Grant Writer

The Grant Writer is responsible for developing and writing grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and other grant-making entities (e.g., state and federal government), and will persuasively communicate Dr. Phillips Center's mission/vision and programs to potential funders. The Grant Writer will assemble and submit grant requests; conduct prospect research; and maintain a calendar of submissions, fulfillment requirements and other deadlines.

• Manage and implement the research and tracking of institutional funding prospects from various sources that match the strategic priorities of the Dr. Phillips Center.

• Manage and support the full range of activities needed to develop persuasive proposals for grant requests, including drafting narratives, preparing project budgets, and developing final materials for submittal, ensuring all deadlines are met.

• Ensure prompt acknowledgement of grant awards and consistent communication with funders.

• Maintain calendar to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposal deadlines, and reports; work with the Dr. Phillips Center staff/leadership to prioritize and schedule grants to be pursued.

• Assist in post-award grants management and stewardship, including working with departments across the organization to ensure compliance, proper external funder recognition, required report submission, etc.

• Use the organization’s CRM database (Tessitura) to manage and track all efforts to secure funding, including contact information, communication history, application instructions, and research.

• Follow and support all operational policies and procedures. Assimilate into the arts center culture through understanding, supporting and demonstrating the core values.  

• Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with other departments, colleagues, and partners.  

• Able to remain calm under pressure. Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy. Maintain Dr. Phillips Center standards of customer service at all times.

• Able to effectively communicate in English in both written and oral forms.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience writing grants.

• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills.

• Ability to craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner. Demonstrated success in securing grant awards.

• Ability to use online databases and other resources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.

• Strong understanding of financial reporting and budgets as they relate to proposals and grants.

• Ability to seek, and synthesize information, and to communicate in a persuasive and succinct manner to various audiences.

• High level of computer literacy, including familiarity with CRMs and common online foundation research tools. High level of competency with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; previous CRM experience (Tessitura experience is a plus); ability to complete moderately complex mathematical calculations.  

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized. Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

• This position requires the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.