Grants and Sponsorship Manager at Rossland Consulting Limited

Job Summary

• The Grants and Sponsorships manager directs CDI's efforts to secure funding from all institutional sources for a broad range of projects, including but not limited to exhibitions, Agricultural initiatives, conservation activities, and capital projects.
• The Grants and Sponsorship Manager collaborates with staff across the CDI’s partners, including the senior leadership team to develop and write competitive foundation and government proposals by conducting project and prospect research; collaborating on customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for corporate donors; convening cross-divisional grant project teams; writing reports; managing a grant production schedule; maintaining accurate electronic donor records and hard files; and managing the stewardship of institutional donors.
• This position reports to the Project Director and Head of CDI

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Grant Writing and Reporting – Government, Foundations, and Corporate Foundations:

• Develop competitive proposals for current and out-year fundraising priorities utilizing a diversified network of funding organization including government agencies, private foundations/donors, and corporate foundations
• Take lead in assembling team, including project director and project staff, to outline grant components, production process, and deadlines
• Write persuasive narratives, in collaboration with project directors
• Prepare/coordinate accurate budgets and required support materials
• Manage communications with prospects and donors before and after grant applications are submitted
• Oversees both the pre-award and post-award activity including coordinating receipt of award documentation, maintaining proposal and funding records in database systems, and preparing scheduled and special reports, studies, and analyses

Sponsorships and Fulfillment:

• Develop competitive sponsorship materials for current and out-year exhibitions and special projects for corporate donors
• Manage communications with prospects and donors throughout the sponsorship
• Oversee both the pre-award and post-award activity including contract negotiations for benefits and recognition levels, maintaining proposal and funding records in database systems, recognition approvals, and overseeing successful stewardship of sponsorship benefits.

Research:

• Develop working knowledge of CDI fundraising history, as it relates to donors and projects
• Stay informed on CDI programs, current and future, through on-going conversations with staff
• Conduct research on continuous basis to identify potential funding sources
• Make initial contact with potential funders to confirm eligibility and determine competitiveness of CDI project
• Stay abreast of current trends in philanthropy and best practices in fundraising

Collaboration:

• Forge strong working relationships with staff throughout the Project to maximize fundraising opportunities
• Support Director, Trustees, and Senior Director and Department Head of Advancement in development of presentations related to proposals
• Develop network of contacts working in similar positions at local Agricultural and cultural organizations

Donor Records & Grants Management:

• Manage a portfolio as assigned/primary solicitor of donors to ensure timely and effective development of institutional requests and award requirements
• Feed timely information into grants planner, financial trackers, and shared reporting schedules with MX, Finance, and Education
• Update and maintain institutional crediting in Airtable and Wrike, review exhibition, special project, etc. crediting for accuracy.
• Work with Coordinator of Grants & Sponsorships and Advancement Services Coordinator to ensure accurate gift entry
• Participate in reconciliation of Advancement and Finance report
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

Qualifications

• 4-year Undergraduate Degree in Agricultural Economics or Business Administration; Graduate Degree preferred or professional experience equivalent
• 5-7 years of development experience; 3-5 years of grant writing experience
• 2-3 years’ experience with federal grant writing and reporting
• Proven record of successful fundraising through grants and donor solicitation
• High level of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and good judgment
• Extensive experience using web-based and traditional research tools
• Proficiency with donor databases;
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral
• Solid experience managing and mentoring staff
• Ability to work independently and in a collaboration with colleagues
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Passion for the Agriculture.