Position Summary
The Grants Officer will manage New England Science & Sailing's (NESS) grant writing and reporting and will serve as a key team member in advancing NESS's work as a highly impactful education nonprofit that uses an innovative learning model. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in researching, writing, submitting, and stewarding/reporting grants. This position will report to the Director of Advancement and will work closely with the Advancement team, Program Directors, and CFO. Depending on the candidate, this is a part time position with full time potential, and hybrid (remote/on-site) option.
The selected candidate will be responsible for managing NESS's historic grants pipeline. This includes government, foundation, corporate, and community funders, all while working with the team in an entrepreneurial manner that drives major grant outcomes allowing NESS to expand its reach and deepen its impact in several key ways:
• Improving K-12 academic outcomes
• Developing social emotional skills that lead to student agency
• Improving science/STEM learning and outcomes
• Serving afterschool programs that build academic and SEL skills
While NESS's central focus is on education partnerships and student outcomes, NESS has also secured funding from grantors that align with our four learning platforms: sailing, marine science, powerboating and ocean adventure sports.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Create and manage a grant pipeline with application and reporting deadlines
• Research current and prospective foundation partners and analyze grant-making strategies and histories
• Serve as a thought leader who explores collaborative and entrepreneurial approaches to grantmaking
• Prepare or update partner profile documents and briefing materials
• Write fundraising materials using a variety of styles ranging from the highly technical submissions typical for major institutional foundations, to the more personal style appropriate for some family foundations
• Work with Directors and CFO to determine budgets for individual grants and projects
• Maintain a working knowledge of the interests and expectations of the organization's major foundation funders
• Assimilate information about NESS's programmatic work from a variety of sources and describe its activities in clear and compelling language
• Work with CFO and Director of Advancement to collect necessary information to report on current grant programs
• Comply with all grant reporting as required
• Act as liaison with Program Directors to request funding for their programs
• Other research, writing and reporting duties as assigned. **
Qualities & Attributes**
• The ideal candidate will be someone drawn to the opportunity to help NESS expand its highly innovative and impactful model. This candidate could range from someone with a minimum of 1-2 years of related grants experience who is committed to expanding their skills and expertise to a candidate who has an established track record in a high-profile advancement office who is drawn to NESS's unique education model and our ability to impact students' lives. **
Skills/Knowledge/Experience**
• Superior writing skills and demonstrated experience developing proposals for a variety of funders
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Collegial team player able to interact effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Effective in a fast-paced environment and eager to contribute to the collaborative dynamic of the department and NESS community
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to work independently, nimbly manage multiple deadlines
• Highly skilled and proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, One Drive) and CRM software (Donor Perfect preferred) **
Education**
• Minimum requirement of a B.A. or equivalent
Compensation commensurate with experience. Fulltime/year-round employment includes comprehensive benefits package.
New England Science & Sailing Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at our organization without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, race, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, past or present history of mental disorder, learning disability, physical disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. NESS welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who uphold our core values of inclusiveness, stewardship, personal growth, and experiential learning. **
About NESS**
New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success. We do this by creating a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs that serve schools, teachers, and families. This STEM-based curriculum includes marine science, sailing, power boating, and adventure sports. NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Our goal is to advance academic opportunities for K-12 students of all backgrounds in both urban and suburban markets. We hope you will play a role in helping us continue this important educational mission—in person, online, or on the water!