Location: Portland, OR
Company: Friends Of The Children
12 ½ years – no matter what. We are currently seeking an experienced professional grant writer to join our National Grants Team. This is a full-time position with annual salary and benefits. The Grants Specialist will be a passionate advocate for children and families most impacted by systemic inequities and harmful socio-environmental patterns of poverty, discrimination, and marginalization.
The ideal candidate will be effective at amplifying the stories of the children we serve, communicating the urgency of our mission, and celebrating the success of our outcomes. This role will enthusiastically support the National team’s efforts to secure multi-million-dollar funding annually through
foundation, corporate and public grants. Through our Chapter Grants program, our team works closely with executive leadership across the country to strategically pursue grant funding in support of locally led chapters and direct service to youth.
This position is an integral part of our team, helping to create sustainable funding for our rapidly growing network and working towards our vision to make sure that every child who needs a Friends, has one. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of job-related experience in progressively responsible roles. Strong written and oral communication skills, relationship management skills, and a love of writing are a must. They will be passionate
about understanding, supporting and promoting the organization’s mission and vision for growth.
They will be equally skilled at strategically identifying and aligning the organization’s work with local, regional and national grant opportunities. They will enjoy building relationships with stakeholders, and managing detailed information regarding budgets, grant reporting, and funding prospects. Are you this amazing person? Here’s what we have to offer you: Our work is powered by our belief in our values. We put children first; build relationships on love; commit to empowerment; pursue goals relentlessly; and demand equity. As a member of the Friends of the Children National team, the Grants Specialist will support our growing Friends of the Children network, which consists of thirty-two locations.
This talented team is relentlessly focused on supporting our award-winning national scaling plan and dedicated to our mission to serve children across the country. Friends of the Children is committed to the communities we serve, to equal employment opportunity, and to diversity in our workplace. We are fiercely committed to equity and ensure that every aspect of the organization’s mission is executed with full engagement of the communities impacted by our work.
This role will allow you to work remotely from your home, anywhere in the country. You will be supported by an abundance of grants resources, data, and content, as well as a talented grants team of eight full-time employees, including other writers, directors, and leadership. Curious to learn more? See the position details below: Basic Function / Position Objective: The Grants Specialist is responsible for applying a high level of technical and creative writing skill to proposals to foundations, family foundations, and corporations, and public funding partners for the purpose of soliciting funds.
They lead the development of written project content and budgets for prospective expansion sites’ and chapters’ grants. This role requires the ability to professionally manage and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Grants Specialist works as a part of a dynamic Grants Team. The person in this role must feel a strong connection to and promote the organization’s mission, vision, values and principles, and uphold the professionalism of the organization at all times. The Grants Specialist reports to the Director of Chapter Grants. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Develop and maintain working relationships with chapters as assigned.
Meet regularly with chapter staff, including executive directors, development and program leadership, and other key stakeholders as needed. Understand and track the current and evolving priorities and strategies of the organization and match these with a wide variety of funding sources (governmental, industry, and private). Evaluate degree of match between funder priorities/specific funding opportunities and the needs of the organization for the purpose of matching needs with funding sources.
Collaborate with national team, existing and prospective chapter leaders, to develop narrative content and budgets for proposals falling within assigned program focus areas, particularly for chapters serving Indigenous communities. Write grant proposals, fundraising-related writing projects, and reports on a timely basis as outlined on the organization’s grant calendar. Ensure that grant proposals are compelling and strategic, and align with the funder’s interests and the funding opportunity. Prepare grant packets for submission. Develop grant content and budgets, and prepare grant packets for submission.
Support the team in maintaining current and accurate grants calendars including tracking deliverables, due dates, and project information that supports the timely completion of projects. Keep relevant staff informed about upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth coordination of responsibilities. Maintain clear and accurate written and electronic records of grant proposals, reports, and submission confirmations, including grant activity tracking in shared drives and databases. Assist in research and identification of grants appropriate to Friends of the Children.
Maintain confidential information in a sensitive and appropriate manner. Special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives. Required Education, Experience & Abilities Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field. A minimum of five years of non-profit grant-writing experience, including collaboration with program management and finance to develop content and budgets. Demonstrated success in obtaining grant driven funding from foundations, corporations and/or public funding sources. Ability to analyze and synthesize information for writing grant proposals, letters, articles, etc.
