Grants Director

Description

ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS

Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) is a nonprofit that partners with K-12 public schools to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. With a budget of almost $11 million, we support 80 employees in 59 schools that serve more than 26,000 students and families across Tennessee.

As part of the CIS national network, CISTN achieves this mission by placing program managers in schools across the state to provide school-wide interventions and case managed services for students in need.

To best support the students, families, schools, community partners, and our staff members involved in this work, CISTN staff and board members center all decisions, actions, and services on the following core values:

Integrity - We openly share how our work is done, and we hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make.

Empathy - We intentionally build relationships so we can learn about people's stories, validate their experiences, and deepen our understanding of situations different from our own.

Equal Opportunity - We identify and work towards removing barriers, so everyone has the opportunity to achieve.

Authenticity - We create space for the people we work with, and for, to be their truthful, complete selves without judgement.

Collaboration - We bring people together to plan and take action in our work, understanding we make lasting change in partnership with one another.

Requirements

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Grants Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive grants strategy to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources. The Grants Director will oversee the entire grant lifecycle, identifying funding opportunities, leading the grant application process, managing grant compliance, and fostering relationships with key funders to support the organization's mission and strategic goals. The Grants Director currently does not supervise any direct reports, works under the supervision of the Chief Advancement Officer, and works closely with other advancement staff, program staff, and the Finance Director. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

Grant Strategy Development and Execution:

• In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, develop revenue goals for foundation, corporate and government giving.

• Manage a grant portfolio of $1.1M (30-35 funders) with a growth target of $3.2M by FY28.

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for securing grant funding aligned with organizational goals and funding needs.

• Conduct ongoing prospect research and identify potential grant funding sources from local, regional, and national funders, including state and federal agencies, and assess their alignment with the organization's mission and priorities.

• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines for proposals, reports, and renewals.

• Alongside the CAO, develop and foster relationships with funders; find personal connections at each granting entity that will ensure the attention of the funder and continuity of the funding.

Grant Writing and Submission:

• Lead the preparation, writing, and submission of compelling and high-quality grant proposals.

• Ensure all applications and reports meet the required criteria and are error-free.??

• Collaborate with program staff to gather the necessary data, program information, and budgets for grant applications.

• Tailor proposals to meet the specific requirements of individual funders.

• Work with schools and districts to provide guidance on eligibility of state and federal grant opportunities.

Grant Management, Reporting, and Compliance:

• Manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funder guidelines and requirements.

• Manage all aspects of grant reporting, writing reports by collaborating with the Finance Director, Data Director, Vice Presidents of Programs, and Program Directors to ensure compliance.

• Maintain accurate data and financial records, performing regular audits of grant spending to ensure compliance and adherence to timelines.

• Prepare and submit high-quality, clearly written, accurate, and timely progress reports to funders.

Funder Stewardship and Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for grant-related communications.

• Arrange and participate in funder site visits, presentations, and meetings.

Data Collection and Impact Reporting:

• Work with the program team to collect and analyze data to demonstrate program outcomes and impact.

• Develop narratives and reports that showcase the organization's achievements and impact to funders and stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provide grant guidance and training to staff involved in grant-related activities.

• Collaborate with advancement, finance, and program teams to ensure alignment and accuracy in all grant-related work.

• Supervise grant writers or consultants as needed.

Currently, the Grants Director is based in Nashville and works a hybrid model of in-office days and work from home/remote work. Occasional work must be performed in the evenings and weekends to accommodate fundraising events and grant deadlines.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. Other duties may be assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The core competencies for the Grants Director include, but are not limited to:

• Grants Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge and experience in grants management best practices for the full grant lifecycle. Possess knowledge of grant compliance and reporting requirements for various funders. Is proficient in using grant management software and databases.

• Communication Skills: Exhibits excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and serves as an effective spokesperson and advocate for the organization's mission. Clearly and concisely communicates technical information and data results to various audiences. Tailors communication strategies to different stakeholders and ensures messages are clear, consistent, and culturally responsive.

• Time Management and Planning: Appropriately prioritizes workload and manages multiple projects simultaneously. Sets objectives, develops schedules, and anticipates and addresses challenges to ensure timely and effective project completion.

• Administrative Proficiency: Navigates internal systems, software, and databases efficiently, with minimal intervention. Consistently completes data entry and reporting accurately and on time. Manages department budgets effectively.

• Relationship Building: Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Utilizes effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders and advance the organization's mission.

• Research, Measurement & Analysis: Utilizes evidence and best practices to measure progress towards strategic priorities. Makes data-driven decisions and continuously improves strategies based on research and analysis findings.

• Operational Excellence: Anticipates and manages organizational risk, utilizes best practices, and ensures efficient and competent processes are in place to streamline daily operations.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with grant management, including grant identification, proposal development, report writing, and grant auditing to ensure proper grant expenditures and timelines.

• Proven track record of securing six-figure grants.

• Demonstrated experience with federal grant management and reporting, including knowledge of Uniform Guidance and other federal compliance requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We value your lived experience and those that have lived or live in the communities that we serve. Should you not meet all of the listed qualifications but feel that this position is the perfect one for you, please apply! You could be what we are looking for and we would not want to miss the chance to meet you!

CISTN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary range is $ $90,000 - $105,000

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered at 100% for employees.

• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance.

• 401(k) and match up to 2%.

• 10 paid sick days, 15 paid vacation days annually.

• 4 floating holidays in addition to 10 other paid holidays throughout the year and an extended winter break.

• Cell phone and mileage stipend

• Paid parental leave