Posted on February 20, 2013

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Grant Writer

The Bay Institute and Aquarium of the Bay are partnering organizations with a shared mission to protect, restore and inspire the conservation of San Francisco Bay, from the Sierra to the sea. For over 30 years, The Bay Institute has leveraged its scientific acumen and environmental expertise to inspire California policy makers to do the right thing for the Bay-Delta. And For 16 years, guests to the Aquarium of the Bay take with them a sense of wonder, respect and personal responsibility for making the San Francisco Bay watershed a healthier habitat for us all.

Job Description
Reporting to the Director of Foundations, the Grant Writer will support all aspects of raising support from institutional donors requiring proposals, both for unrestricted and restricted revenue. The candidate should have a proven track record in producing successful grant proposals, excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to work in an innovative and work environment.

The Grant Writer will work closely with the entire Development team to manage prospect research, develop letters of inquiries and proposals, and produce narrative and financial reports for restricted program grants. The Grant Writer will develop a deep understanding of program needs and potential funding partners in the world of aquatic conservation. In addition, the Grant Writer will maintain database and file records for potential funders and existing grants, historic and current.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and secure funding from a growing portfolio of institutional funders including foundations, state and federal sources, corporations and individual donors.
  
• Set and achieve specific fundraising goals for programs of The Bay Institute and Aquarium of the Bay.
  
• Coordinate with program staff to develop content for grant proposals and program budgets.
  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders.
  
• Identify new potential funders including foundations, state and federal sources, corporate and individual funders.
  
• Plan and lead funder meetings and special events, engaging other staff and board members as needed.
  
• Manage and oversee grant revenue status; work closely with the finance team to assure accuracy.
  
• Assist with Development events.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:
  
• Proven grant writing abilities with 3+ years of experience in positions with progressively increasing responsibility
  
• Familiarity working with foundations, state and federal funders, as well as corporate and individual donors
  
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple time-driven deadlines
  
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, advanced degree desirable
  
• Track record of identifying and cultivating institutional funders
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate technical complexities with clarity and simplicity
  
• Energetic go-getter who is a quick learner, resourceful, flexible, and can thrive in an innovative, small, dynamic, nonprofit environment
  
• An effective team player who communicates seamlessly with others in different departments and at different levels within the organization, and is able to motivate interest others
  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize competing deadlines, and be resourceful in engaging necessary staff and resources to find expedient, effective solutions
  
• Ability to respect confidential information, exercise discretion and maintain professionalism as a critical link to the organization's donors
  
• Strong planning, organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills
  
• Specific knowledge of PC-based computers with expertise in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  
• Expertise in donor database management systems a plus
  
• Willingness and ability to travel, some weekends and evenings required
  
• The ideal candidate will have experience working in--or knowledge of--issues related to aquatic habitats and species, impact of a changing climate on the San Francisco Bay, Bay-Delta challenges and a general passion for environmental issues
  

Compensation and Benefits

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, interested candidates may submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@bay.org.