Description
Job Title: Grants Specialist
Reports To: Director of Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Louisville Campus, Indianapolis Campus, or Remote for the right candidate
Summary: The Grants Specialist plays a key role on the Development team by cultivating and strengthening relationships with foundation and corporate grantmakers and identifying funding opportunities that align with VIPS’ mission and strategic priorities. This position manages the grant development process, including prospect research, relationship building, proposal development, funder communication, stewardship, and grant reporting. The Grants Specialist works collaboratively across the organization to develop compelling funding opportunities, communicate the impact of VIPS’ programs, and build meaningful, long-term partnerships with foundation and corporate funders. The ideal candidate possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, a professional and resourceful demeanor, strong initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Research and identify foundation and corporate grantmakers and funding opportunities that align with VIPS’ mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
Develop, cultivate, and maintain meaningful relationships with foundation and corporate funders through proactive communication, meetings, site visits, stewardship, and ongoing engagement.
Manage the full grant development process, including prospect research, opportunity assessment, proposal development, submission, tracking, follow-up, and reporting.
Develop compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and other funding materials that effectively communicate VIPS’ mission, programs, impact, and funding needs.
Collaborate with internal staff to gather program information, outcomes, budgets, and supporting materials needed for proposals and grant reporting.
Monitor grant requirements, deadlines, deliverables, and reporting obligations to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of funder relationships, communications, proposals, awards, reports, and other grant activity in the CRM, Neon.
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop funder-focused communications and content that highlight VIPS’ impact and strengthen relationships with foundation and corporate audiences.
Represent VIPS professionally in the community and with current and prospective foundation and corporate partners.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities:
Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process
Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization
Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources
Multitasking, organizational, and time management skills
Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, nonprofit management, public administration, business, philanthropy, or a related field.
2–4 years of professional experience in grant writing, foundation relations, corporate relations, fundraising, development, or a related field.
Computer Skills:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
Experience using donor, CRM, and grant management databases to track funder relationships, proposals, awards, stewardship, and reporting.
Familiarity with grant research and management platforms, such as GrantStation, Instrumental, or similar systems.
Ability to learn and effectively use new technology, databases, and software applications as needed.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
