The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and supporting U.S. national marine sanctuaries, seeks a Grant Writer to support the fundraising and development efforts of the organization. We are looking for an energetic, creative, analytical thinker with strong writing skills and a record of successful corporate and private grant funding. As the only organization dedicated to the 14 national marine sanctuaries of the United States, NMSF has a unique vision and mission with an unparalleled dedication and enthusiasm to the underwater places that represent the best of the American ocean.
Overview of Position
The Grant Writer will play a key role in supporting NMSF’s fundraising and development efforts. Specifically, this will include developing strategy for institutional grant solicitations, identifying and cultivating prospects from corporations and private foundations, writing and submitting grant proposals, and maintaining compliance with reporting requirements for funded proposals. The positon will report to the President and work collaboratively with the senior management team in ensuring NMSF achieves established fundraising goals for restricted and unrestricted revenue, and funds key programs and activities on behalf of the national marine sanctuary system. The Grant Writer will be required to have a deep understanding of the multitude of programs and activities for which grant funding is needed. The position is based in the NMSF headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD.
Responsibilities
– Researching and identifying institutional grant opportunities (in particular with private foundations and corporations) that support NMSF’s identified operational and programmatic priorities.
– Developing a grants calendar that considers potential funding schedules and program needs.
– Organizing, writing and submitting grant applications, collaborating with appropriate NMSF or federal partner program staff as needed.
– Providing timely advice and information on funding opportunities, requirements, and procedures; collaborating with the President and senior management in defining and implementing project funding strategies.
– Drafting and maintaining written information about various programs that can be used for components of grant applications, as well as for other outreach efforts, including the NMSF web site.
– Working with the communications team on content for publicizing and promoting grant projects, awards, and programs.
– Working with the finance and operations team on tracking and drafting reports required by granting organizations, including the reporting required for all government and foundation grants received by NMSF.
– Working with the President and senior management on strategic development, establishing fundraising goals, stewarding and cultivating prospective grantors.
– Supporting other development functions as needed and as appropriate Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree.
– 3-5 years of progressive professional responsibility for writing and shepherding grant proposals and projects.
– Experience working with marine and/or environmental funders a plus.
– Exceptional writing skills.
– Excellent analytical skills.
– Meticulous attention to detail.
– Ability to perform under tight deadlines.
– Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and with others.
– Flexible team member with a sense of humor and an ability to work quickly and prioritize multiple projects.
– Facility with a range of software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database programs.
– Experience with donor database management systems a plus.
– A sincere interest in, and commitment to, our mission.
Compensation and Benefits
NMSF offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, with an excellent benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan (a 403(b) plan for non-profit organizations), a generous leave policy and public transportation subsidy. NMSF is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees.
How to Apply
Send resume, cover letter with salary requirements, and one writing sample from a successfully funded grant proposal to Beth Nuttall at beth@nmsfocean.org. Preference will be given to applications submitted before September 5, 2014. Please note that only those candidates selected for interview will be notified. No phone calls please.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to enhance national marine sanctuaries in their goal to protect essential U.S. marine areas and to ensure a healthy ocean, with a vision to strengthen and expand the network of national marine sanctuaries for the benefit of current and future generations. Through public-private partnerships, NMSF fosters scientific research, funds conservation projects, supports educational programs, and advocates for public policies on behalf of these special places representing the best hope for our ocean and Great Lakes. Among NMSF’s signature programs is its Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the largest annual marine-related symposium in Washington DC, and its Ernest Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund, which provides grants for promoting public awareness on ocean-related issues. The national marine sanctuary system consists of 14 sites, with more than 170,000 square miles of area in the ocean and Great Lakes, stretching from the Florida Keys to the Hawaiian Islands and from the shore of Lake Huron to the Gulf of Mexico. More information can be found on our website at www.nmsfocean.org