Position Summary:

The Grant Writer for Collective Impact position is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position reporting to the Senior Vice President for Collective Impact that will play an integral role in the success of the three collective impact organizations supported by the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Our collective impact organizations work to ensure that all Stamford, Bridgeport, and Danbury children succeed in school, career, and life. Our partnerships include hundreds of active members who align resources to improve the lives of Connecticut children and their families measurably. We are dedicated to eliminating racial inequality in education and creating opportunities for children and youth to succeed. All staff must possess an ability to work with multicultural communities.

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, local, and private funding agencies on behalf of the three Collective Impact initiatives within United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. The Grant Writer will coordinate a grant portfolio across these three Collective Impact initiatives and United Way, working closely with United Way’s existing Grant Writer. Primary responsibilities include researching funding opportunities, preparation of proposals, grant applications, and grant reports.

United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut serves 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. The three Collective Impact organizations work within three of these communities and are called Bridgeport Prospers, Danbury Collective, and Stamford Cradle to Career.

Essential Functions:

  • 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.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with the United Way Grant Writer and Collective Impact leaders on prospecting, identifying, and applying for funding opportunities in an equitable way.
  • 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.
  • Fundraising Priorities: Collaborate with the Collective Impact leaders and United Way Senior Management to understand fundraising priorities and align grant-seeking efforts with strategic objectives.
  • Calendar and Data Management: Work with colleagues to ensure accurate and up-to-date records of grant deadlines and written funder summaries in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Proposal Coordination: Coordinate the proposal development process across United Way and the 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. This includes close collaboration with the United Way Grant Writer and Finance team.
  • Acknowledgment and Reporting: Collaborate with the Collective Impact leadership and both the Collective Impact and United Way Marketing teams to summarize accomplishments for sharing with funders and ensure that grant awards are acknowledged and communicated through a multi-channel approach including but not limited to press releases, social media, website, and newsletters. Coordinate with Program and Finance teams for reporting on activities, outcomes, and expenses.
  • Reporting to Leadership: Provide regular updates on grant-seeking activities and outcomes for Senior Management and Board of Directors.
  • 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.

Position Requirements:

  • 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.
  • Work office location is flexible. Can work out of our Stamford, Bridgeport, or Danbury locations.

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, vacation, sick and personal time
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Health Insurance – medical, dental, and vision
  • Health Reimbursement Account
  • Sponsored life Insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and related coverage
  • Matched retirement plan
  • Hybrid work arrangements – 2 days remote and 3 days in office

 

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. This job description's statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

 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.

 

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