Position Title: Coordinator of United Way Relations [Grant Writer]

Reports To: Chief Development Officer [with dotted line reporting to Director of Foundation Development]

Department: Fund Development

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Location: Buffalo, Lockport, Rochester or Jamestown Service Center; position can be hybrid

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York. Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

In order to support the development goals of the Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY), the Coordinator of United Way Relations builds and maintains positive relationships with United Way funded programs and implements the Council’s overall United Way development strategy. Primary responsibilities include (1) proposal preparation and submission including research, writing and internal project management; (2) relationship management with funding partners; (3) grant lifecycle management including award documentation, tracking and reporting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Relationship Management:

Manage a portfolio of six regional United Way relationships in order to achieve or surpass annual fundraising goals:

• Identify, cultivate and steward existing United Way agencies and funded programs.
• Serve as a liaison between GSWNY and United Way agencies and funded programs including scheduling/coordinating site visits, representing GSWNY at community roundtables, RFP information sessions, and other related meetings/functions.
• Ensure compliance with United Way requirements related to reporting and management of United Way-specific requirements.

United Way Proposal Preparation & Submission:

Review/analyze requests for proposals and funding guidelines to determine whether the funder is an appropriate fit for GSWNY.

• Coordinate meetings with staff to discuss guidelines, generate ideas, and design United Way proposals including project plans and budgets.
• Prepare and coach key staff and volunteers on grant defenses and presentations.

Ensure on-time submission of high-quality Letters of Intent (“LOIs”) and proposals.

• Develop and write effective United Way proposals including outlines, narratives, timelines, staffing plans, project evaluation plans, and budgets.
• Communicate with funder to obtain pre-submission input when possible.

Internal Data Collection & Management

• Identify accurate and appropriate internal data to support proposal narratives, outcomes and reports.
• Serve as the project manager for creating and managing an effective system to bring together relevant data for United Way and Foundation proposals and reporting; collaborate with GSWNY Data Analyst and multiple data owners council-wide to ensure accurate and timely pulling of data analytics and reports.

Grant Lifecycle Management:

Post-award grant management including documentation and regulatory compliance

• Review United Way funded contracts prior to GSWNY acceptance.
• Assist in disseminating grant award information to staff, clients, board members, and other constituents of the council.
• Prepare or oversee preparation of all United Way reports ensuring on-time completion and submission to meet contractual obligations.
• Advise staff to ensure that United Way funds are maximized and spent in accordance with funding guidelines for program implementation, tracking and reporting.
• Obtain feedback from funder if proposal is declined.

Leadership & Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve as an integral member of the GSWNY Fund Development Team.
• Communicate regularly with the Chief Development Officer, and actively participate on the Fund Development and Grants Team, including assistance with other projects/duties as assigned.
• Oversee preparation of United Way grant-related qualitative and quantitative data reports to support data-informed decision-making.
• Assist in developing and maintaining policy guidelines and budget management procedures with respect to funding awards.
• Support the Council’s strategic goals and mission as an active and engaged member of the GSWNY team.

Other duties may be assigned as needed. GSWNY maintains the right to add, change or alter the functions of this at any time.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Girl Scouts is proud to serve a diverse community of girls and volunteers. Bilingual language skills or proficiency in one or more non-English language is always appreciated, though not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; relevant work experience and/or a combination of education and on-the-job training will also be considered.
• Minimum of years of experience in development and grant writing required.
• Knowledgeable nonprofit professional proficient in donor relationship management, and proposal creation and implementation.
• Ability to embrace and articulate the mission and values of the Girl Scout Movement. (Personal knowledge of the Girl Scout Movement is always a plus, though not required).
• Experience overseeing the development, implementation and management of outcomes-based youth programming.
• Ability to gather, assess, process and present data and information.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and ability to interact with diverse populations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge desired, or ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capability to gather, assess, process and present data and information in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure.
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks in order to successfully meet and manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to project a high degree of professionalism at all times.
• Capacity to network effectively and positively represent GSWNY in the public arena.
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with Council staff, volunteers, customers and others within community.
• Capable of meeting the travel requirements of the position to conduct Council business.
• Must successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter.
• If travel is required, must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements as well as Council insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York. This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all. All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization. As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal, state or local law.