Grant Writer

Founded as Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, LMCC is a dynamic non-profit organization that serves, connects, and makes space for artists and community. Since 1973, LMCC has been the champion for independent artists in New York City and the cultural life force of Lower Manhattan. LMCC seeks a permanent full-time Grant Writer to join immediately. This individual works closely with the Director of Development to maintain existing funds and identify new strategies to support organizational growth through foundation, government and corporate support. In addition, this indivdual works closely with the Institutional Advancement team to maintain and develop LMCC’s brand, stakeholder groups, and resources, and set long-term fundraising goals for LMCC.

Department Duties and Responsibilities:

FOUNDATION, GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE FUNDERS

● Maintains LMCC’s grants calendar for foundation, government, and corporate grants
● Identifies key metrics needed for inclusion in funding applications, pitches, and reports

● Stewards reporting process; writes and submits reports to funders
○ Maintains and gathers data about LMCC’s activities to report on key metrics from colleagues across the organization
○ Works closely with the President, Director of Development, and Senior Leadership team on the creation of summary reports on programs and activities at their completion
● Works closely with the President, Director of Development, Director of Artist Services and Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs to manage the cultivation and stewardship of institutional donors, and in communicating with funders and prospects about LMCC programs and events
● Conducts regular prospect research for foundation, corporation, and government prospects
● Researches, writes, edits, and ensures the timely submission of inquiry letters, proposals, and other requests for funding to foundations, government agencies, and corporations

○ Collects necessary programmatic information and clarifies questions or specifics related to the development of a proposal from relevant LMCC program staff
● Works closely with the Director of Development and finance staff to develop and prepare proposal and report budgets

● Other duties as assigned.

Organization-Wide Duties and Responsibilities:

FINANCIAL AND DATA MANAGEMENT
● Follows the company’s best practices policies and procedures manual and works with other departments to maintain data-integrity
● Maintains administrative systems in relevant areas, including vendor and partner database records and files
● Works with the Director of Development, Director of Budget and Finance, and Finance and HR Manager to ensure department operates within established financial guidelines and that budget dollars are used responsibly

STRATEGIC PLANNING

● Works with the Director of Development to integrate departmental activities into the organization’s strategic mission by participation in relevant planning processes and by setting goals that align with the mission and monitoring progress towards these goals
o Attends and participates in all relevant planning sessions
o Thinks strategically and prioritizes departmental efforts to meet the organization’s strategic goals and objectives

HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

● Demonstrates a professional demeanor in all dealings with colleagues, ,

● Actively participates in building a staff culture that is committed to DEIA principles and programming practices
● Works with others toward shared goals
o Offers assistance and shares in departmental responsibilities
o Keeps all interested parties informed of relevant or pertinent developments
● Communicates effectively and efficiently with all staff concerning relevant matters
o Provides emergent or important information to fellow staff in a clear and concise manner within a reasonable timeframe – either in writing or verbally
o Addresses fellow staff questions and concerns promptly and accurately within a reasonable timeframe
● Serves as support staff for organization-wide events as needed

Requirements

Qualifications: Strong candidates for this position will have:

● Bachelor’s Degree required.
● Minimum 2 years’ experience in grant writing and prospect research, preferably with a cultural institution, or equivalent professional experience.
● Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
● Excellent organizational and verbal skills, and facility with budgets. Ability to compile, report and analyze information succinctly. Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritizing work and managing multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
● Ability to interface with program officers, community leaders, politicians, and business professionals. Knowledge of NYC funding community a plus.
● Proficiency using Mac OS, Microsoft Office, especially with Excel. Experience with Salesforce (preferred), iWave or database equivalent.

This is an ideal position for an individual with a passion for arts and culture. The candidate must be an enthusiastic, organized, proactive, and reliable team player with a desire to be a supporting member of a small fundraising team. The candidate must be an exceptional writer, quick learner, creative thinker, and team player; detail-oriented and deadline sensitive.