State of South Carolina is hiring: SCSM Grant Writer in Columbia

The South Carolina State Museum is a premier cultural institution dedicated to showcasing the rich history, natural history, art, and science of South Carolina. This is an exciting moment for the South Carolina State Museum as it embarks on its Reimagine the Experience campaign to revolutionize the museum experience for our visitors and expand our impact state-wide. This collaborative campaign will allow the museum to share more of its extensive collection of over 1.1 million objects and specimens and renew over 150,000 square feet with updated permanent exhibitions and immersive multimedia experiences which highlight fascinating stories and people throughout South Carolina’s history.

Through these revitalized spaces, the museum will offer our guests the opportunity to connect with each other and the many communities that call our state home.

Come be a part of our team “reimagining” what the South Carolina State Museum can be for our next generation of visitors, students, and scholars.

JOB SUMMARY

The museum writer is responsible for creating and editing clear, engaging, and accurate written content for targeted museum audiences focusing on museum promotional pieces, grants, fundraising proposals and reports and other stewardship needs. Their work helps interpret and communicate the institution’s mission and stories to specialized audiences to build support for the museum’s programs and initiatives.

JOB DUTIES

• Research, write and edit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, fundraising proposals, case statements, annual reports, and related stewardship and marketing materials tailored to specific audiences and requirements of foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Craft narratives that compellingly describe museum programs, projects and needs to align with funder priorities.
• Research and identify new public and private funding opportunities, maintaining awareness of relevant funding cycles, scoring criteria and grant-making trends.
• Maintain relationships with funders and grant organizations, serving as point-of contact and coordinate correspondence.
• Track grant and gift deadlines, budgets and schedules for all related submissions and reporting.
• Edits and proofreads a variety of museum materials for the organization including fundraising and marketing materials, exhibition labels and panels, printed catalogues and brochures, educational materials and digital content.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, museum studies, business or related field.
• Proven track record of successful grant and other persuasive writing for multiple audiences.
• Exceptional expository writing, persuasive storytelling and command of grammar and style.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures involved in obtaining grant funds from various governmental, corporate and other granting sources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with granting agencies and colleagues receiving and administering grants throughout the organization.
• Strong project management, organizational and research abilities to maintain calendars, databases and files.
• Ability to understand museum programs, funding needs, and communicate effectively with colleagues and funders.
• Experience coordinating across departments to collect data and narratives needed for proposals and reports.