Job Title: Grant and Development Writer
Job Classification: Full Time Exempt, 40 hours/week
Department: Development Reports to Vice President of Development
Compensation & Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $60,000-$64,000 with competitive benefits (Individual Health & Dental Coverage, Individual Retirement Account Contribution, and Paid Time Off)
About Denver Kids:
In 1946, Denver Public Schools (DPS) and the Rotary Club of Denver partnered to form Denver Boys with the purpose of providing academic support, mentorship, and job skills for boys who were dropping out of school to work and provide for their families when their fathers did not return from WWII. Denver Girls was founded in 1970 to follow the same academicand mentor support model. In 1993, Denver Kids became the merged entities of Denver Boys and Denver Girls to consolidate programs and funding.
Our unique public/private partnership with DPS continues today. Specializing in academic and social/emotional advising—a one-to-one, relationship-based, long-term approach dedicated to building character, academic achievement, and positive development of the whole child. Denver Kids strives to help students use education and the development of social and emotional skills as tools to create career and college pathways.
The newest chapter of our journey began in July 2019, when fellow youth-serving organization Denver Urban Scholars merged with Denver Kids. With a combined 97 years of experience serving Denver youth with mentorship and academic support, the newly merged Denver Kids is poised to reach youth in new and exciting ways.
Learn more at https://www.denverkids.org/.
Who you are:
You are a clear, persuasive communicator with strong writing and research skills. You excel at crafting compelling grant proposals that align with organizational goals and funder priorities. Organized and detail-oriented, you manage multiple deadlines with ease. You work well collaboratively and are motivated to support a mission-driven team through impactful grant writing. This position is ideal for an individual who is a motivated self-starter, thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys both the administrative and creative aspects of development, and has a passion for securing funding to support Denver Kids’ initiatives.
Position Summary:
The Grant and Development Writer is responsible for researching, drafting, and submitting grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, and other funding organizations to support the mission and programs of Denver Kids. This position works closely with the VP of Development and program staff to gather relevant information and ensure the timely submission of high-quality proposals and reports. This position also manages the grant calendar, maintains accurate records of proposals and outcomes, and cultivates relationships with funders to help secure and sustain funding opportunities. This position is also responsible for developing materials and engaging in fundraising activity that supportDenver Kids’ overall fundraising strategies. Approximately 80% of this position is dedicated to grant writing, the other 20% is made up of other development and organizational activities.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Grant Writing:
○ Research, identify, and prioritize potential grant funding sources from foundations, corporations and government agencies. This may also include corporate sponsorships, and other philanthropic opportunities.
○ Write and submit high-quality grant proposals, ensuring alignment with Denver Kids’ mission, goals, and programmatic needs.○ Develop grant reports and track the status of active grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and deadlines.
○ Build and maintain relationships with grant makers, external funding partners, and individuals.
○ Coordinate with Denver Kids program staff to gather information needed for grant proposals, reports, and presentations.
○ Track and manage grant calendar, deadlines, and follow-up actions.
○ Prepare budgets and financial documents in coordination with the finance team for applications and reporting.
○ Lead the development and preparation of grant-related annual fundraising plans.
● Development:
○ Create content for fundraising materials, such as brochures, presentations, and donor appeals.
○ Create content for marketing materials, such as website, e-newsletters, social media, and other communication channels to engage donors and the broader community.
○ Lead story collection and storytelling; write student stories on a regular basis, used for social media, grant writing and reports, donor cultivation & stewardship, website posts, etc.
■ Attend program-related events and activities in order to capture stories, photos, videos, etc. to support in the development of stories, videos, and other content.
○ Work as a member of the Development Team to coordinate and implement the Denver Kids Annual Fundraiser.
○ Support implementation of Denver Kids fundraising and cultivation/stewardship events.
● General:
○ Adhere to Denver Kids’ Policies and Procedures, inclusive of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging(DEIB) practices, as well as ethical standards of the field
○ Work collaboratively in a team-based setting
○ Participate in leadership/professional development including on-going training
○ Flexibility to take on or support other responsibilities across the organization
Key Skills and Attributes:
● Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and persuasively convey complex information to diverse audiences through well-crafted grant proposals and effective verbal presentations.
● Organized & Effective: Thrives in an often fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, is organized, communicates effectively, balances priorities, displays accountability to self and peers, and provides creativity and resourcefulness.
● Dedicated to Data Management: Proven attention to detail and strong data management skills, including ensuring accurate, accessible, and secure data. Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize, and integrate complex data from multiple sources to support decision-making and strategic objectives.
● Self-Starter & Team Player: Takes initiative, problem-solves, possesses a strong sense of ownership, and is dedicated to ensuring quality and inclusive programs at all times. Inspires the trust and confidence of others in order to collaborate on projects and gain knowledge necessary to ensure success of fundraising efforts.
Qualifications:
● Required:
○ Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, English, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
○ At least 2-3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant writing.
○ Proven track record of successful grant writing, including securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
○ Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling proposals, reports, and other development materials.
○ Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
○ Excellent computer skills including Google Suite, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and CRMs.
○ Valid Driver’s License and consistent and dependable transportation methods.
○ Up to date auto insurance.
○ Ability to pass a background check.
● Preferred:
○ Familiarity with or ability to learn donor database systems (DonorPerfect Online (DPO) experience preferred).
○ Understanding and knowledge of the Denver metro area philanthropic climate.
Working Conditions:
● Urban city and school district.
● Working with Denver Public School (DPS) students and families who may or may not face circumstances, including but not limited to, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and immigration.
● Driving to and from schools, events and/or other local entities as necessary.
● Flexible hybrid work schedule. Must work from the Denver Kids office a minimum of 2 days a week.
● Some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
● Occasionally transport students for Denver Kids events.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to apply@denverkidsinc.org. No phone calls please.