Grants Manager

OBJECTIVES OF THE JOB: The Grants Manager is responsible for the strategic development, management, and stewardship of the organization's foundation and corporate grant portfolio. This position leads the grant process from prospect research and application development through submission, award management, reporting, and funder stewardship.

Working collaboratively with program, finance, communications, and advancement staff, this role ensures grant opportunities align with organizational priorities and that applications, budgets, narratives, data, reports, and supporting documentation are accurate, complete, compelling, and submitted on time.

The Grants Manager serves as the primary point of contact for foundation and corporate funders and provides support to colleagues responsible for government grants. The position also provides backup support for donor database and stewardship functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including Leadership, Financial, Job Position Specific and General Agency):

Leadership (Director/Coordinator)

• Actively participate in required meetings; provides pertinent information to the Leadership Team in decision-making processes and implements administrative decisions in a positive supportive manner.
• Serves as a positive team member and works to contribute to a cohesive and supportive environment.
• Regularly attends key agency activities such as fundraisers and public events.
• Serves as liaison for assigned external and internal committee opportunities.
• Demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, self-motivation and direction, organizational development and negotiations skills, strong oral and written communication, strong computer skills and resource development.
• Demonstrate ability to give and receive feedback.
• Demonstrates the ability to envision and implement change.
• Work collaboratively with diverse communities and communicates the mission and work of YWCA OKC.

Financial:

• Manages and monitors assigned department expenses and the prevention of waste, fraud and abuse.
• Assists in identifying potential revenue generating opportunities (i.e., program fees, grants, etc.).

Job Position Specific:

Grant Strategy, Research & Development

• Lead the identification, research, and evaluation of foundation, corporate, and other grant opportunities that align with the organization's mission, programs, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
• Maintain a grant calendar tracking application and reporting deadlines, renewals, and other funder requirements.
• Coordinate with program, finance, and advancement leadership to assess funding opportunities, determine organizational fit, and establish grant development priorities.
• Write letters of inquiry, grant proposals, applications, concept papers, and related funder correspondence.
• Coordinate the collection of program narratives, organizational information, budgets, statistics, outcomes, and other supporting materials required for applications.
• Develop compelling proposals that clearly communicate community need, program impact, organizational capacity, and funding priorities.
• Coordinate internal review and secure required approval from the VP of Advancement & Sustainability and/or CEO prior to submission.
• Track application outcomes and maintain records of submitted, pending, declined, and awarded proposals.

Grant Management & Compliance

• Serve as the primary staff contact for foundation and corporate funders throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Communicate grant requirements, restrictions, conditions, deliverables, and deadlines to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Monitor grant implementation, expenditures, staffing requirements, deliverables, and compliance with approved budgets and award conditions.
• Maintain organized grant records, including applications, award agreements, correspondence, budgets, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Identify and address potential compliance issues or missed requirements in collaboration with appropriate staff.
• Lead the preparation and timely submission of interim, annual, and final grant reports.
• Coordinate with program and finance staff to gather information required for grant reporting.
• Assist colleagues with the administration and reporting of government grants, as assigned.

Data & Outcomes

• Coordinate the collection, verification, and organization of program statistics and outcomes for grant applications and reports.
• Work with program staff to document program outcomes and impact.
• Ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable data is available for grant reporting and organizational communications.
• Identify and resolve gaps or inconsistencies in grant-related data

Funder Relations & Stewardship

• Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with foundation and corporate funders.
• Represent the organization professionally in meetings with funders, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate directly with funders regarding applications, reporting, grant modifications, questions, deadlines, and other grant-related matters.
• Coordinate funder stewardship activities in partnership with advancement leadership.
• Maintain accurate records of funder contacts, interests, giving history, grant requirements, and relationship activity.
• Monitor renewal opportunities and proactively communicate with funders regarding upcoming proposals, reports, and organizational or program developments.
• Evaluate and leverage technology to improve grant research, application development, documentation, reporting, compliance, and collaboration.
• Support advancement leadership in cultivating and strengthening relationships with prospective and current funders.

Database & Development Support

• Serve as the primary backup to the Engagement Specialist for the donor database and related development systems.
• Provide backup support for donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, donor communications, data management, reporting, and list preparation.
• Ensure grant and funder information is accurately maintained in the organization's database.
• Assist with development reports, prospect research, and other advancement activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's advancement and sustainability goals.

General Agency

• Complete documentation to assure compliance with criteria and standards required by licensing and funding sources and completes necessary electronic entries and all required agency forms.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information related to clients and programs.
• Understand and adhere to YWCA Employee Handbook and all YWCA Policies and Procedures.
• Meet with supervisor on a regular basis to keep apprised of events, problems, needs, etc.
• Maintain required annual training hours.
• Engage in regular self-card as a strategy to prevent and address vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and work as a team member with YWCA staff and administration
• Physical ability to lift (up to) fifteen pounds.
• This is an exempt position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred in communications, English, nonprofit management, public administration, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit grant writing, grant management, development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing competitive grant proposals and managing multiple grants and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with program and finance staff.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex grant requirements and compliance expectations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and nonprofit database/CRM systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive organizational, client, donor, and funder information

Ideal

• Experience managing foundation, corporate, and government grants.
• Experience with federal or state grant requirements and reporting.
• Experience with outcomes measurement, program evaluation, and nonprofit data.
• Experience with donor databases (Bloomerang) and development operations.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, housing, human services, or related nonprofit service areas.
• Experience working with a nonprofit organization of similar size and complexity.