Grant Writer

Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

As a member of the Development Resource Department, the Grant Writer will set strategic goals to influence the development of major foundation gifts, and proactively manage a pipeline of foundation prospects with a mission match with the Society. The Grant Writer will conduct research to identify appropriate foundation prospects; write, prepare, and manage foundation proposals; and manage the foundation fundraising calendar for designated divisions. This position is a key point of contact for foundation development, working in close collaboration with colleagues in Stewardship, Prospect Research, Major Gifts, Corporate & Distinguished Partners, Mission Delivery, and other key stakeholders to ensure the development of strategic, high-value foundation proposals that are compliant with the Society’s mission priorities and legal and financial requirements, as well as with the funding partner’s policies. The Grant Writer advises and assists major gift officers and corporate partners staff with funder cultivation and stewardship strategy as appropriate, as well as ensuring the completion of grant follow-up, including report development.

* Develops a list of viable, high-value foundation prospects that are a mission match for the Society. * Works with major gift and corporate relations staff to gather information and strategize foundation funding opportunities. * Plans, writes, prepares, and submits proposals, using online foundation portals when necessary. * Serves as a guide and resource for colleagues with regard to foundation strategy, proposal development, and interpretation of funding agency guidelines and policies. * Maintains a complete understanding of the needs of each partner Division and their funding opportunities. * Works collaboratively with a team of colleagues in all aspects of the position. * Works as close partner to each Major Gifts Director. * Prepares written materials for all mission areas including Hope Lodge, Research, Patient Navigation, transportation and more to ensure high quality of written communications to foundations. * Assists the Director Institutional Funding in compiling and updating templates and supporting materials for proposal development. * Compiles research and support for proposals, including statistics on demographics, cancer burden, disparities, patient services, etc. * Develops reports to keep division and department leads informed of all proposal opportunities and results. * Assists with maintaining Institutional Funding share drive and SharePoint site to include current and accurate template materials, supporting proposal materials, and historical proposal and prospect files. Maintain the Siebel database for all Foundation/Institutional Funding proposals and letters of inquiry sent or correspondence and communications received. * Assists with developing agendas and attends regular Institutional Funding conference calls.

* Bachelor’s Degree, plus 3-5 years’ experience developing major gifts from foundations/institutional funders is essential. Candidate should have development experience around a health and/or human service focus area. Candidate must have superior grasp of copywriting, grammar, and project management skills. Candidate must have ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex financial, health, and program delivery data, and translate complex scientific information to a general audience. Successful candidates will have excellent strategic and analytical skills in order to shape ideas and concepts into sound grant proposals. * Superior writing, communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to build relationships with Division and Corporate Center staff and funding program officers are essential. * 3-5 years grant writing experience or specialized training in grant writing desired.