Grant Writing and Communications Specialist - Chicago, United States - Girls Inc. of Chicago

Description

Grant Writing and Communications Specialist Organization OverviewGirls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements:

people trained staff and volunteers who build lasting mentoring relationships; environment girls-only, physically and emotionally safe spaces where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate programs that meet the needs of todays girls.

Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc.

of Chicago also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls and address the systemic barriers that impede girls success, particularly girls in low-income communities and girls of color.

Girls Inc. of Chicago, incorporated in November 2016, is one of the newest affiliates of the network of Girls Inc. organizations with the shared mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold.


Position Overview :
Girls Inc.

of Chicago isseekinga highly motivated and talented individual to join our nonprofit organization as a Grant Writing and Communications Specialist.

This vital role willbe responsible forsecuring funding through effective grant writing and engaging in strategic communication efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for our organizations mission.

This role reports to the Director of Development.


Primary Responsibilities:

Grant Writing:

Prepare andsubmitgrant proposals to various foundations, corporations, and government agencies to secure funding for the organizations programs and initiatives.

Collaborate withprogram managementand other stakeholders to gather necessary information and data for grant applications.


Research and Prospect Identification:
Conduct thorough research toidentifypotential grant opportunities aligned with the organizations mission andobjectives. Stay informed about new funding opportunities and trends in the nonprofit sector.


Grant Management:
Track andmonitorthe status ofsubmittedgrant proposals, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements and deadlines. Prepare progress reports for grantors, detailing the use and impact of funds received.
Collaboratewith Programs, Community Engagement,and Finance and Operations departments tosubmitgrantproposals and reporting.


Communications Strategy:
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance the organizations visibility and promote its mission.

Utilize various communication channels, including website, social media, newsletters, press releases, and email marketing, to engage donors, supporters, and the wider community.

Content Creation:
Create compelling and persuasive content for grant applications, fundraising appeals, marketing materials, and other communication platforms. Tailor messages to resonate with specific audiences,showcasingthe organizations impact and success stories.


Collaboration and Networking:
Collaborate with various departments within the organization to gather information, statistics, and stories for grant proposals and communications. Build andmaintainrelationships with potential funders, partners, and community stakeholders.


Donor Cultivation:
Work closely with the development team toidentifyand cultivate potential donors, sponsors, and strategic partners. Contribute to donor stewardship efforts tomaintainpositive relationships with existing supporters.


Evaluation and Reporting:
Participatein the evaluation and measurement of program outcomes and impact.
Assistin preparing reports for internal use and external stakeholders,demonstratingthe organizations effectiveness in achieving its mission.

And any other duties needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organizations values.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in communications, nonprofit management, English, journalism, or related field (mastersdegree preferred).Proventrack recordof successful grant writing and securing funding for nonprofit organizations.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

Strong research skills toidentifyand evaluate potential funding opportunities.
Knowledge of grant application processes and grant management best practices.
Proficiencyin creating and executing communication strategies across various platforms.
Familiarity with donor cultivation and stewardship techniques.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Adept at building andmaintainingcollaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience working with adiverse populations.
Passionate about the mission and vision of the nonprofit organization.


Highly Preferred:
Familiarity withDonorPerfector similar fundraising software.
Experience with Canva and/or the Adobe Suite of design software including InDesign and Illustrator.
Proficiencyin Word, Power Point, Excel, and Constant Contact.


Working Conditions:
This position is based in our nonprofit organizations office with opportunities for remote work. It may require occasional evening or weekend work during peak periods, such as grant deadlines or fundraising events.

Join our team of dedicated professionals and make a significant impact on our organizations growth and the communities we serve.

Together, we can work towards creating positive change and advancing our mission to improve lives and make a difference.
GIRLS INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.#J-18808-Ljbffr