Grants Officer

New England Science & Sailing Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) is seeking a Grants Officer to lead grant writing, management, and reporting as part of the development team. The role advances NESS's mission by securing funding from foundations, government agencies and partners, and by stewarding existing grants.

The ideal candidate has proven experience researching, writing, submitting, and managing successful proposals, and building relationships with funders.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of grant writing, fundraising, development, or related nonprofit experience.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, or government grants preferred.
• Superior writing skills and demonstrated experience developing proposals for institutional foundations.
• Experience interpreting program data and outcomes and translating them into compelling narratives.
• Familiarity with donor databases, CRM systems, or grant management software preferred.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make independent judgment calls in a variety of situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently while managing multiple deadlines.
• Highly skilled and proficient in Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a grant calendar and pipeline, tracking proposal, reporting, and stewardship deadlines.
• Research current and prospective foundation partners and analyze grant-making strategies and histories.
• Prepare or update partner profile documents and briefing materials.
• Write fundraising materials using a variety of styles ranging from highly technical submissions to family foundations.
• Collaborate with program and finance staff to develop project budgets and grant requests.
• Maintain knowledge of the interests of major foundation funders.
• Describe NESS's program activities in clear and compelling language.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met and grant programs are tracked.

Skills

Grant writing

Fundraising

Nonprofit experience

Donor relations

Excellent writing

CRM/donor databases

Communication skills

Independent judgment

Organization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Grants Officer will lead New England Science & Sailing Foundation's (NESS) grant writing, grants management, and reporting efforts and serve as a key member of the development team. This position plays a critical role in advancing NESS's mission by securing and stewarding funding from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and community partners.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience independently researching, writing, submitting, and managing successful grant proposals, as well as developing strong relationships with funders. The Grants Officer will manage and oversee NESS's grants portfolio and pipeline, ensuring timely submissions, compliance, and reporting while working collaboratively across departments to identify funding opportunities and communicate program impact.

Through successful grant acquisition and stewardship, this role will help NESS expand its reach and deepen its impact by:

• Improving K-12 academic outcomes
• Strengthening social-emotional learning and student agency
• Advancing STEM education and achievement
• Expanding access to high-quality after-school and out-of-school programs that build academic and social-emotional skills

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a grant calendar and pipeline, tracking proposal, reporting, and stewardship deadlines
• Research current and prospective foundation partners and analyze grant-making strategies and histories
• Prepare or update partner profile documents and briefing materials
• Write fundraising materials using a variety of styles ranging from the highly technical submissions typical for major institutional foundations, to the more personal style appropriate for some family foundations
• Collaborate with program and finance staff to develop project budgets and grant requests
• Maintain a working knowledge of the interests and expectations of the organization's major foundation funders
• Assimilate information about NESS's programmatic work from a variety of sources and describe its activities in clear and compelling language
• Work with the program and finance staff to collect necessary information to report on current grant programs
• Comply with all grant reporting as required by grantors
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of NESS programs, funding history, and strategic priorities
• Partner with program directors to identify funding needs and develop grant strategies to support program growth
• Other research, writing and reporting duties as assigned

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• 2+ years of grant writing, fundraising, development, or related nonprofit experience
• Demonstrated success by securing foundation, corporate, or government grants preferred
• Superior writing skills and demonstrated experience developing proposals for a variety of institutional foundations
• Experience interpreting program data and outcomes and translating them into compelling narratives
• Familiarity with donor databases, CRM systems, or grant management software preferred
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Ability to make independent judgment calls in a variety of situations
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to work independently while managing multiple deadlines
• Highly skilled and proficient in Microsoft Suite

Education

• Bachelors Degree

What we Offer

****Beyond monetary compensation, Full-time, year-round employment includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Location

Stonington, CT (hybrid schedule available based on organizational needs)

About the New England Science & Sailing Foundation

For 25 years, the New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) has inspired confidence, curiosity, and connection through ocean-based experiential learning. Since 2002, NESS has served nearly 50,000 students through hands-on programs that combine marine science, sailing, adventure sports, and environmental stewardship. Guided by its Core Values of Experiential Learning, InclusiveNESS, Personal Growth, and Stewardship, NESS partners with schools, families, and communities throughout New England to help students of all ages build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection to the water.

www.nessf.org

NESS is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity Employer