Exceptional ability to edit written materials accurately and consistently, including own work. Exceptional analytical as well as intuitive abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills resulting in compelling messaging, as well as strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to plan, organize, and complete multiple grant proposals and/or reports and follow-up as required. Proven track record of meeting deadlines. Excellent attention to detail, strong computer skills, and general understanding of financial principles.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and effectively solve problems. Ability to cultivate and sustain relationships and work effectively with National staff as well as leadership and development staff from chapters. Ability to represent, effectively and professionally, the organization to a wide variety of audiences. Willing to be flexible, with the ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion, for fundraising activities. Ability to work from home and build relationships with team members virtually. Culture of Belonging: Friends of the Children endeavors to create a culture where each and every staff knows they belong.
From our policies to our procedures and practices, we aim to create an environment that is healthy, safe, accepting, supportive, and kind. Our benefits are one way to depict our value for work harmony, empowerment, health, and happiness. Benefits: Our competitive compensation, benefits package, and employee engagement demonstrate our values to families, children, healthy relationships, love, empowerment, goal achievement, and equity. We are continuously seeking feedback and researching best practices to meet the needs of staff and their families.
Below are ways we actualize a culture of care for each and every staff member. Health: Friends of the Children had covers 100% of employee only health premium for 2 of the 3 plans Dental: Friends of the Children covers 100% of employee only premium Vision: Friends of the Children covers 100% of employee only premium Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment: 100% paid by Friends of the Children Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability: 100% paid by Friends of the Children Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Employees may contribute to an FSA account: Healthcare FSA minimum of $100 maximum of $3,050.
Employee Assistance Program Voluntary Benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Legal, etc. 401(k) savings plan with a company matches up to the first 4% of earnings that the employee contributes. Cell phone Reimbursement : Employee is eligible for a cell phone reimbursement not to exceed $50/month. Internet Service Reimbursement: Employee is eligible for an internet service reimbursement not to exceed $25/month. Office reimbursement of $150 per year. Time off: Full-time employees of Friends are eligible for up to three weeks of paid vacation annually as well as paid sick leave.
The first year the time is pro-rated. Career Development after the first year of employment. Summer hours Employee Perks and Discount Programs including savings on hotels, rental cars, travel, entertainment, streaming services, electronics, e Commerce, and so much more Benefits start at the first of the month on or following employee start date. Compensation: Salary Range: $68k-$78k ( Compensation commensurate with experience and geographical location) Location This position is fully remote with minimal (1-2 times per year) work-related travel Cover Letter : A pplications without cover letters will not be considered; please use this as an opportunity to show us your writing skills and convey why you want to be a Grant Specialist at Friends of the Children!
Friends of the Children is growing rapidly as communities across the country are experiencing the power of how “One” changes a child's story: One Friend. One Child. 12+ years. No matter what. #The Power Of One Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices, and to working toward racial equity. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, interaction, gender, pregnancy, interactionual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. Learn more about Friends of the Children here: www. friendsofthechildren. org
HR & Recruiting Jobs refer to the roles within an organization focused on attracting, hiring, and retaining employees. Such positions include HR Managers, Recruiters, Talent Acquisition Specialists, and HR Generalists. These roles typically involve tasks such as developing job descriptions, screening candidates, conducting interviews, onboarding new employees, managing benefits and payroll, as well as handling employee relations and compliance with labor laws. A characteristic feature of these jobs is the combination of interpersonal skills with knowledge of HR processes and labor regulations to enhance the workforce and aid in organizational growth.
HR & Recruiting Jobs involve roles dedicated to managing an organization's human resources and talent acquisition processes. The primary focus is finding, attracting, and hiring talent, while also maintaining employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws. Key attributes for these jobs include excellent interpersonal skills, strong communication abilities, the knack for negotiation, and a strategic mindset. HR professionals ensure a positive work environment and cultivate a culture that aligns with the company's goals and values.
HR & Recruiting jobs involve roles related to the management of an organization’s human resources. This encompasses recruiting and hiring new staff, coordinating employee benefits, performance management, training, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Key features of such jobs include strong interpersonal skills, the ability to handle confidential matters, a strategic approach to workforce planning, and staying abreast of changes in employment legislation. HR professionals shape company culture and are integral in fostering a productive and positive work environment.
HR & Recruiting Jobs refer to the roles within an organization focused on attracting, hiring, and retaining employees. Such positions include HR Managers, Recruiters, Talent Acquisition Specialists, and HR Generalists. These roles typically involve tasks such as developing job descriptions, screening candidates, conducting interviews, onboarding new employees, managing benefits and payroll, as well as handling employee relations and compliance with labor laws. A characteristic feature of these jobs is the combination of interpersonal skills with knowledge of HR processes and labor regulations to enhance the workforce and aid in organizational growth.
