Grant Writer

Fortune Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fortune Society is seeking a Grant Writer to join their Development and Communications team in Long Island City, NY. This full-time role involves researching government and corporate funding opportunities and producing successful grant proposals.

The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, 3-5 years of related experience, and a passion for advancing the agency's mission of aiding those involved in the criminal justice system.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in producing grant proposals and government RFPs with a track record of success.
• Exceptional project management skills including relationship building and time management.
• Familiarity with reentry programs and the criminal justice system in NYC a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research funding opportunities and analyze RFPs.
• Lead proposal preparation for grants.
• Coordinate with staff and ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Grant Writing Experience

Strong Project Management Skills

Detail-oriented Communication Skills

Research and Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent skill

Advanced degree (MPA, MSW or JD) preferred

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Long Island City, NY 11101 | Position Type: Full-Time Exempt | Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 | Title: Grant Writer | Unit: Development and Communications | Reports to: Senior Director of Grants | Days/Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the AVP of Development, the Grant Writer is responsible for analyzing potential funding sources, including foundations, corporations, and government‑issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and producing high quality proposals within a specified timeframe that result in grant awards and contracts for The Fortune Society.

Core Competencies

• Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and values, seeks compassion and understanding for participants, embraces core values.
• Grant Writing Experience: Superior writing skills, understands proposal development process especially for large government grants, can work alone or lead groups.
• Strong Project Management Skills: Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, manages multiple complex priorities and meets demanding outcomes.
• Knowledge of criminal justice issues and Fortune’s program areas: Background or knowledge of Fortune’s program areas and criminal justice issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research government, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities and identify those that are potentially a good fit for supporting Fortune’s programs.
• Analyze RFPs, prepare written RFP analyses for senior staff, and lead meetings with senior staff to discuss RFPs that are up for consideration.
• Lead the preparation and development of government, foundation, and corporate grant proposals, including all external and internal outreach and planning required and the drafting of the narrative, budget, and all attachments.
• Design and enforce proposal production schedules.
• Ensure that all internal and final deadlines are met and that proposal components are addressed by relevant staff, including development and program staff.
• Initiate communication with essential Fortune staff, including program managers, finance staff, and external partners needed for the preparation of high quality grant proposals.
• Participate in regular meetings with Fortune staff to discuss grant projects.
• Coordinate the submission of grant reports.
• Attend outside trainings related to fundraising and grant development, reentry programs and policies; and attend all internal meetings related to maximizing fundraising opportunities for Fortune.
• Act as a liaison between funders and The Fortune Society; advise program and senior executive staff on communications with appropriate contacts and funder agencies.
• Write and prepare fundraising materials such as concept papers, information packets, and brochures.
• Participate in the ongoing development of creative projects that generate future funding opportunities for Fortune, including projects in partnership with external organizations involved in policy advocacy and research, arts and culture, housing, education, etc.
• Assist in the development of Fortune’s annual fundraising goals and action plan to achieve them.
• Develop a high level of expertise in reentry programs and agencies that fund them, including housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health, employment services, education, HIV/AIDS, court advocacy, and alternatives to incarceration (ATI).
• Contribute to the overall positive growth and development of the Development and Communications department and to The Fortune Society as a whole.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent skill) required; Advanced degree (MPA, MSW or JD) preferred.
• 3-5 years’ experience in producing grant proposals and government RFPs, with a demonstrated track record of success, OR comparable advocacy writing experience in a professional setting (e.g., law, journalism, etc.).
• Exceptionally detail‑oriented written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent research, analysis, synthesis, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional project management skills, including relationship building and time management.
• Ability to work effectively and flexibly to produce high quality work products in an extremely fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to receive and integrate constructive critiques and feedback.
• Familiarity with reentry programs and a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals with criminal histories in New York City a plus.
• Commitment to the mission of the agency, helping those involved in the criminal justice system to break the cycle of crime and incarceration.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.