OVERALL SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Chief Growth Officer, the Grants Officer researches, analyzes, prioritizes, and contacts funding sources in order to apply for both private foundation and government grants. In addition, they will prepare grant applications, write narratives and compile required paperwork to maximize opportunities for financial support for new and/or existing programs. The Grants Officer will steward donors, prepare annual grant reports and serve as liaison to funding sources. They will also participate in public speaking and will develop relationships with community leaders in order to promote support for the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) and America's VetDogs (AVD). Flexibility to work weekends and evenings consistent with a front-line fundraising role required. All Development staff are expected to assist with the execution of the annual development plan to support meeting the annual organizational budget.

Position Responsibilities:

• Research, develop and target a list of grant prospects including private and family foundations, corporations and government agencies.
• Work with program teams to conceptualize and develop programs, concept papers, and proposals, using knowledge of existing opportunities, interest from funders, and current policy trends.
• Develop, draft, and submit new funding requests.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to existing funders including annual/semi-annual grant reports.
• Ability to articulate outcomes and interpret and present program and financial information
• Prepare and maintain grant/contract files and records.
• Maintain foundation relations by scheduling site visits with foundation representatives as appropriate.
• Steward current grant donors, building and strengthening relationships.
• Build effective new relationships in an affinity to GDF/AVD and the generation of new revenue.
• Assist with major donor identification, prospecting, and cultivation as appropriate.
• Provides progress reports of activities to date, revenue generated, planned activities and timelines for grants.
• Works in a team environment to effectively represent GDF/AVD and its mission in the community.
• Attends events and meetings on behalf of GDF/AVD.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Development.
• Always aware of safety rules and procedures, ensuring that the functions of this job are done in the safest possible manner and encourages co-workers to do likewise

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited college in related field
• 3-5 years' experience writing technical reports and/or researching and applying for grant funds, with experience preferably in the human services or veterans' industries
• Proficient in database management and Microsoft Office.
• Possess superior communication skills (oral, written, and listening) in order to be clear and persuasive.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Must be a team player.
• Work weekends, evenings, and early mornings as necessary.
• Local, regional and national travel as necessary. Driver license required.
• Position is highly sensitive and requires impeccable personal and professional integrity and discretion.
  
  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Physical Demands:

The employee is required to:

• stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor
• drive and/or travel
• lift 25 pounds and exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally

Visual Acuity:

Near acuity and accommodation are required for ability to see and read text and copy of written materials for publishing and to read computer screen.

Hearing Ability:

Ability to interact with staff and public in an informal or formal way during events or public speaking.

Work Environment:

Employee is exposed to office, kennel and residence environment. This includes animal hair and dander as well as cleaning and antibacterial cleaning solutions.