Job Description

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

FIRE is seeking an energetic, motivated, and highly organized individual to join our fundraising team. The Grants Manager will report directly to the Chief Development Officer and will manage the daily duties for FIRE’s portfolio of foundation grants, including writing proposals and reports, supporting foundation staff in building strong donor relationships, and handling administrative tasks. This individual will work in concert with the Chief Development Officer and the Manager of Foundation Relations to guarantee the continued growth of the organization’s foundation revenue by expertly managing all aspects of foundation solicitation and stewardship. 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Managing FIRE’s full grant portfolio, which includes the following responsibilities:
   1. Authoring a wide range of foundation correspondence, including applications, LOIs, proposals, cover letters, reports, emails, project budgets, and more.
   2. Tracking grant deliverables, deadlines, and budget information for reporting purposes.
   3. Managing all aspects of the grant process, including overseeing Salesforce records, grant entry, recognitions, installments, and more.
   4. Handling administrative tasks such as compiling board reports, organizing foundation metrics, and managing the foundation team calendar and meeting agendas.
   5. Working in close contact with the Manager of Foundation Relations and the Chief Development Officer to assist with their portfolio of foundation contacts.
   6. Consistently focusing on how to improve foundation materials, streamline development writing, and tell the “story” of FIRE in the strongest possible way.
2. Identifying new funding opportunities from foundations in an effort to expand FIRE’s current donor base, which includes researching prospective foundations and submitting funding inquiries.
3. Disseminating and interpreting FIRE’s core program metrics for reporting purposes, grant obligations, and development fundraising activities by collaborating with program staff and FIRE’s data team.
4. Assisting and editing various written materials and correspondence drafted by the Development Writer, officers, or associates of the department on an as-needed basis.
5. Collaborating with the Development Writer when necessary to share writing materials and strategies.
6. Assisting with development department tasks as needed, including occasional development events.

This position has an immediate start date. Expected travel for this position is 0-10%. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. 

A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Three to five years of experience in development, preferably with foundation relations experience.

• Exceptional grant writing, general writing, and copy editing skills.
• Keen attention to detail, time constraints, and deadlines.
• An ability to work efficiently and independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred, but not required, qualifications:

• A four-year undergraduate degree.
• A working knowledge of foundation resources such as Foundation Directory, donor databases such as Salesforce, and research tools such as LexisNexis.
• Basic budgeting skills and the ability to understand financial documents for reporting requirements.

Salary and Compensation

The projected salary range is $70,000-$90,000 based upon experience and education level. Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan. 

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a fundraising writing sample (grant reports or proposals are preferred), salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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