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The Grants Specialist & Donor Relations Manager plays a vital role in the success of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains fund development efforts. This position supports grant prospecting writing and reporting while also managing relationships with donors and major gift prospects. The Specialist will identify cultivate solicit and steward donors assist in planning fundraising events and act as a primary contact for assigned donors and grantors. The role emphasizes securing gifts retaining and strengthening existing giving and ensuring timely and accurate completion of grant-related tasks.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Occupational Competencies

• Coordinate events: Familiarity with leading events by managing budget logistics event support security emergency plans and follow up.
• Identification of appropriate grant opportunities: Ability to research funding opportunities for assigned locations and program areas assess the alignment with the agencys strategic direction and program priorities. Communicate the funding opportunities with the Director of Development and appropriate parties.
• Strategic Thinker: Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the agencys strategic direction and corresponding program priorities.
• Logistics Management: Supports grant manager in timely and accurate completion of all administrative tasks related to submission of applications/proposals including detailed editing formatting assembly of proposal packages collecting attachments/addenda obtaining signatures and mailing or electronic submission. Ensures timely completion of grant reporting and informs appropriate staff of upcoming deadlines with advanced notice. Manage a caseload of assigned and qualified donors fulfilling a communications plan with individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies.
• Relationship Management: Ability to cultivate solicit and steward gifts from donors and prospects including one-to-one solicitation gift acknowledgement and stewardship communication.
• Working in a Team Environment: Collaborate with development staff on integrated fundraising strategies including direct marketing social media foundation corporate and planned giving.
• Donor Cultivation: Organize and participate in donor/prospect cultivation and celebration events such as private receptions dinners or seminars.
• Records Entry and Maintenance: Maintain organized grant and donor files CRM records tracking spreadsheets correspondence gift acknowledgments and gift entry.
• Life-Long Learner: Participate in professional development opportunities and trainings.

Foundational Competencies

• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying taking time to understand the points being made asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting.
• Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Research: Ability to find data both within the agencys database and in reputable data sources to support grant proposals through key demographics evidence-based interventions and clear outcomes.

EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES

• Identify and build relationships with potential donors and funders.
• Secure commitments of participation or donations from individuals foundations or corporate donors.
• Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
• Solicit cash in-kind donations or sponsorships from individuals business or government donors.
• Update donor and grant databases.
• Assist with developing strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Assist with developing new grant proposals that meet the agencys current needs.
• Develop and implement fundraising activities such as annual giving campaigns giving society events and donor events.
• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.

TRANSPORTATION

Must maintain a valid drivers license and carry personal auto liability insurance at the level of $100000/300000/100000.

• Frequent regional travel.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in social sciences and 2 or more years experience in grants management evaluation and/or program development; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

Required Experience:

Manager