Director of Grants

Purpose
The Director of Grants position will serve as lead on the agency’s important grant funding work – both charitable and government sources, by providing lead strategy, management and relationship building in order to organize and execute fundraising plans through grant source identification, writing and reviewing proposals, ensuring timely submission, post-award management and compliance reporting. Duties include leading strategy on grant requests with agency leaders, being aware of program funding needs, managing the grants team members and serving on the agency’s Senior Leadership Team.
 
This position is part of the Advancement Team for the agency, whose charge is to fuel the engine to drive and advance Cornerstones of Care’s mission through revenue growth, program partnerships, volunteer engagement, community collaboration, advocacy, brand management, strategic communication, fundraising, special events and charitable/government grants, with an intentional welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable lens. The role is the lead of a three-member grant team (director and two managers), who help secure over $1 million in annual charitable support and over $7 million in government grant funding for short and long-term agency projects and program needs.
 
Sanctuary Model
Cornerstones of Care is committed to the Sanctuary Model, a comprehensive trauma-informed method for creating change and helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences.  It is a whole system approach built around the framework of SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future).  It is designed to facilitate the development of structures, processes, and behaviors on the part of staff, children, and the community that can counteract the physical and psychological wounds suffered by the children, youth, and families in our care. The ultimate outcome of a trauma informed philosophy is the creation of safe, therapeutic living and working environments for our clients, families, agency members and ancillary providers which espouse the proactive principles of growth, change, and empowerment of the individual for the betterment of the community.  Each team member has the responsibility to demonstrate the tenets of the Sanctuary Model in their work with clients and in their interaction with other team members.  Demonstrating these tenets is considered an essential responsibility for all staff in all positions in our company.
 
Essential Responsibilities

• Key responsibilities and allocation of time includes:
  • Provide leadership of overall grants fundraising strategy for the agency
  • Direct supervision of two team members
  • Collaboration on new program strategy and growth opportunities with C-level and senior program leaders
  • Management of portfolio of funders from proposal writing to submission to reporting.  
• In detail this includes...
  • Lead the grants team strategy, in coordination with the Chief Advancement Officer for fiscal year development plan and budget. This includes research, planning, writing and submission of grant proposals throughout the year.
  • Assign and manage an active portfolio of funder relationships, funding organizations and prospects through regular communication, stewardship and reporting on agency programs and outcomes, in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer.
  • Collaborate with grant team members on the development of and management of the annual grant calendar and budget. Work closely with grant team colleagues and executive and senior leaders to develop full year agency grant plan, and work closely with these leaders to ensure plan is executed appropriately.
  • Request support or assign appropriate components of grant submissions to other key program, administration and/or development staff.   
  • Convene other departments to ensure excellence in grant compliance. This includes providing outcome reports and data, informing appropriate staff of award details, monitoring grant spending and ensuring compliance deadlines are met, in close collaboration with program leaders, finance team and performance excellence team members.
  • Research prospective funding sources and pursue innovative funding opportunities on a regional and national level – both government and charitable grant sources.  
  • Utilize knowledge of local, regional and national funding environments to support new business development and program growth opportunities, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Business Development and Chief Programs & Innovations Officer on strategy to secure funding for program development. 
  • Provide excellent customer service to fellow staff participating in the grant process, as well as external funders and partners.
  • Commit to building knowledge-base and expanding personal understanding of Cornerstones of Care programs, growth strategies and what it means to serve diverse populations.
  • Utilize technology to develop and maintain processes and outputs that improve intra-agency communication and tracking related to grant opportunities and awards.
  • Review and approve all grant applications to ensure work appropriately reflects the agency’s Sanctuary commitments of trauma-informed care, our culture of being a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable organization, and high-quality work.
  • Manage two positions – Grants Manager-Government and Grants Manager-Charitable – including assignment and delegation of work, review of quality work and evaluate annual performance goals.
  • Assist with other duties and fundraising tasks as assigned.

• Experience leading a charitable and/or federal grant-writing process.
• Proven success record in securing new or first-time funding and complying with federal grants.
• Experience and existing relationships with local, regional, and national funding sources.
• Experience developing an annual grant plan and strategy implementation.
• Knowledge of budget development, tracking and financial acumen for use in grant applications, reporting and compliance fulfillment.
• Understanding of basic social services and/or child well-being programs and services.
• Proficient with various software programs, including Microsoft Office, Excel and Adobe Acrobat.

• Experience leading teams, strong organization skills and project management.
• Ability to build and sustain trusting relationships with a variety of people. 
• Must possess outstanding writing skills and ability to effectively and concisely communicate complex ideas to others.
• Able to prepare grant budgets and interpret agency financial statements.
• Ability to network effectively, and build and sustain relationships with funders and program staff.
• Must be highly organized and accountable, and possess a high level of integrity, ethical standards and professionalism.  

• Decisions on daily workflow and pursuit of grant opportunities.

• None

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Social Services, English/Literature, Education or related field.    

• 6-8 years in grant-writing, communications or other development position in the not-for-profit or related sector, with direct experience in grant writing, submission, post-award management and compliance reporting.

• Complete Sanctuary training in a timely manner;
• Have a valid driver’s license, proof of current vehicle insurance;
• Follow all agency policies;
• Be able to pass state abuse, neglect, and criminal background checks;
• Be able to carry out the essential functions of the position with, or without, accommodation.
• Perform all job duties in a manner which demonstrates a commitment to Sanctuary values and practices.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity of clients, team members, and other community partners.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Ability to perform a range of physical motions including, but not limited to:
  • Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
  • Standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time.
  • Kneeling, squatting, and stooping.

• Grants Manager-Charitable
• Grants Manager-Government