Grant Writer at Second Harvest Food Bank – Kingsport, Tennessee

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Grant Writer to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing skills and a passion for securing funding to support our organization's mission. Working in collaboration with leadership and staff across the organization, the Grant Writer is responsible for securing funding for Second Harvest’s mission and programs through compelling grant proposals to corporations, foundations, and other grant-making organizations. The Grant Writer is responsible for writing compelling grant proposals, reporting deadlines, and stewardship activities, and managing a portfolio of institutional donors.

Job Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for soliciting funding through foundations and organizations by way of professional written requests for funding and grants.

Additional duties include:

• Research for potential corporate and foundation funding, required grant reporting, and written and email correspondence with grant contacts.
• Communication duties include working with program staff in collecting impact stories for grant reporting.
• Write, revise, and edit draft letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports to grantmaking entities. Assemble information from multiple internal stakeholders, including program descriptions, objectives/outcomes/deliverables, implementation plans, timetables, staffing, budget, and evaluation.
• Writes the grant proposal according to established guidelines of the foundation and/or organization, including letters of inquiry and intent.
• Sends the proposal to the foundation/organization by the required deadline and follows up with the recipient to confirm delivery.
• Upon adverse action to the food bank’s grant proposal, review the proposal process to identify specific reasons for such action; contact the foundation to solicit information and suggestions for future grant proposals; and report findings to the Grant Manager.
• Maintain electronic and hard copy grant files, including all essential documentation.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new sources of funding from corporations, foundations, and other grantmaking organizations.

General Duties

• Assists with Special Events fundraisers and other events when/as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills with a focus on grant proposal writing and editing
• Proven experience in research and technical writing
• Familiarity with contract management and fundraising processes
• Proficient in using databases, including Raiser's Edge
• Ability to develop financial reports and strategic plans
• Experience in proofreading and program development

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR four years of professional writing experience
• Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and copy-editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Creative thinker with the ability to synthesize complex information from multiple contributors into clear, compelling writing that meets both funders’ interests, guidelines, and requirements, and the mission, interests, and goals of the food bank
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Passion for Second Harvest’s mission

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

This position operates in a typical office environment and requires constant use of a computer and other office equipment, such as phones, calculators, printers, and copy machines. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 85% of the time.

The person in this position frequently communicates with internal and external stakeholders (food bank leadership and staff, grantmaking organization staff, etc.). Must be able to gather and exchange accurate information in these situations.

This position requires occasional local travel for meetings, fundraising events, or professional development opportunities. Infrequent national and/or overnight travel may be required for donor meetings or optional professional development opportunities

Join us in making a difference through impactful grant writing that supports our mission!