experience to apply.
Statements in this Job Description are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.