Overview

Summary

The Senior Grant Writer is a key member of the Development team. They are responsible for developing effective funding proposals and reports, and researching and identifying appropriate funding opportunities from foundation, government, and corporate donors. This full-time on-site position will report to the Director, Institutional Giving and will assist planning and executing of the Tenement Museum’s strategy to sustain and increase institutional giving. To create compelling and successful grant proposals and reports, this individual must be able to understand and communicate how the mission of the Tenement Museum is carried out in our programs, institutional objectives, structure, history, and financial needs. This person will interact with a variety of staff across Museum functions to assemble the information and data needed to create award-winning proposals. The Senior Grant Writer must be an excellent writer, well-organized, meet deadlines with ease, a clear communicator, and a team-player. A sense of humor and ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment are both key. 

Responsibilities

  • Initiate and develop grant proposals and reports including incorporating necessary budget and other financial information which meet donor requirements and make compelling and persuasive cases for support.
  • Develop effective working relationships with Museum education, curatorial, development, and finance teams to compile relevant information needed for grant proposals, budgets, and funding reports. 
  • Work with leadership staff to develop and update boilerplate language and collect up-to-date statistics for key Museum programs and solicitations including general operating support, education programs, and new exhibits. 
  • Identify new institutional prospects and develop appropriate outreach and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the Director, Institutional Giving. 
  • Maintain annual institutional calendar of grant, report, and outreach deadlines. 
  • Submit all proposals and reports by deadline.
  • Participate in meetings and events related to the Museum’s fundraising efforts which may require additional evening and weekend hours.

 Qualifications

  • BA required, advanced degree preferred.
  • Five years grant-writing experience, preferably in cultural institution(s).
  • Direct experience developing proposals and reports for funding sources such as National Endowment for the Humanities and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
  • Excellent organizational, oral, and written communications skills.
  • Excellent judgment and critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of organization and program budgets.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan ahead to meet grant and report deadlines in a timely manner.
  • Must be self-motivated and able to initiate projects and ideas.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of a fundraising database such as Salesforce is a plus.
  • All interested should submit a sample proposal or similar written funding request as part of their application. 

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter via our career portal.

COVID Guidelines

The healthy and safety of our Museum community is the highest priority. As such, the Tenement Museum requires all newly hired staff members to be fully vaccinated and boosted with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

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