Grant Writer

To advance the purpose of InterVarsity, this position will work in collaboration with Donor Relations Manager and Directors of Philanthropy Team to generate high-quality grant proposals to major donors and foundations. The role will also be responsible for writing reports based upon the proposals. All work will champion InterVarsity’s highest ministry priorities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Personal:

• Be a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world
• Be committed to and live consistently within InterVarsity’s Frame of Reference (see below)
• Be able to articulate a holistic sense of God’s purposes for the world

Generate proposals and reports to major donors and foundations:

• Gather information from project directors, including Regional and Area Ministry Directors, Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, and leaders of specific ministries/programs
• Write drafts of proposals and reports and submit them for review by Donor Relations Manager and staff involved
• Revise written materials and incorporate changes made by reviewers into finished communications
• Send the proposals and reports, along with required attachments, to the foundation or major donor

Maintain accurate record of all projects:

• Track report and proposal due dates using project management software (e.g., Wrike)
• Inform all persons involved of upcoming deadlines
• Keep the project database (e.g., Wrike) up to date
• Work with Donor Relations Manager to prioritize jobs as deadlines approach
• File and copy proposals, reports, and communication into Salesforce database, keeping it up to date

Assist Directors of Philanthropy:

• Write miscellaneous correspondence to donors and foundations
• Write thank you letters for gifts received as assigned
• Research potential donors, e.g., foundations and major donors, in partnership with Prospect Research Team

Contribute to the effectiveness of the Development Team and NSC Community at meetings and gatherings:

• Keep up to date on InterVarsity’s ministry, strategic plans, and campus stories
• Prepare quarterly reports on initiatives of the current Strategic Plan, or other programs as needed
• Provide back-up for the Development Writer
• Write other types of donor communication as requested
• Participate in Campaign Team meetings as requested
• Provide counsel to field staff who desire to work with Development or on their own foundation/major donor work
• Participate in InterVarsity field activities as assigned
• Attend and work InterVarsity events as assigned (Urbana, National Staff Conference, Guest Programs, etc.)
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Ministry Partnership Development:

• With support and training, develop a personal support team for prayer and financial support through visits, phone calls, and regular prayer letters
• Raise a minimum of 10% financial support annually

QUALIFICATIONS

• Annually affirm InterVarsity’s Statement of Faith
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential donor information
• A working knowledge of current Microsoft Software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint) is required
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to work in a diverse team environment
• Raise 10% of the total budget for the position in personal financial support
• Prior grant writing experience preferred
• Previous experience with InterVarsity as campus staff or involved student preferred
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files
• Ability to work under pressure of deadlines
• Familiarity with Wrike and Salesforce, or other project management and databases, is preferred
• Ability to travel occasionally