Grants & Community Partnership Specialist

Strategic and creative, the Grants & Community Partnership Specialist will conduct all aspects of the grant and sponsorship acquisition function for Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. This person will write funding proposals and impact reports, conduct grant and community stewardship, manage the annual grant and sponsorship solicitation pipeline, scout new funding opportunities, and work closely with key departments. This work will directly benefit the Center’s diverse habitats, expand our education offerings to new populations, and support our raptor and animal ambassador program. 

The statements below reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements related to the position.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Grants Program

• Manage grant application process from research through submission, using different techniques and best practices to solicit family foundations, corporate foundations, government entities, individual donors, and others. Impact areas include land conservation, raptors, preschool, school programs and outreach, capital projects, and more.
• Manage grant calendar to ensure timely submissions, including due dates for LOIs, proposals to funders, and reporting after the funding is received.
• Engage with Center staff to identify deliverables, goals, and success criteria of programs, events, and special projects, and maintain strong knowledge and current status of all impact metrics.   
• Conduct prospect research and build relationships with foundations, and ensure all grantors are appropriately recognized.
• Track financials and spending related to grants and collaborate with departments to ensure grant requests and reports include accurate financial and other data.
• Work with the Center’s marketing team to feature stories of donors and grant-funded programs in print and digital communications.

Sponsorship Program

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with corporate partners and other community stakeholders to expand the Center's network and funding opportunities.
• Create sponsorship pitches and proposals for funding from corporate entities, including but not limited to programmatic underwriting and sponsorships for special events.
• Work with Center leadership to proactively identify new areas of support and potential collaboration opportunities within the community.
• Ensure sponsors are appropriately recognized in marketing materials and during events, and aid in creating recognition and stewardship materials.
• Work with volunteer coordinator to schedule and facilitate corporate group volunteer opportunities, with the intention of nurturing new and established partnerships within the corporate community.
• Assist in planning and execution of special events such as Annual Gala, both as sponsor liaison and through ad hoc assignments.

The successful candidate possesses strong written and verbal communications skills, has demonstrated ability to work well within a team environment, and will feel comfortable managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Additional requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• 3-5+ years of demonstrated experience and proven track record of successful grant writing and fundraising for a non-profit
• Strong organizational skills, close attention to detail, and demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and anticipate needs
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as Center needs require
• High sense of discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Commitment to Schlitz Audubon’s mission

• Competitive salary in the range of $52,000 - $58,000 annually, depending on experience
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance (Long-Term and Short-Term)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO accruals
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Details:

Regular Full-Time/Exempt position working 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday and occasional evenings and weekends.  Position reports to Director of Development.