The Indigenous Environmental Network is seeking an experienced, innovative, creative,  motivated, self-starter individual with a demonstrable record of planning, organizing and  coordinating fund-raising activities and opening new donor relations for IEN. IEN is a non-profit, all-indigenous organization, working in the field of environmental and economic justice with Indigenous peoples in North America and internationally. Additionally, IEN is working towards developing a campaign for Just Transition away from extractive and industrial development on  and near indigenous lands and territories that undermine the well-being of Indigenous communities and Mother Earth and transfer local economies into models of sustainability and resilience. 

The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) is an alliance of grassroots Indigenous Peoples whose shared mission is to protect the sacredness of Mother Earth from contamination and exploitation by strengthening, maintaining, and respecting traditional teachings and natural laws. The candidate must be able demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous cultural lifeways, spirituality and values. 

Job Overview 

The Grants Manager will be responsible for providing strategic and operational  fundraising expertise and funding campaign development and support to IEN. The Manager  will identify grant opportunities and manage grant development, proposals, and reporting.  Because IEN has various dynamic and complex pieces of work going on at any given time, the Grants Manager will not be expected to be an expert on all of them, instead will  depend on consultation and collaboration with staff, program consultants, working groups, and  network community groups and organizations to create winning proposals and informative  foundation and donor reports. Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written  communication skills, a professional and resourceful demeanor, the ability to work both  independently and as a team player, and a desire to take initiative and manage numerous  fundraising projects simultaneously. 

This position reports to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Financial Manager. The position is a full-time salaried position. The preference for this position is to be based in Bemidji, Minnesota, however this position has the option to be remote. Occasional travel to IEN’s Headquarters in Bemidji is expected. All new employees are subject to a 90-day probationary period, whereupon completion of an evaluation will be conducted. Full employment status officially begins upon completion of this probationary period and full benefits will be set up at that time as well.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for researching and identifying prospective foundations, donors and other  fundraising and grant opportunities. 

• Follow fundraising-related news, research, trends and best practices.

• Possess broad knowledge of organizational structure, functions and needs.

• Work with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and the Leadership Team to develop and execute an annual fundraising plan and donor-relations program.

• Possess essential knowledge of a grant application process.

• Facilitate calls and meetings between funding and donor partners and IEN leadership and program staff where needed. 

• Develop effective grant proposals and grant reports. 

• Incorporate accurate and pertinent information in the proposal or application.

• Interfacing and communicating with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Submit proposals and reports within deadlines. 

• Manage and maintain files and keep a well-organized portfolio of grant proposals and  reports. Manage and maintain files on donors and events, including donor briefs, call  sheets, strategy memos and other relevant correspondence.

• Work closely with the financial manager, ensuring the proper financial  information and budgets for grant application and reports. 

• Work with the Executive Director, Leadership Team and Communications Director to manage appeal mailings, marketing materials and donor stewardship communiques, monitoring IEN’s brand and assisting in updating IEN’s profile on its website and social  media sites. 

• Provide guidance in the preparation of solicitation media materials for distribution, i.e.  copying, filing, media kits, email, etc. 

Essential Skills and Abilities 

• Strong research and multi-tasking skills. 

• Excellent written, grammar and verbal communication skills. 

• Self-driven, proactive, ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a  team. 

• Experienced in handling confidential matters with discretion. 

• Responsible, organized and provides attention to details. 

• Knowledge of computer and software programs. 

Qualifications 

• Preference will be given to candidates with at least 5 years’ experience in nonprofit  philanthropic engagement and foundation and/or donor relations. 

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in grant writing is preferred, but a candidate with demonstrated strong writing skills without those qualifications may also be considered.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. 

• Excellent understanding and interest in funding trends and strategy. 

• Knowledge of computer programs and software used in fundraising including Microsoft  Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, with preference given to  knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, Sumac, or others. 

• Must demonstrate knowledge of American Indian or Alaska Native history, culture and rights-based struggles. 

• Familiarity with climate change, environmental and social justice as well as concepts pertaining to liberation, decolonization and building power is a plus. 

Position Type: This is a full-time, salary position. 

Salary: The salary range for this position is $62,000- $75,000 and comes with a competitive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training of the applicant. 

Location: The preference for this position is to be based in Bemidji, Minnesota, however this position has the option to be remote. Occasional travel to IEN’s Headquarters in Bemidji, MN is expected.