Grants Development Associate

Application Timeline: Rolling, position open until filled; priority application deadline August 4th 

Location: Remote 

Reports to: Director of Strategy and External Affairs 

Employment Status: One year fixed term contract (40 hours per week). This contract has the potential of being extended following the 1-year term. 

Salary: $66,000–$84,000, depending on experience  

Preferred Start Date: September 27th, 2023 

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual for a one-year contract to join our team as a Grant Development Associate. In this role, you will be responsible for researching, developing, coordinating, and writing grant proposals to secure funding for Blue Forest. You will work across the organization to identify funding objectives for each department, research and identify grant funding opportunities, gather necessary information, and craft compelling proposals that align with our mission and goals. 

Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct comprehensive research to identify potential new grant funding sources, including state and federal government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other grant-making organizations.
• Work closely with the Blue Forest fundraising team to prioritize and execute on new funding opportunities.
• Facilitate conversations with departments and teams at Blue Forest in partnership with the Director of Strategy and External Affairs to determine funding needs and relevant opportunities.
• Prepare and write grant proposals, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines, objectives, and deadlines.
• Coordinate with internal subject matter experts to gather relevant information and data needed for grant applications.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on all aspects of jointly-submitted grants, ensuring that all parties are developing a coordinated and cohesive application while meeting deadlines . 
• Gather and organize supporting documentation, including letters of support, financial statements, budgets, and programmatic data.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and progress updates.
• Monitor and track the progress of submitted proposals, including follow-up communications with funders as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all grant activities, including grant writing, submissions, and outcomes.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in grant development and grant writing.
• Coordinate with the Grants Finance Associate to assist as needed with grant reporting and evaluation activities, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grant development and grant writing.
• Strong independent research skills, with the ability to identify relevant funding opportunities and gather supporting information, and organize opportunities in a way that is useful for efficient decision making.
• Excellent writing skills, including demonstrated success writing  clear, persuasive, and compelling grant proposals.
• Strong attention to detail, with ability to manage a portfolio of active grants and applications with competing deadlines.
• The ability to work across internal departments with an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficient in conducting online research and utilizing databases to gather information.
• Familiarity with grant management software and tools is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, partners,  and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Preference for candidates with interest in and commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience.
• Preference for candidates with experience in writing for federal grants, as well as for grants pertaining to environmental conservation and/or innovative financial models.

Benefits: 

• 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision coverage; subsidized coverage for dependents
• Access to 401k retirement plan with 4% employer match
• Starting 3 weeks paid vacation and 17 paid holidays; paid sick leave and volunteer time
• 3 months paid family leave
• Employer paid life and long term disability insurance
• Access to Dependent Care FSA
• Public Lands Exploration stipend (reimbursements for visits to National Forests, county parks, etc.)
• Monthly Home Office stipend or co-working space provided
• Additional stipends for health & wellness; home internet and cell service; and professional development
• Option for non-taxable contributions towards repayment of student loan debt, up to $5,250 per year, in lieu of salary 

COVID VACCINE REQUIREMENT

All Blue Forest staff  are required to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines that term. Proof of full vaccination shall be a condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work, except where prohibited by law. Blue Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and the company will engage in the interactive process regarding reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a disability/medical condition; a sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance; or a claimed exemption under applicable state law.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please submit an application through Recruitee. People from historically underrepresented populations and candidates with non-traditional career paths are especially encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and those submitted by 8/4/23 will be given priority consideration. 

If participating in the interview process would require you to incur additional expenses to participate, such as childcare, please let us know and we are happy to reimburse for reasonable expenses incurred up to $30/hour for twice the length of each interview in which you participate. There will be space to request this reimbursement upon offer of an interview.

Blue Forest provides equal employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.