Autism Speaks is hiring: Grant Writer in Boston

Overview

We are seeking a Grant Writer who will be responsible for expanding the portfolio and revenue generation of foundation donor partners for Autism Speaks (private, public, corporate foundations) and U.S. governmental partners (state, federal). The role includes cultivating relationships with current and potential funders. The position requires strong writing and organizational skills to support portfolio growth, increase LOIs, proposals, and grant applications, and grow foundation and government grant revenue over time.

A central focus is to write proposals, applications, and LOIs to support portfolio growth of active public/private foundation investors. The role involves collaboration, strategy, and both external and internal work to identify, assess, and position the organization to compete for sizable grant opportunities that align with the institution’s mission priorities.

In addition, this position will work across teams to identify, help cultivate, solicit, and steward new relationships. This foundation pipeline development will assist Autism Speaks in raising restricted and unrestricted revenue across teams including corporate, community engagement, and major gifts as needed.

Individual will work from home and can be located anywhere in the country.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Foundation & Government Grant Writing, Lead Generation, Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship/Reporting:

• Write proposals, letters of intent, applications, and responses to requests for applications that lead to successful closures and grant awards.
• Serve as frontline relationship manager with private and public foundation and government entities.
• Collaborate with colleagues, including the Fundraising Operations team (OPPS - data analytics and prospect research) to identify leads inside and outside Autism Speaks.
• Work within the centralized database to update and track opportunities, post-award requirements, and reporting.
• Qualify new and existing foundation and government relationships to identify and track new funding opportunities.
• Prepare for all Foundation visits and conduct pre-visit briefings with staff/volunteer leadership.
• Work closely with program staff/experts and Autism Speaks leadership to align programs with external funding opportunities.
• Regularly represents Autism Speaks mission and strategic priorities to external contacts including senior leadership of foundations.
• Produce materials to communicate strategic initiatives to external stakeholders.
• Be familiar with Autism Speaks strategic plan, programs, initiatives, and funding needs.
• Maintain an understanding of autism and related issues.
• Establish clear annual goals and track activity (weekly, monthly, quarterly) as a driver for a successful program.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Meet or exceed revenue and key activity metric goals each quarter and year.
• Accurately forecast revenue bookings monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Analyze revenue trends to assess results and adjust targeted budgets accordingly.

Planning and Management:

• Create and implement an annual plan to meet priority funding needs.
• Establish short and long-term goals for foundation and government funding sources.
• Establish and manage policies, systems, and procedures for tracking workflow and record keeping for foundation funding.
• Collaborate with finance and fundraising operations to maintain a strong foundation & grants project tracking and reporting system.
• Write and prepare documents including LOI templates, proposals, presentations, and post-award reports for organization-wide use.
• Track all foundation & grants prospects, active donor cultivation, and strategic moves in Autism Speaks donor database (Stratus Live).

(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor. As outlined in performance goal setting forms, you will be responsible for achieving the goals agreed upon with your manager.)

Position Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of professional experience in a nonprofit or higher education setting.
• Grant writing experience is a plus.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills with the ability to synthesize and present information to donors.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams.
• Growth-minded, entrepreneurial attitude; building position with opportunity to expand revenue.
• Self-starter with minimum supervision and ability to meet metrics.
• Keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Resourceful and proactive in supporting a growing program.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or equivalent CRM database.
• Experience with moves management policies and procedures.
• Experience providing organizational details to funders.
• Strong computer skills: MS Office, database/reporting tools, Outlook, and internet.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and willingness to contribute to building revenue for Autism Speaks.

Core Competencies:

• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Professional Behavior
• Results Driven
• Customer Orientation
• Flexibility

You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all Autism Speaks data and information.

Equal Opportunity

Autism Speaks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, evaluate, employ, and promote candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, protected veteran or military status, disability or other legally protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for job openings. Reasonable accommodations will be provided. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

About Autism Speaks

At Autism Speaks, our mission is to promote solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance; and advancing research. We strive to achieve our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Our employees are inspired by the impact we can collectively have on behalf of the autism community.

Autism Speaks celebrates every success achieved to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism, and we work across departments to find solutions that will do the most good for the most people. We aim to enhance the lives of our dedicated employees, through thick and thin.

Salary & Benefits

Autism Speaks offers competitive compensation, benefits, and vacation. We also provide flexible work hours, weekly training sessions, tuition reimbursement, and summer bonus Fridays in a creative, collaborative, inclusive, kind, and fun work environment.

For consideration, please forward your resume and cover letter.

Autism Speaks is an employer that participates in E-Verify.

Salary range is $60,700 - $77,250, depending on candidate’s relevant years of experience.