Job Description
Grant Writer/Researcher
Reports to: VP of Development
Salary Range: $58K - $62K, negotiable based on experience
Ideal Start Date: May 2, 2022
The Los Angeles River is the birthplace of our region and was once the thriving, unifying water source for the people and wildlife of Los Angeles. But that connection and our collective history was severed when the River was encased in concrete and fenced in 1938. Established in 1986, FoLAR has endeavored for over 30 years to restore community connection to and natural ecology of the Los Angeles River as its single largest mobilizing force. With climate change upon us, we envision an increasingly natural river that prioritizes nature-based solutions and the well-being of the communities alongside it. We educate, engage, and mobilize over 50,000 Angelenos to repair habitat and fight for the plans and policies that will reclaim our collective right to a healthy, thriving, and equitably accessible Los Angeles River. Our theory of change is that an educated public that can connect to the River is one that will take on the responsibility for it and LA’s broader environmental health; fighting for, stewarding, and reaping the benefits of a healthy, climate resilient Los Angeles River. We see our education programs as the first introduction between the river’s role in a healthy LA and the next generation of environmental stewards.
Position Summary
The Grant Writer plays a critical role in exceeding Friends of the Los Angeles River’s (FoLAR’s) ambitious fundraising goals focused on grant writing and reporting with public
agencies, private foundations, and corporations. Specifically, this staff is responsible for writing proposals for unrestricted operating revenue and restricted projects for our Environmental Education Program and our Policy endeavors. Included in this role is submitting timely and accurate reports for all existing grant-funded projects.
The ideal candidate is an organized and creative strategic thinker with a clear understanding of the grant writing process with the strategic ability to seek out grants that aim to advance the organization's mission with a high percent grant win rate. Knowledge of the environment, environmental education, or the education sector is preferred but not required. This role will need to stay abreast of changes and advances in the grant funding landscape and work to build and maintain relationships with Program Officers and other appropriate persons at funding agencies.The Grant Writer will also research and understand upcoming funding opportunities in the environmental and environmental education landscape.
The Grant Writer reports to and works closely with the VP of Development, collaborates extensively with the Policy, Communications, and Programs teams, and interfaces regularly with grantors and funders.
Specific Responsibilities
- Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation, corporate sources and public agencies.
- Responsible for collaborating with the managers and key personnel to determine the types of grants needed.
- Perform prospect research on foundations and corporations to evaluate prospects for corporate and foundation grants.
- Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/corporate donors.
- Provide stewardship to current funders, including work with the VP of Development, CEO and other Department Directors to provide regular written updates to corporate and foundation donors.
- Understanding of institutional history and programs.
- Work with VP of Development to schedule appointments for CEO and other Department Directors with foundation officers and other prospects, arrange for onsite tours for supporters (foundation officers, foundation trustees).
- Along with the Development Assistant, maintain current records in database and in paper files, including grant tracking and reporting.
- Track statistics relevant to grants and provide the department with written materials necessary for donor stewardship.
Qualifications and Skills
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university.
- Four years of successful non-profit grant writing.
- Proficiency working in web-based word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
- Proficiency working with Microsoft Word, Google Suite, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Willingness to travel on occasion and attend evening meetings and weekend events.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters professionally.
- Ability to multi-task and manage many projects simultaneously with scrupulous attention to detail.
- Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively when writing and speaking.
- Strong editing skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of fundraising information sources.
- Experience with grant writing with knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies.
- Proactive in improving systems and processes; overcoming obstacles to solving problems.
- Warm, confident, and diplomatic approach to interpersonal relationships.
- Strong contributor in team environments.
- Comfortable in an environment of change.
Preferred
- Spanish fluency
- 7+ years of successful non-profit grant writing
- Familiarity with the Los Angeles philanthropic landscape will be considered a plus.
- Federal and State Grant writing experience
- Gregarious, confident, outgoing personality.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision benefits (75% covered)
- 403(b) retirement plan
- 15 days paid vacation in addition to 10 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, and additional paid time off between Christmas and New Years
- Generous family leave and sabbatical leave opportunities
- Flexible work schedule and remote work options
- Close, passionate, fun, and creative team environment
- Opportunities to grow with the organization
- Beautiful office location
Application Process
If you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, don’t let that stop you! If you think you offer what it takes to excel in this role, tell a great story, and a passion for the environment and climate action – please apply!
To apply for this position, please email your cover letter, resume, AND at least two writing or one writing and one campaign sample to resumes@folar.org with “Grants Writer Application” in the subject line.
Format is important; please send the cover letter in the body of the email as text and any documents (resume, etc.) as easily accessible attachments. No calls or walk-ins.
Applications will be accepted until April 1. Interviews will take place throughout April 2022.
FoLAR’s Equity Statement
The LA River traverses through diverse communities of people, plants, and geographies. It provides an opportunity to reshape our environment in a way that is more inclusive, equitable, and just. We are committed to building a team, leadership, and a River Movement that is as diverse as the communities the River touches. We believe in working with nature and alongside communities to achieve climate resilience, park equity, and environmental health for all.
Friends of the Los Angeles River is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.