Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator

Grant Writing and Communication Coordinator College Possible Chicago Reports to: Development Director About College Possible College Possible is a growing nonprofit coaching students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders. Our model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has a budget of $25 million, more than 140 full-time employees and more than 270 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2020-21 school year, we will reach an estimated 20,000 students in 49 states, at more than 90 partner high schools and at nearly 600 colleges. College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more, Diversity and Inclusion Plan. Headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, College Possible also operates in Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; and has Catalyze partnerships in Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio. To learn more, visit CollegePossible.org. Your role as Grant Writing and Communication Coordinator This position is responsible for leadership of the site's grants as well as general communications duties to consistently articulate College Possible's mission. It leads the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals, Letters of Intent, grant reports, and other materials or correspondence needed to support fundraising and outreach goals. The position will also support the operational functions of development, working closely with the Chicago development team and the national external relations team in a matrixed environment to customize the design, messaging and strategy for Chicago constituencies and achieve the site's fundraising and communication goals. Grant proposal and report writing (50%) Research and identify funding opportunities Write and submit grants and funding requests with quality, timeliness, and attention to detail, and ensure accurate and timely grant reporting and evaluation Develop/maintain grants calendar to track deadlines, communication, and reporting Assist with establishing goals for grant development, submissions, and revenue Ensure that donor communications and follow up are timely and accurate Develop detailed understanding of College Possible Chicago's program and glean information from a wide range of sources to weave a compelling narrative and case for support through grant proposals Help identify needs within the organization that can be presented to potential funders (individual and institutional) Marketing/Communications (25%) Create and coordinate cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent mission focused messaging that is audience-centered and relevant Responsible for content development and strategy informed by engagement tracking and measurements - for communication vehicles including website, e-communications and social media Manage development, customization, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including newsletters, brochures, e-communications, and the College Possible Chicago website Collaborate with the development team in creation and implementation of individual donor strategies, including writing and designing direct mail appeals and donor communications Source and write student impact stories to elevate organization mission to College Possible audiences as well as potentially pitch to external news outlets Provide support to program team with marketing and communications needs Manage development and communications calendar to strategically integrate messaging to listserv, individuals, institutions and social media followers Development Operations (25%) Support individual giving program through direct mail campaigns, online giving programs and individual prospecting Work closely with national office to process and acknowledge all local gifts Maintain and manage donor records in Raisers Edge NXT database and shared files including grant tracking and reporting Collaborate with local and national finance and development teams to gather information necessary to report to all funders on grants and programs All other development and communications duties as assigned Other duties as assigned What You Bring Education/Certifications/Licenses: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, or related field required. Related Work Experience: Two to four years of experience in development, communications, marketing, donor relations or related field Proven copywriting and editing acumen A strong track record of managing multiple projects and deadlines concurrently Experience with a variety of communications channels including multimedia Experience developing and implementing communications strategies a plus Computer/Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required Experience with Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, CRM and email marketing preferred Experience with InDesign and Luminate a plus Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements: Problem solving, comfortable working in fast-paced work environment Relationship builder with the flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of others Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives Highly organized and detail-oriented Excellent verbal and written communication skills Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed Office environment with limited travel Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day What We Offer In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer: An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country a competitive salary commensurate with experience excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance 401(k) retirement plan Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program Professional development and growth opportunities To Join Our Growing College Possible Team Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.