OVERVIEW

Under the guidance and supervision of Director of Development, the Grant Writer is responsible for researching charitable foundations, working with appropriate Departments within St. Vincent de Paul to match funding opportunities with potential foundation partners, drafting proposals and following up on submissions. In this role, the individual will be responsible not only for drafting proposals but also for building relationships with various foundations through phone calls, emails, and, when appropriate, in-person visits. After submitting proposals, they will monitor responses, follow up as necessary, maintain a spreadsheet to track active grant opportunities, and prepare and submit progress reports to funders as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research foundations that are good candidates for Catholic organizations, community service organizations and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council.
• Create a database of potential funders.
• Prioritize those foundations that are the best match for Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis.
• Collaborate with the appropriate Director or team member to review potential funding opportunities and determine alignment, ability to provide the pertinent information for the application and reporting requirements if funding is secured.
• Follow up in a timely manner on all foundation requests.
• Prepare acknowledgement letters
  1. From Council office
  2. From Director of Programs & Client Services
  3. From Chief Executive Officer
• Conduct visits to local foundations.
• Prepare progress reports for those foundations who contribute.
• Coordinate with Development Assistant to ensure that gift is entered into Donor Perfect properly, this includes any gift restrictions that are designated by the foundation.
• Prepare reports for the Development Committee and SVdP Board.
• Oversee strategy and implementation for Giving Tuesday and other giving days.
• Work with Director of Development and the Chief Executive Officer to establish revenue goals for fiscal year.
• Work closely with the Marketing/Communications Department to develop and manage consistent messaging to donors and prospects.
• Make presentations to groups/foundation review boards when called upon.

Organization Mission and Policies:

CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The following values and competencies are required expectations for an individual to perform this job successfully.

1. Understands and articulates the vision for Society
2. Communicates the vision and strategy to employees, the board, volunteers, customers
3. Maintains a focus on the vision while balancing day-to-day operations
   • Business Acumen – The capacity to critically identify, analyze and use performance indicators that directly and indirectly affect the sustainability of the Society.
4. Identifies and manages against key performance indicators
5. Understands and considers the financial dynamics of the Society and the industry in making decisions
6. Weighs the costs and benefits of decisions and adjusts appropriately
7. Balances short term costs with long term viability
   • Leadership – The ability to positively impact others generating commitment and high performance.
8. Consistently demonstrates servant leadership and lives the Society values
9. Inspires others to make a difference and contribute
10. Creates an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration:  listens, fosters dialogue and facilitates joint problem solving
11. Recognizes and respects individual differences, treating others with fairness, courtesy and good faith
12. Admits mistakes, accepts feedback, demonstrates the capacity to work as part of a team
13. Understands the impact of his/her own style and adjusts appropriately
    • Communication – The ability to skillfully use interpersonal influence and create relationships characterized by dignity and respect.
14. Keeps self and others informed and up-to-date on projects, customers, volunteers, Board decisions and state of the Society
15. Skillfully manages conflict, demonstrating and encouraging open, honest and respectful communication and seeking the common good
16. Understands and empathizes with others
17. Communicates with and responds to customers, volunteers, fellow workers, and other in a professional, timely, helpful and courteous manner
    • Results Orientation – The ability to prioritize and focus on getting things done efficiently, effectively and in a timely way.
18. Sets challenging and realistic goals for self and others
19. Prioritizes work to focus on the most important items
20. Pitches in to help others get things done
21. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for achieving goals and results
22. Supports others in achieving results and shares responsibility and accountability
23. Adheres to SVdP Handbook policy regarding attendance, punctuality and time-off requests
    • Continuous Improvement – The drive to ensure personal and organizational competitiveness through continuously improving.
24. Stays up-to-date on advances in the industry in order to improve Society operations
25. Shares expertise and knowledge to support the growth and development of others and enabling them to grow and improve in performance
26. Consistently applies knowledge and expertise to ensure high standards of performance
27. Seeks and takes advantage of opportunities to increase knowledge and expertise of self and others

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent. A degree in English, communications, creative writing or related area is preferred.
• Three (3) or more years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Track record of preparing and securing grants from foundations (Needed)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

1. MS Windows (Advanced level)
2. Grant writing, Must

• Experience with Donor Perfect preferred.
• Oral and written communication to wide and varied audiences.
• Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the St. Vincent de Paul.
• Read, analyze and interpret complex documents.
• Sound knowledge of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul preferred.
• Understanding of the basic elements of fundraising.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sosurces.
• Proven experience with interfacing with donors and prospects.
• Knowledge of databases and research engines.
• Ability to collect, organize and analyze data related to donor giving.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Must be strategic and forward thinking.
• Positive attitude and passion for playing a role in fulfilling the organization’s mission.

1. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
2. Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear
3. Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hybrid ( In person, work from home option avilable)