Posted on September 12, 2012

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Development Officer/Grant Writer

About ColorOfChange
With over 800,000 members nationally, ColorOfChange is the nation's largest online Black political organization. Using the Internet, we enable our members to speak in unison, with an amplified political voice. In the process, we bring attention to the needs and concerns of Black folks, by holding coordinated events in different parts of the country, lobbying elected representatives, running TV and print advertisements, and demanding that the news media cover our issues.

Position Summary
ColorOfChange seeks a self-motivated professional to provide full-time grant writing and research support. The Development Officer/Grant Writer will report to the Executive Director and will also collaborate with the Director of Operations & Administration, Executive Assistant, and other Directors & Managers as needed.

This position reports to: Executive Director

Principal Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, research and proofread foundation communications, including letters of interest, proposals, and reports
• Draft, edit and proofread additional materials as needed
• Work with Program/Campaign staff and Directors to collect information prior to submission of proposals and reports
• Track current grantors to assure compliance with reporting requirements, reporting deadlines, priority updates, etc.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date files, records and systems
• Participate in organization-wide planning, fundraising and campaign meetings to develop a firm understanding for the work
• Work with the leadership team to develop a comprehensive individual giving strategy.

Research and Cultivation

• Proactively research new public and private grant funding opportunities for programmatic and project priorities to assist in fully funding organization's operating and capital budgets
• Incorporate regular research for ongoing and future grant priorities into weekly and monthly work-plans and regularly report out on research findings ("quarterback" research)
• Maintain relationships with funders (and prospective funders) by providing stewardship of grant gifts, inviting them to special events and programmatic functions, keeping them abreast of major organizational changes, and assisting in periodic check-ins over the grant period
• Assist in coordinating meetings and site visits with grantors; assist in providing site visits
• Stay current with grant funding trends in the advocacy community, as well as the broader philanthropic community, to inform grant research and submissions
• Assist in strategy development for prospects
• Update database and tracking systems with pertinent information, correspondence, and documents related to donors and prospects

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and progressive social change
• At least four years of writing experience in a non-profit setting, including a proven track record in development writing
• A portfolio demonstrating the ability to write quickly, concisely, and in a manner compelling to philanthropic partners
• Enthusiasm for the organization’s mission and campaigns, as well as a passion for building the organization
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines
• Highly motivated and tenacious, with great attention to detail
• Grassroots organizing experience a major plus
• Computer skills: proficiency with Excel, Microsoft Office a must; experience with design software like Adobe Photoshop, CRMs like Salsa, and CMSs like Amplifund a bonus.

Compensation
DOE. COC offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation and holiday schedules and medical, dental and disability insurances.

Application Instructions

Please apply for this position by sending your resume to rikimah@colorofchange.org with the subject “Development Officer/Grant Writer position.” NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Interested applicants should email a resume, letter of interest, 2 writing samples, and salary history.