Grant / Development Writer

*THIS POSITION IS A FULLY ONSITE ROLE* Please note that the successful applicant must be able to report to work daily in our office in Salem, Virginia.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Grant and Development Writer supports the mission of Feeding Southwest Virginia in compliance with FSWVA’s Strategic Plan and the Development Department’s overarching goals and objectives.

The focus of this role is to help our team execute a comprehensive and aggressive program to generate funding from existing and new sources including foundations, corporations, local and state government, the national Feeding America organization, and civic and religious groups.

We seek an enthusiastic writing and research professional who will steward and expand our donor base by producing tailored, timely, polished, and data-informed fundraising correspondence (e.g., LOIs, Proposals, Applications, Reports).

The Grant /Development Writer will also research and occasionally draft key messaging for the food bank’s various fundraising materials. Examples include contributing to direct mail solicitations, appeal letters, and newsletters, and generating content for our website and digital campaigns.

The person in this position will report to the Director of Foundation Relations and work closely with the Chief Development Officer. The role also collaborates regularly with other Development Department staff members and colleagues in the Executive, Finance, Food Procurement, IT, Operations, Program Services, and Volunteer Services departments.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the functions or responsibilities listed below. 

1.     The Grant and Development Writer will demonstrate a professional demeanor in all interactions with FSWVA colleagues, donors, agency partners, civic and government officials, and the general public.   

2.     The Writer will learn, and consistently practice the policies and procedures of, Feeding Southwest Virginia and the Feeding America national office.  Generally, this role is expected to exhibit high-level knowledge of all Feeding Southwest Virginia’s programs and initiatives.

3.     The Grant and Development Writer reports to the Director of Foundation Relations and is responsible for maintaining effective processes that include, but are not limited to:  

·       Independently drafting concise, articulate, and persuasive grant related materials and submitting said materials in an organized fashion.

*Note that the Development Department strictly limits the use of AI in writing projects. The successful candidate will be expected to take a judicious and conscientious approach to any LLM-generated content and will refrain from using such material in external-facing workplace communications.

·        Conducting research to identify funding and partnership opportunities.   

·        Collecting, verifying, and interpreting relevant data (including demographic data and program metrics/statistics).  

·        Liaising with the food bank’s Executive Team and Finance Departments to develop grant budgets and budget narratives.  

·        Collaborating with Programs and Executive Leadership to prioritize funding needs.  

·        Stewarding relationships with grantors through telephone calls, thank-you and acknowledgement letters, and other touchpoints.   

·        Monitoring grant-funded program spending and submitting reports on use of funding (compiling and disseminating information for internal and external reporting requirements).  

·        Assisting in updating or developing departmental SOPs.  

Other functions: 

o   Promoting a cooperative spirit within the organization.  

o   Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Foundation Relations, Chief Development Officer, and/or the President and CEO.     

Minimum Skills and Qualifications required:

Education: 

•        Bachelor’s Degree, or combination of education and a minimum of three years of grant/development writing experience required. 

•        Grant writing or comparable fundraising experience required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

•     Makes a positive contribution to the culture of the organization and leads by example.

•     Enjoys writing and is enthusiastic in exercising their skill in service of others.   

•     Has the ability to manage a significant workload while fostering Departmental priorities and executing tasks.

•     Can analyze complex information and develop creative solutions and/or alternative approaches. 

•     Can interact with the public in a professional manner and exhibit discretion in the handling of confidential information.

•     Possesses exceptional organization and time-management skills.

Language Skills: 

•        Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the desire and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues.

•        Ability to make public presentations on behalf of the organization.  

Mathematical Skills: 

•        Ability to perform basic math functions.   

Technical Skills: 

•        Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook applications). 

•        Familiarity with, or interest in developing fluency in, grant management software.

•        Capable of operating standard office equipment, including but not limited to printers, multi-use copiers, and phone system. 

•        Other Skills and Abilities: 

•        Ability to work productively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

•        Ability to maintain compliance with established FSWVA directives, policies, and external regulations. 

Licenses and Certificates: 

•        Valid Driver’s License and own transportation to work required. 

•        Currently possess and maintain a safe driving record in driving company vehicles. 

Team Commitment: 

Considers the benefits and consequences to the team when taking action, openly shares ideas and information with others, effectively completes work activities with and through others, helps others achieve goals and complete work to meet the needs of the team and the organization.  Criticizes actions, when necessary, not people and effectively negotiates win-win outcomes. 

Flexibility: 

·     Be willing to work overtime and mandatory days set forth by the organization on short notice. 

·     Be willing to work flexible coverage as needed. 

Physical Demands:  

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks outlined in this job description. 

The position operates primarily in an office setting within FSWVA. It requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time and involves extensive computer work with frequent interruptions. Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are required. Routine travel to functions and special events is normal. Occasionally, may be required to respond to organizational needs outside of normal working hours. 

The employee may be required to walk, stand, push, pull, lift, bend, and carry objects up to 30 pounds. With forklift traffic in the facility and product stacked and stored throughout, this position requires someone who is mobile and can hear and watch for traffic and normal hazards of a warehouse environment. Occasionally, conducts work in an external environment that requires driving. Conducts work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.

MISSION STATEMENT:                                                                                                                            

Nourish neighbors. Engage community partners. Develop solutions to address food insecurity.  

Core Values: 

o   Trust: 

Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, ability, or strength of a person or organization. We seek to build and maintain trust in all relationships by practicing honesty, treating one another with dignity, and exhibiting professionalism. 

o   Effectiveness: 

Effectiveness is the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result. We achieve our mission by utilizing best practices, working efficiently, and consistently striving to achieve and exceed goals. 

o   Innovation: 

Innovation is the act of making changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Every day we seek creative solutions, encourage curiosity, and learn from our mistakes to solve problems and better meet the evolving needs of our neighbors. 

Feeding Southwest Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.  Feeding Southwest Virginia prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Virginia law. 

Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain and promote a talented workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. This description provides information regarding the essential function of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties whose performance may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments the individual may be given. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.