Posted on July 6, 2012

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Grant Writer

Join a passionate team dedicated to advancing a reform agenda focused on equity in San Francisco public schools. The Grant Writer is a key member of the Education Fund’s Development & Communications team, comprised of the Director of Development, a Development Officer, and a Director of Communications. Having just adopted a new 5-year strategic plan, the Education Fund’s Development team will be launching a 50th Anniversary Campaign to support an ambitious growth plan.

The San Francisco Education Fund is the oldest non-profit dedicated to strengthening San Francisco’s public schools. The Education Fund works to increase the number of students from San Francisco's highest need communities who graduate high school ready for college, career, and civic responsibility. The Education Fund catalyzes change at individual school sites while also contributing to district-wide reform in the San Francisco Unified School District in two powerful and interlocking ways:

• College Success in Schools – An intensive data informed approach in a limited number of schools that aligns the resources available (including school resources, CBO’s, and volunteers) to ensure that all students have the knowledge and support to graduate high school, enroll in and succeed in college.
• Public Engagement – Informed by our work in schools, the public is provided the information, guidance and training to participate in public school reform and improvement as volunteers, donors, advocates and voters.

Additional information can be found at www.sfedfund.org.

Position Overview

The Grant Writer has primary responsibility for all of the Education Fund’s annual fundraising efforts to secure $700,000 to $1,000,000 in foundation, corporate and government grants, as well as identifying prospects and securing institutional gifts to the 50th Anniversary Campaign. The Grant Writer researches prospective funders, writes proposals and completes all required reporting to existing institutional funder. The Grant Writer reports to the Director of Development, who reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Develop and submit grant proposals (including project/organizational budgets and all other attachments), letters of interest, and grant reports in a timely fashion
• Establish and maintain a system of gathering and storing information on program goals, objectives, accomplishments, and descriptions for use in grant proposals, reports, etc.
• Communicate regularly with program staff about progress towards goals & reporting requirements
• Work closely with Director of Development to oversee the organization’s grants pipeline
• Establish and track projections, keep updated notes, and manage (proactive) communication/ outreach to past, current, and prospective foundation funders
• Assist in the preparation of revenue projections and other financial reports
• Maintain grants calendar and detailed donor records in Development database
• Research foundation and individual prospects; cultivate relationships with foundation staff
• Other duties as assigned; non-essential job duties, non-related responsibilities and other tasks as required by the Executive Director may be assigned from time to time -- the Education Fund is a small non-profit organization requiring flexibility from its staff

Qualifications

• Required: Minimum of 2 years grant writing, professional writing, or other relevant work experience; Superior written and verbal communication skills; Proven ability to engage critical thinking and/or problem-solving skills; Impeccable attention to detail, including strong document management, quality control, and organizational skills; Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; Self-directed, proactive, and motivated; Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and multitask to prioritize and deliver results under deadlines.
• Desired: Interest in and commitment to public education; Prior work in foundations or non-profits, as well as knowledge of current issues in public education; Energetic, adaptable self-starter who is willing to be proactive and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, flexible environment; Research experience; Experience with Salesforce online database or other database experience; Ability to understand (and as needed produce) financial information for statements and budgets. B.A .Degree.

Compensation and Start Date

The Education Fund provides a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous vacation, medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, a 401(k) retirement plan and other fringe benefits. Starting salary range: $46,000 to $50,000

Application Instructions

To Apply

AA/EOE. No phone calls, please. Email cover letter, resume and writing sample (a successful grant proposal if available), preferably as one Word document or PDF file, to Paul Knudsen, at pknudsen@sfedfund.org with “Grant Writer” in the subject line. Resumes submitted without cover letters will not be reviewed. This position will remain open until filled; complete applications will be reviewed as they are received.

NOTE: The Education Fund offices are temporarily located at 1550 Bryant Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94103 while our permanent office building is being retrofitted for earthquake safety. We anticipate moving to our newly renovated offices in the fall of 2012.