Grants Associate

SUMMARY

The California Science Center Foundation is seeking a Grants Associate to support its comprehensive grant development effort and engagement of foundation, corporate and public grant-making organizations. As part of the Development team reporting directly to the Assistant Director, Institutional Giving, they will help to advance our mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by securing essential funding for the California Science Center’s general operations, educational programs, exhibits, and expansion.

The Grants Associate will support the development and submission of compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals, the stewardship of institutional donors through compliance with grant deliverables, and preparation of reports and other communications. They will also contribute to researching new grant opportunities and funders, preparing profiles and summaries, and evaluating alignment with the Science Center’s programs and goals. In addition, they will provide administrative and data management support by tracking proposal and report deadlines and other deliverables using the Foundation’s database system (Tessitura) and maintaining the Grant Development team’s constituent data, documentation, and files.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator with 2+ years experience in nonprofit fundraising and direct experience preparing grant proposals and reports. With a keen attention to detail, they can follow guidelines provided by funders and ensure all requirements are met. With excellent organizational skills, they can balance multiple tasks and priorities and meet internal and external deadlines. They will have a passion for the Science Center’s mission, exhibits and programs, and be able to translate that into engaging reports and winning proposals that are tailored to a funder’s interests and social impact strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree desired, or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years experience in nonprofit fundraising; direct experience writing grants and reports preferred.
• Strong persuasive writing and excellent editing skills; 2-3 writing samples to be provided with application.
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources and adapt the tone, style and voice of copy to fit a range of contexts.
• Can work efficiently and within tight time constraints; comfortable adapting pre-approved boilerplate language and proposal and report templates.
• Able to interpret and report on financial data and statistics.
• Knowledge of research tools and resources for identifying new funders and grant opportunities and ability to evaluate fit preferred.
• Can work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Able to interact effectively and diplomatically with donors, volunteers and staff across departments.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency or ability to become quickly proficient in Microsoft Office suite and OneDrive applications, Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms, donor databases or constituent relationship management systems; experience with Tessitura or similar donor database a plus.
• Must show discretion in handling confidential information and sensitive issues
• Adherence to current expectation to work a minimum of three days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work additional days on-site as needed to advance projects and priorities. 
• Ability to work a 40-hour week required; willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends on occasion.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support to the Assistant Director of Institutional Giving and the California Science Center’s comprehensive grant development and management effort.
• Support the preparation of letters of inquiry, proposals, and narrative and financial reports, and ensure adherence to submission deadlines.
• Adapt and update proposal and report templates and facilitate the creation of grant-related collateral as needed (graphs, charts, slide decks, etc.).
• Work with colleagues in Education, Exhibit Development, Accounting and various other departments to develop materials and ensure information is accurate and up to date.
• Write a range of correspondence including customized acknowledgement letters and email communications on behalf of senior staff.
• Identify and research prospective institutional donors and prepare profiles and briefings for staff and volunteers.
• With guidance from the Operations and Database Manager, track contact information, activities and deadlines for institutional donors and prospects in Tessitura and other systems as needed.
• Maintain digital and non-digital files for donor/prospect information and materials.
• Assist with logistics for meetings, tours and events for institutional donors and prospects as needed.
• Participate in Development Department donor and member events as needed.
• Observe and experience the Science Center’s diverse programs and educational exhibits to inform grant development priorities.
• Special projects, assignments and other duties as assigned.