YES seeks a resourceful Grants Specialist to join our growing development team. The Grants Specialist is instrumental in meeting YES’s annual revenue goals and thus our mission, by maintaining and growing revenue from foundation, government, and corporate funders. In 2023-24, YES’s annual budget is $2.38M with more than 80% of our portfolio comprising private and public funding from 25 foundations and four government entities. 

The Grants Specialist position includes application and report writing (65%), capital campaign support (10%), administrative tasks (10%), prospect research (5%), and shared organizational responsibilities (10%). The Grants Specialist reports to the Development Director and works both independently and in collaboration with the Development & Communications Associate, Executive Director, and program staff. 

The ideal candidate is an excellent writer who is adept at distilling complex ideas and data to weave together compelling narratives that are asset-based, community-centered, and respectful to the Richmond community. The candidate is a clear communicator who is organized, thorough, and passionate about YES’s mission and work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Develop Applications and Reports (65%)

• Write persuasive and asset-based grant proposals and reports. Activities include research, writing, compiling data, and the development of supplemental materials, among other tasks.

• Build strong, reciprocal working relationships with YES staff to ensure deadlines are met and materials contain accurate and compelling program information.

• Maintain a grant language bank, which includes up-to-date information describing YES programs, priorities, and outcomes. Update language on an agreed-upon schedule, or as needed. 

Capital Campaign Support (15%)

• Provide Campaign Leadership Committee Support and Campaign Meeting Support, including: scheduling, note-taking, distilling campaign to-do’s for staff, drafting emails for board and committee with their next steps, and assisting with materials for use during campaign meetings (slide decks, etc.).

Administrative Tasks (10%)

• Communicate application and report editing needs with reviewers, including the Development Director, Executive Director and/or Director of Programs & Partnerships, and provide a 2-3 week window for review and feedback when possible.  

• Maintain accurate records of institutional funders in Salesforce and electronic records in Dropbox.

• Support fundraising event preparation, set-up, clean-up, and/or staffing during events. 

Prospecting and Pipeline Development (5%)

• Conduct research to identify new institutional funding opportunities, evaluate prospects, and make recommendations in alignment with YES’s strategic initiatives and funding priorities.

Organizational Responsibilities (10%) 

• Committed to the organization’s vision, mission, and values and communicates YES’s strategic direction to staff, constituents, and partners.

• Actively participates in organization wide Equity, Inclusion and Diversity work.

• Attends staff meetings, participates in special projects, task forces, and actively contributes to the organization’s Strategic Plan.

• Participates in training programs related to professional development, leadership, non-violent communication, anti-Black racism, and other relevant areas.

• Engages in team meetings focused on promoting self-care and fostering connections.

• Participates in collaborative events and conferences that are relevant to their role and represents the organization effectively.

Physical demands

The position requires frequent use of computer and handwritten work; requires prolonged sitting or standing through the course of the workday; requires the ability to bend. The position also requires the ability to carry up to 30 lbs on backpacking trips and to hike or be on your feet for most of the day and may require you to sleep outside in inclement weather conditions. Applicants must be physically fit to hike and lead outdoor activities while maintaining the stamina to support others.

SKILLS/EXPECTATIONS

• Commitment to and passion for YES’s mission and work. 

• Familiarity with the Richmond community and/or other Communities of Color

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate's degree and at least 2 years experience grant writing (social or environmental justice, youth development, and outdoor education fields preferred)

• Ability to write compelling narratives that are asset-based

• Excellent attention to detail and organization to meet deadlines

• Proven ability to collaborate across teams 

• Experience working within an online CRM database preferred 

• Willingness to engage in conversations about equity, inclusion, diversity, power, and privilege

COMPENSATION 

This is a non-exempt, full-time, 40 hours/week position. The hourly rate for this position is $32.21-$35.09

YES offers a generous benefits package to all regular full-time employees that include:

• 100% medical, dental, vision coverage

• 403b retirement matching program

• 10 days vacation in the first year with incremental accruals thereafter, 10 days sick time, 12 holidays,  1 day paid time off for birthday.

• Paid holiday closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day

• Fully paid 6-week sabbatical program after 6 years of consecutive employment

• Professional development opportunities.

TO APPLY 

Please email a thoughtful resume, cover letter, and relevant writing sample to Maria Chan, HR Manager at: maria@yesfamilies.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and the position is open until filled. Include Grants Specialist in the subject line.  Please provide a writing sample in the form of a grant proposal or letter of intent. You may redact confidential information.Desired start is January 2024.