Grants Writer and Community Giving Coordinator

Salary: $52,000

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life & long-term disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays), employee assistance program, membership privileges, professional development, 403(b) plan, and casual work environment

Are you an environmental advocate with a deep-rooted passion for nature and conservation? Would you like to work in a non-traditional office setting located in a nature center, surrounded by the forest, wetlands, and prairies?  Do you get excited at the prospect of using your time and talents to generate community support for an over 100-year-old organization with a mission focused on conservation and nature education? If so, join our dedicated team today and help us inspire future generations to care for the natural world!

JOB PURPOSE

The Grants Writer and Community Giving Coordinator supports the success of Fontenelle Forest’s fundraising and special event efforts, making it possible to fund the mission-related work of the organization. This team member is responsible for developing, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with grant funders and event sponsors, serving as the primary contact for fundraising volunteer groups, and supporting special event logistics. The Grants Writer and Community Giving Coordinator works with the Donor and Visitor Services team and reports to the Director of Donor and Visitor Services.

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest owns and manages Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue and Neale Woods Nature Reserve in Omaha. The properties encompass over 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands along the Missouri River in the geographically significant Loess Hills. Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest embraces the values of Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, Engagement, and Sustainability.

Fontenelle Forest values its employees and is committed to maintaining a positive working environment; a culture and a value proposition that attracts and retains top, diverse talent. Beyond a personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to integrating equity and inclusion best practices into programs and services. People who have lived experience in historically marginalized and excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Oversees the creation and maintenance of an annual grants calendar, assembles, and submits grant budgets, proposals, and reports (which includes working collaboratively with all departments to track appropriate output and outcome measures as applicable), maintains relationships with foundations and other grant-making organizations, and conducts grant funder prospect research.

·         Serves as the primary contact for fundraising and friend-raising groups, including event sponsorship, in-kind group volunteering, and corporate retreat rentals.

·         Supports the planning, coordination, and execution of events such as Beer on the Boardwalk, Winter Wonderland, and other special events or exhibits, and supports the planning and implementation of Feather our Nest.

·         Participates and contributes to staff and department meetings.

·         Assists with other projects as needed across the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s degree required

·         Minimum two years of experience in grant writing and/or fund development

·         Previous experience (minimum one year) in soliciting and cultivating individual or corporate donors

·         Excellent computer skills required, including demonstrated experience with donor or customer relations management software and Microsoft Office programs

·         Demonstrates a high attention to detail and has excellent verbal and written skills

·         Is self-motivated and can work both independently and collaboratively on projects with all departments

·         Has a strong aptitude for completing projects accurately and within deadlines

·         Maintains confidentiality and industry specific ethical standards

·         Serves as an ambassador for Fontenelle Forest in a wide variety of professional and social settings

·         Able to work occasional evenings and weekends

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

●        Regularly works at a desk, remaining in a stationary position up to 75% of the time

●        Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as copier and postage machine; requires ability to traverse administrative spaces

●        Communicate verbally with donors, guests, staff, and volunteers both in person and over the phone

●        Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

 

To Apply:  Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to [email protected]. Please reference “Grants Writer and Community Giving Coordinator” in the subject line.  Applications will be accepted through Thursday, August 3, 2023.

 

Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of in any of its employment related policies and practices.

Fontenelle Forest participates in E-Verify / Fontenelle Forest Participate en E-Verify