Grant Writer

Who We Are:

OpenDoors of Asheville is a local nonprofit that strengthens our community by eliminating the race-based opportunity and achievement gaps for students through education. To achieve its mission, OpenDoors designs and facilitates programs and coordinates tailored educational services for students to allow success in school. We offer a range of support to families, thanks to funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations who are interested in innovative effective social service practices.

Our Attitudes & Beliefs

• Deeply committed to equity
• Committed to a positive team culture
• Committed to process analysis and improvement
• Relentlessly optimistic
• Solutions oriented
• Justice oriented
• Flexible and agile
• Calm and focused during times of crises
• Collaborative
• Growth mindset for self and others

Job Summary:

The Grant Writer is responsible for assisting the Impacts and Grants Manager by researching grant opportunities, writing grant proposals and submitting grant reports.

This position is also responsible for researching and developing grant proposals, managing grant submissions, deadlines and communicating with foundations.

This position will also serve as an OpenDoors representative at grantor and community meetings while working to maintain and support partnerships to advance OpenDoors’ mission. This job requires knowledge of community dynamics and program development, as well as excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and must exercise extensive discretion and independent judgment. This role reports directly to the Impacts and Grants Manager.

This position is a part-time role and requires 20 hours of work a week - a minimum of 75% of the time would be spent in the OpenDoors Asheville office. Preferred hours are 10am-2pm Monday through Friday.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Grant Writing:
• Following approval by the Grants and Impacts Manager, submits final grant proposals to grant makers or foundations, with a focus on grants for funding $24,999 and below.
• Files grants and associated documents in the ODA Drive.
• Grant Management:
• Assists the Grants and Impacts Manager in maintaining and updating the annual grants calendar, including identifying granting opportunities and grant and reporting deadlines.
• Following approval by the Grants and Impacts manager, submits grant reports.
• Communicates with current grantors as well as prospective funders as needed.
• Supports the Grants and Impacts Manager in tracking grant spending and restrictions.
• Grants Communication:
• Assists the Grants and Impacts Manager in the maintenance of all grant recognition efforts and programs, including sending thank you notes to grantors and entering grants in the donor database.
• Identifies and communicates challenges and successes related to program processes and implementation and regularly reports this information to the Grants and Impacts Manager.
• Works with Communications Director on the creation of website updates, newsletters, PR communications, and publications to support fundraising and marketing activities.

• Participate in the completion of OpenDoors strategic and annual planning.
• Identify partnership and funding opportunities and promote relationship-building among OpenDoors and other organizations, agencies, and/or individuals.
• Identify professional development opportunities to further continuing education and professional goals, participate in professional development, and share your growth with colleagues.
• Prepare for and attend 6 month review and annual reviews including self-evaluation and goal setting.
• Active self-reflection, goal setting, and collaboration with directors and colleagues.
• Attend Board and Committee meetings when requested.

• Adhere to OpenDoors administrative and recordkeeping policies and procedures to support budget, outcomes measurement, and documentation of activities.

• Support colleagues as needed in achieving the best possible outcomes for students.
• Commit to proximity to our families via one direct service role: transportation, mentorship, family liaison, or other opportunities as available.

• All other duties assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and groups to tackle complex community issues
• Proficient in using technology as a management reporting tool and implementation of program evaluation systems
• Willingness to engage in continuous learning and training
• Demonstrated professional aptitude
• Strong project management skills managing complex, multi-faceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth
• Experience with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive peer group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to details
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for OpenDoors’ mission

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred
• Experience in the field of education, working with groups of students, and current best practices is preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing, walking, and bending in addition to sitting in front of a computer.
• Ability to travel independently in the daytime and evening to regional and national destinations.

Equal Opportunity

OpenDoors values equity, inclusion, and diversity in our community partners as much as in ourselves. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all candidates with a diversity of intersecting backgrounds to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $27,560.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
• Grant writing: 1 year (Required)
• Organizational skills: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Asheville, NC 28806 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Asheville, NC 28806: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person