RUSTIC ROOTS SANCTUARY CO
Development & Grants Manager (Part-Time)
Organization: Rustic Roots Sanctuary
Location: St. Louis, MO (Hybrid / Spanish Lake)
Position Type: Part-Time (approx. 15–20 hours/week) | Employee
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Overview
This role is a key member of the leadership circle, responsible for securing institutional funding and strengthening relationships with corporate, foundation, and community partners. The Development & Grants Manager leads all grant activity while supporting donor stewardship and engagement efforts that advance the Sanctuary’s mission of food equity and holistic healing.
Key Responsibilities
1. Grants Management (60%)
Full Lifecycle Ownership: Manage the full lifecycle of foundation and corporate grants, including LOIs, proposals, and impact reports.
Pipeline Management: Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure 100% on-time submissions and renewals.
Strategic Prospecting: Actively research and identify new local and national funding opportunities (sustainable agriculture, food justice, trauma-informed care).
Alignment: Work with the Executive Director to ensure funding requests align with program goals and the Sanctuary’s strategic priorities.
2. Partnerships & Donor Stewardship (30%)
Stewardship Systems: Manage a timely acknowledgment process for all gifts (individual and corporate), with a goal of a 48–72 hour turnaround.
Engagement Support: Coordinate donor site visits to the Spanish Lake sanctuary and prepare briefing materials for the Executive Director prior to major funder meetings.
Relationship Cultivation: Help steward existing partners beyond the grant cycle through personalized “impact touch points” (e.g., photos of a harvest, program testimonials).
Corporate Support: Assist in identifying and qualifying new corporate sponsors for seasonal events or infrastructure projects (e.g., new greenhouses or community tools).
3. Compliance & Administration (10%)
Data Accuracy: Maintain organized digital records of all submissions, contracts, and donor correspondence.
Budgeting: Collaborate with program staff to gather data and financial requirements for grant reporting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience: 3+ years in grant writing, institutional giving, or nonprofit fundraising (St. Louis philanthropic landscape knowledge is a major asset).
The “Rustic Roots” Voice: Ability to translate complex agricultural or community programs into compelling narratives that resonate with donors’ hearts and minds.
Organizational Mastery: High level of organization and the ability to manage multiple deadlines without breaking a sweat.
Professionalism: High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive donor and organizational information.
Systems Familiarity: Experience with grant research tools (Candid/Foundation Directory) and donor databases.
Why Join Us?
At Rustic Roots, you aren’t just an employee; you are a builder. You’ll see the direct impact of your work in the gardens we grow and the lives we touch in North County. We offer a flexible, hybrid working environment and the chance to be a pivotal part of a growing grassroots organization dedicated to healing and equity.
To Apply: Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your “biggest fundraising win,” and two writing samples (redacted grant proposals preferred) to info@rusticrootssanctuary.org.
