Job description

1005 S. Highland Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756

(727) 258-7659 office www.LIFTFL.org

Learning Independence for Tomorrow, Inc.
Job Description: Development Grant Writer

About LiFT
Founded on January 13, 2013, the mission of LiFT is to inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive and succeed. Our goal is to level the playing field for individuals with learning differences and neurodiversity. We provide our learners with exceptional academics, life skills, career training, and opportunities to strengthen social skills and build meaningful friendships. We have a passion that each student comes to value and view their diversity as a gift to be celebrated. Equally important is for each student to respect the differences found in each other. LiFT has a strong culture of teamwork, collaboration, and dedication to improving the lives of others. We are driven by a desire to serve our students, our families, and our community. We strive to be thought leaders in the landscape of exceptional education and equal opportunities for those with neurodiversity. At LiFT, we seek to hire individuals who are committed to our mission and values, and who believe in the power of community and improving the world.

Job Summary:
The Grant Writer will secure new and maintain current local, state, and federal funding opportunities and revenue sources through the development and management of proposals and grant applications that support the LiFT
Incorporated mission and strategic plan. These development and management activities will include but are not limited to all pre-award and post-award grant/proposal functions. Grant proposals will be written for both unrestricted operating revenue and restricted projects. The Grant Writer will also collaborate with the development team members to assist with other fundraising projects and develop relationships with key stakeholders to effectively share LiFT’s vision, mission, and values.

Job Classification: Professional – Technical Writer

Reports to:
The Grant Writer reports to the Development Director.

Minimum Requirements:

Education, Experience and/or Knowledge

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree; Required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: Nonprofit experience required. Experience working with or in a school setting, desired. Demonstrated experience researching and writing grant proposals and applications. Proven track record in successful acquisition and maintenance of funding sources and grants. Experience providing grant impact reports to grant funders from non-profits, charities, and/or other philanthropic organizations. Experience with sourcing funding and revenue opportunities for non-profit organizations. Experience “cold calling”, contract development, and business relationship management. Experience working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of fundraising information sources. o Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies. Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospects.

Other Skills and Abilities:
Ability to exercise good judgment and work in an environment with frequent interruptions. Able to use standard office equipment. Possesses strong organizational skills and reflects the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• A valid Florida Driver’s License is required.
• Successful Completion of a State and Federal FDLE Level 2 Background Screening.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Key Area #1: Grant/Funding Responsibilities.

• Sub Area #1: Sourcing/Community Engagement: Maintain proficient knowledge of the organization’s history, mission, values, programs, strategic plan, and needs so as to successfully communicate with grant and foundation funding sources. Employ short and long-range planning techniques applicable to the grant/funding program. Conduct research to identify new public and private grant/funding opportunities based on focus need, location, and organization project. (Areas of focus include but are not limited to, facility improvements, professional development, curriculum, adaptive equipment, administrative needs, etc.) Maintain communication with multiple departments in the organization to identify funding gaps and needs for ongoing, current, or future projects that could be satisfied with grants/funding sources. Collaborate with a variety of parties (e.g., local, state, and federal government representatives/parties, community organizations, parents, individuals, foundations, corporations, etc.) for the purpose of securing funding. Present concepts, status, and information for the purpose of gaining the required administrative and board approvals. o Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors. In collaboration with the Development Team, create and execute strategies to develop a large, sustained base of annual individual donors.
• Sub Area #2: Grant/Funding Management. Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal and other grant/funding laws and/or guidelines. o Ensure compliance with LiFT’s standards of conduct professionally and ethically. Abide by all policies and procedures. Develop standardized forms, processes, and procedures for the purpose of implementing a consistent/ efficient grant/funding program. Track and create an annual grant/funding calendar, including grant opportunities, grants applied to, deadlines, the status of applications, required initial/follow-up materials, reports, etc. Prioritize grants/funding based on need, size of grant/funds, and the time funds are released. Develop and participate in and/or lead meetings or training for the purpose of conveying, sharing, and/or gathering information required to perform functions of the grant/funding program.

Work in conjunction with the Finance, Executive Director, and Development Director to gather the necessary data to complete grant/funding reports, proposals, and/or applications. Monitor the financial management of grants/funding proposals for the purpose of complying with all program and funding guidelines of awarding organizations. (e.g., budget preparation, budget adjustments, expenditures, etc.) Evaluate the degree of match between listed grant priority areas and the needs of LiFT for the purpose of matching needs with funding sources. Communicate with grant/funding sources to identify opportunities, and requirements of the source, and continuously monitor to ensure that during the proposal process, all necessary communications and documents are submitted in a timely and appropriate manner. o Successfully understand and communicate the mission and vision of LiFT when applying for grants/funding. o Write and submit grant letters of intent/proposals/narratives/applications and prepare related documents. Own and monitor the process from start to finish. Write reports as required by local, state, and federal government, foundations, the LiFT Board, and other grant/funding sources. o Manage the implementation of and oversee all grant/funding programs from end to end to ensure proper implementation, data management and gift processing. Maintain grant/funding information in the appropriate database(s). Maintain timelines for proposals and report back to funding sources in an accurate and timely manner. Track statistics relevant to the development and receipt of grants/funding. Ensure the successful closeout of grants/funding to maximize future awards. Provide monthly grant/funding reports to the Development Director. Board reports may also be requested.

Terms of Employment:

• Employment with LiFT Inc. is at will.
• Employment Status: 12-month, Salary Non-Exempt
• Work Basis: Monday through Friday
• Regular attendance; May work remotely.
• Professional dress attire.
• Always demonstrate professional conduct.
• Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with LiFT’s approved compensation plan.
• Performance Evaluations are conducted annually.

Travel:
Some travel may be required.

Work Environment:
Office / Shared Space / School Setting / Community Setting

Equal Opportunity:
LiFT is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed while standing, sitting, and/or walking.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull light weights, up to 30 pounds.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. LiFT may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: $48,579.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Clearwater, FL 33756: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Grant writing: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Office: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Clearwater, FL 33756

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