Grants Lead for Archaeology & Education Impact

Historic Jamestowne; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is seeking a Grants Administrator to secure philanthropic support for archaeological and educational initiatives. You will research funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and government funders.

The role collaborates with the Development team to craft fundraising communications and stewardship reports, translating complex history into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, History, Archaeology, or related field.
• Excellent written and oral grammar and communication skills.
• Experience securing grants from foundations, corporations, or government agencies.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and fundraising principles.

Responsibilities

• Identify and research funding opportunities for archaeology, conservation, and education.
• Plan, write, and submit grant proposals and reports to funders on deadlines.
• Cultivate and steward corporate and foundation prospects and donor relationships.
• Draft fundraising communications and assist with donor visits and events.
• Proofread and edit marketing materials to encourage visitation and support.

Skills

Grant research

Grant writing

Proposal development

Donor stewardship

Relationship building

Storytelling

Project management

Editing/proofreading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English/History/Archaeology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The Grants Administrator plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation by securing philanthropic support for its archaeological, preservation, conservation, curatorial, and educational initiatives. Serving as both a strategic writer and relationship builder, the Grants Administrator researches funding opportunities, develops compelling grant proposals and reports, and cultivates productive relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community partners.

In addition to managing the Foundation’s grants program, the Grants Administrator collaborates with the Development team to create engaging fundraising and stewardship communications that inspire support for Jamestown’s ongoing discoveries and educational impact. This position requires exceptional writing, organizational, and project management skills, along with the ability to translate complex historical, archaeological, and educational work into persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.

essential functions

• Identifies and researches funding opportunities and projects to support Jamestown Rediscovery’s archaeological, curatorial, conservation, and education work. In collaboration with Development team and cross-departmental staff, identifies funding priorities, plans work flow, and sets internal deadlines for preparation of grant proposal materials.
• Plans, authors, and submits well-written, thoroughly researched, competitive grant proposals and funding requests for corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and individuals. Meets all deadlines and requirements, and performs appropriate grant reporting.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards corporate and foundation prospects, including personal outreach in support of grant funding efforts.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with community partners in support of grant-funded community outreach projects and efforts.
• Assists the development writer with gift stewardship reports that demonstrate the outcomes of donor investments and the effectiveness of funded projects.
• Proofreads and edits additional forms of organization-related marketing communications as needed, including press releases, emails, social media posts, newsletters, and brochures to encourage new and returning visitation to Jamestown.
• With the Development team, drafts persuasive fundraising communications that accurately convey the organization’s mission and maintains relationships with donors. Assists with the preparation of mailings to meet fundraising goals, from editing and proofreading all copy to assembling outgoing appeals and campaigns.
• Assists with press and donor visits and events as needed, participating in the overall success of the Development department.

job requirements and qualifications

Education:

Minimum of a four-year degree (B.A in English, History, Archaeology, or other related field).

Knowledge Requirements:

Excellent written and oral grammar and communication skills. Background in database administration, audience management, and proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel are essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational and project management skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organization is critical.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor stewardship.
• Experience working in museums, historic sites, cultural institutions, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of archaeology, history, preservation, or public history.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or comparable donor management systems.

Special Information:

• Some travel may be required for donor cultivation.
• Must be able to adapt to changing work priorities and be willing to work non-standard hours, including weekends and evenings, as needed.
• Must have a polished and professional demeanor when representing the Foundation and/or interacting with donors and be comfortable on camera.

Positions Supervised:

• May supervise and assign duties to departmental interns and volunteers as needed.

other responsibilities or duties that are part of this position and done regularly

Stays informed and up-to-date on latest developments and activities at the organization, not limited to but including: press and donor visits; major archaeological discoveries; exhibition openings; in-person educational programming and tours; publications; seasonal events; and grants and awards. Provides communications assistance, proofreading, and editing for other departments, as needed.

metrics of performance

The Grants Administrator works as a member of the specialized Development team to raise money to support Jamestown Rediscovery activities and operating budget. To help meet and exceed set fundraising goals, the holder of this position prepares and submits funding proposal requests to a wide variety of grant-making institutions, including six-figure requests from federal agencies.

work location

Jamestown Rediscovery offices located at Jamestown, Virginia.

compensation

This position is a full-time salaried position. Compensation starts at $55,000 annually. The schedule is generally Monday – Friday with some evening and weekend availability required. Benefits include health, dental, short term and long term disability, retirement plan and paid time off.

The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia. Preservation Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.