Grants Specialist-AKRON

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is seeking a Grant Specialist to support proposal development and stewardship of grants. The role encompasses writing proposals, managing a $1 million portfolio, and collaborating with teams to meet funding goals.

Qualified candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess strong communication skills, with three to five years of relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $53,000-$58,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of writing, marketing and/or communications experience.
• Ability to discern financial documents such as fundable program budgets.
• Ability to work independently and anticipate reporting and communication needs.

Responsibilities

• Proposal development, submission, stewardship and reporting for operating and programmatic gifts from institutional grant‑makers.
• Stewardship for grant‑making institutions including reporting grant outcomes to donors.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Foundation and Government Relations to ensure proposals and reports are prepared and submitted.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

Strong time management skills

Organization and project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English or Business

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers a diverse workplace with professionals that work together to fulfill our mission in the fight to end hunger. We are seeking individuals who share and believe in our core values – compassion, collaboration, service, integrity, inclusion and innovation.

The Grant Specialist will support the work of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, a three-facility organization that serves eight counties. This role works in a fast-paced, dynamic department, supporting the proposal development and stewardship of grants from foundations and organizations. Primary responsibilities will include writing proposals for operational and established programmatic grants; prospect research of grant‑making organizations; analysis to match prospects with projects and programs; maintenance of constituent data; preparation and submission of grant reports; and providing communications and media required of grantors. The Specialist will work collaboratively within the Institutional Giving & Grants Team and Fund Development Team and will be expected to assist with the team’s overall goals, which may include corporate and other grants upon request. The Specialist will maintain a $1 million portfolio with a high degree of care. Strong time management, organization and project management skills are essential for success in this position.

Salary range: $53,000-$58,000 based upon experience. Shift: M-F, 8am-4pm.

Job Responsibilities:

• Proposal development, submission, stewardship and reporting for operating and programmatic gifts from institutional grant‑makers.
• Stewardship for grant‑making institutions including reporting grant outcomes to donors, scheduling meetings/tours with donors/trustees and recognizing donors in communications. Travel to the Foodbank’s three locations required for stewardship activities.
• Assist in development and regular updates of an annual case for support for operating grant proposals.
• Maintain constituent data in Raiser’s Edge to ensure the system reflects current and accurate information.
• Understand project budgets for which funding is sought, regularly update requested attachments to proposals, follow each grant‑making organization’s guidelines and keep in contact with grantors throughout the application process to answer questions or provide additional information.
• Utilization of grant prospecting tools to research potential donors and grant opportunities; summarization of prospect opportunities for Institutional Giving & Grants Team to evaluate feasibility and assignment.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Foundation and Government Relations to ensure proposals and reports are prepared and submitted within the expected timeframe.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the Fund Development team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, English or Business.
• Three to five years of writing, marketing and/or communications experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to discern financial documents such as fundable program budgets.
• Ability to work independently and anticipate reporting and communication needs of supervisor and donors.