Business Policy and Planning Proposal Specialist - Memphis, United States - Youth Villages

Description

Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. With a high-performing and dedicated staff of more than 3,300 working in 23 states as well as the District of Columbia and an annual operating budget over $200 million, the organization serves more than 32,000 emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth annually through its comprehensive, evidence-based programs: intensive in-home services, residential treatment, foster care, adoption, group homes, transition-age youth services, specialized crisis services, and intensive residential treatment.

The organization, founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1986, measures its success in reunited families and in children who are able to live at home and do well in school. Since 1994, when Youth Villages began an emphasis on helping children in the least restrictive environment -- preferably in their own homes -- success rates have soared: in 2020, 87% of the children who received at least 60 days of service at Youth Villages were still living successfully in the community one year after their discharge. Youth Villages' success rate is extraordinary when compared with a 60 percent failure rate for traditional child welfare services.

President Obama recognized Youth Villages as a nonprofit with "promising ideas that are transforming communities." Youth Villages Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Lawler, was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News and World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

For more information, please visit

Position Overview

The Business Planning and Policy Proposal Specialist will be responsible for the development and completion of proposals to government funders. This position will play a vital role in supporting the growth of Youth Villages to reach more children and families across the country. This includes, but may not be limited to, the following tasks and activities: initial research on funding opportunities, leading development of proposals, drafting/editing/proofreading, compiling required attachments, ensuring that all requirements of the proposal are met, and completing any follow-up required after proposal submission. This position may also help support special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop proposals (including responses to RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, ITNs, etc.) to government funders to sustain or expand Youth Villages' programs
• Manage the workflow of proposals – i.e. initial research, vetting of opportunity, submitting questions, information-gathering, drafting, editing/proofing, gathering supporting documentation, and finalization/submission of proposal
• Facilitate internal meetings related to proposals and solicit feedback from other departments/regional leadership on drafts; ability to work collaboratively with others involved in the proposal process is required
• Guide team on best practices for writing proposals and crafting case statements
• Manage content library to ensure all proposals include key elements, contain consistent messaging, are compelling, and are compliant with all procurement requirements
• Apply technical writing expertise, including independently drafting documents and revising based on feedback
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including meeting hard deadlines with high-quality finished products
• Adapt communications, writing style, and content based on specific audiences
• Apply critical thinking related to analysis of growth and funding opportunities
• Draft correspondence for senior leadership upon request
• Provide support for other technical writing and communications needs, as requested
• Compile data and produce presentations as requested
• Work with Marketing and Communications staff to ensure consistency with theme, brand, and design guidelines

As a member of Business Planning and Policy Department, must be flexible with additional job duties as assigned.

This position will have some flexibility to work from home, but must be based out of the Memphis area as some in-office days will be required.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in related field (i.e., technical writing, communications, journalism, marking, English) is required; a master's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience related to grant or proposal writing preferred; ability to gather information from multiple sources and craft a compelling proposal required
• Strong attention to detail, meticulous organization skills, project management capability, and ability to produce high-quality products under deadlines
• High competency in editing and proofreading
• Experience in one of Youth Villages' programs is preferred; appreciation for Youth Villages' mission required
• Strong, demonstrable Microsoft Office skills, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

Growth & development through continuous training

Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.