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Director of Grants

Title:  Director of Grants
Department: Resource Development
Reports to:  Senior Vice President for Resource Development
Classification: Non Exempt
Other:  Grade 5, Regular, Fulltime, Eligible for Benefits

Position Summary:
The Director of Grants leads and manages the grants program for the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW).  The position is responsible for all grant and proposal-related work, supporting the fundraising and program needs for Resource Development and Community Impact departments.  The main functions of the position are to develop and implement an overall strategic plan to secure funding from private and corporate foundations and government sources, conduct research, write and manage all aspects of the grant process, track all grants, and cultivate grant program officers. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

  • Lead efforts to develop a strategic plan to secure funding from private and corporate foundations and government sources to support VSUW revenue goals, working closely with program and fundraising staff.
  • Research and identify grant opportunities and analyze the fit for VSUW and our collaborators/ partners.  Prepare recommendations for consideration by management staff.
  • Identify key foundation players and coordinate the development of larger-scale grant proposals around Community Impact initiatives and programs.
  • Coordinate and write grants and proposals that are needed on a regular basis by Community Impact and Resource Development staff.
  • Cultivate and sustain positive productive relationships with new and existing corporate, private and government foundations on a local and national scale to broaden the base of grant support for VSUW.
  • Work closely with community and business leaders, investors, stakeholders, senior officers, employees, and the development staff to advance the mission of the organization.
  • Research and analyze statistical, social, economic and demographic data and literature to support Community Impact initiatives and programs in coordination with the Director of Research and Evaluation.
  • Manage the reporting requirements associated with receiving grant funding or contracts in partnership with program staff and Finance.  This includes working with staff to evaluate and report on outcomes associated with disbursed funds.
  • Work in collaboration with other functional area including Marketing, Major Gifts and Planned Giving, and Finance and Administration to integrate efforts and ensure the most efficient and effective outcomes. 
  • Maintain expert knowledge of current and evolving fund development, economic, political, legislative, technical, or general business trends that may affect VSUW results to achieve organizational results.  
  • Track and report annual grant revenue and coordinate grant financial tracking systems with the Finance and Administration department.
  • Manage  the contracting of special projects with grant consultants as needed.
  • Support and/or lead special projects as they may arise within the organization.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

  • Education – Bachelors Degree with emphasis in human services, community development, business or related field.  Master’s preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of  five years non-profit human service experience in grant writing, program development and grant prospect research.
    • The right combination of education and/or relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of degree requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience and success in developing and implementing strategic plans.
  • Progressively increased responsibility overseeing grant processes.
  • Experience in the following areas:
    • Grant and proposal writing and development communications
    • Grant research skills and knowledge of tools
    • Knowledge of key funders locally and nationally
    • Coordination of grant submittal both government and private
    • Collaborative coordination and facilitation skills
    • Community outreach and public relations
  • Knowledge of region (Maricopa County)
  • Knowledge of private foundations, corporate foundations, federal, state, local and tribe funding opportunities and processes
  • Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently with little direction.
  • Knowledge of community, human services and non-profit environment is preferred. 
  • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must work well as part of a team and promote/support the goals of the organization as defined.
  • Ability to adapt to changing environments and manage multiple priorities, organize, interpret, and communicate data.   
  • Strong interpersonal, presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to conceptualize and develop strategies.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Analyze and process confidential data.
  • Build and sustain productive relationships and facilitate collaboration with diverse individuals, groups and organizations.

Technical Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Requirements:

  • Analytical skills
  • Quantitative and qualitative research skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Demonstrated ability to research and find information from the Internet.
  • Proven comfort level working in a systems environment, with ability to learn and use new software and systems as required.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to work hours outside the standard 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM timeframe and to travel, if necessary.
  • Valid Arizona driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and daily access to personal vehicle.

Resume & Cover Letter Submitting Options:
It is highly recommended that you submit a cover letter with your resume.

Email
staffing@vsuw.org
Please attach your information as an MS Word document, PDF file or plain text document.

Mail
Attn: Staffing
Valley of the Sun United Way
1515 East Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014

If you have questions, please email us at staffing@vsuw.org. Visit www.vsuw.org to learn more about us. Please no phone inquiries. Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to us by Friday, 3/05/10. VSUW is an E.O.E.