Grants Specialist

Akron Zoo; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Zoo is seeking a Grants Specialist responsible for securing grant funding to support education and conservation programs. The role involves grant writing, prospect research, and donor engagement. The successful candidate will have at least 3 years of grant writing experience and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits. The Akron Zoo values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• 3 years minimum of grant writing experience required.
• Subject‑matter expertise in K‑12 education or conservation/sustainability preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Writes and submits clear, persuasive, and well-researched proposals.
• Completes grant reporting working with Finance and program staff.
• Conducts regular prospect research via online sources.
• Develops relationships with existing and prospective funders.

Skills

Writing Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Data Analysis Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or nonprofit management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Raisers Edge

Altru

Foundation Directory Online

Job description

Overview

The Grants Specialist, as a member of the External Affairs team, is primarily responsible for securing grant funding for Akron Zoo facilities and direct programs in education, conservation, and other special projects. Regular tasks involve all phases of grant writing, prospect research, grant tracking, stewardship, and reporting.

Essential Job Functions

• Writes and submits clear, persuasive, and well‑researched proposals or LOIs under supervision of the Director of External Affairs and in consultation with program staff.
• Completes grant reporting as required, working with Finance and program staff to gather data for reports.
• Conducts regular prospect research via online sources.
• Develops and builds relationships with existing and prospective funders, including phone calls, face‑to‑face meetings, or site visits.
• Secures commitments and endorsement letters from partner organizations or vendors needed for the implementation of grant‑funded or community‑facing projects.
• Plans or assists in stewardship events associated with certain grant‑funded projects.
• Provides staff assistance during the implementation of a limited number of grant‑funded projects, as needed.
• Acquires and maintains in‑depth knowledge of the organization as a way to match organizational programs or projects with funder guidelines, stays up‑to‑date on key research and best practices in the education, zoological, and conservation fields, and acts as a subject‑matter expert.

Additional Duties

• Attends or staffs fundraising or External Affairs functions, as assigned.
• Participates actively in External Affairs department planning and activities.
• Serves on internal committees as assigned.

Requirements

• Works primarily M-F during normal business hours in the office; occasional remote work possible.
• Functions as a member of the Incident Command Team (ICT), providing coverage on a rotating basis that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license; occasional use of personal vehicle for work functions with mileage reimbursement.
• Possible travel to professional development conferences or other work functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the social sciences or nonprofit management.
• 3 years minimum of grant writing experience required.
• Subject‑matter expertise in K‑12 education or conservation/sustainability preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, communication, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once and on deadline.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Raisers Edge, Altru, and Foundation Directory Online a plus; demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.

The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) position with benefits.