Communications and Grants Specialist

This position reports to the Executive Director and plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of our small nonprofit organization by managing both internal and external communications effectively and securing funding through grant writing and management. The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong attention to detail, and a passion for our organization's mission.

Specific Duties: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategy to promote the organization's mission, programs and initiatives.
• Create and execute a strategic annual calendar of events to promote United Way programs.
• Develop and maintain annual communications calendar.
• Ensure all communications adhere to branding guidelines and reflect UWCC's mission.
• Create engaging content for various digital platforms including but not limited to UWCC website, social media channels, monthly e-newsletters, and press releases.
• Manage social media accounts, engaging with followers, and monitoring trends to increase visibility and engagement.
• Create and design communication assets including but not limited to annual reports, brochures, talking points, fliers, signage, and campaign letters.
• Coordinate with team members and Board to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics, as available, to measure the effectiveness of strategies and make necessary adjustments.

Annual Campaign:

• Serve as lead communications support for UWCC's annual giving campaign, including workplace/employee campaigns (currently Chatham County Schools, Chatham County Government, and Chatham Hospital) and neighborhood/community campaigns (e.g., Galloway, Carolina Meadows, Governors Club, Fearrington, and The Preserve).
• Build relationships with, and provide strategic planning support to, neighborhood captains, workplace team captains, and campaign coordinators to shape and execute a campaign approach tailored to each neighborhood's or workplace's needs.
• Create and manage peer-to-peer giving campaigns (e.g., Bloomerang  P2P) for workplace/employee campaigns, including campaign setup and coordination with team captains.
• Write and design weekly custom emails and campaign update graphics for each workplace campaign throughout the campaign period, reporting real-time fundraising results to employees and captains.
• Draft and distribute campaign newsletters, posters, and signage tailored to each neighborhood partner, coordinating deadlines and content with community contacts (e.g., POA newsletters, on-site campaign signage).
• Produce campaign kickoff materials, including invitations, press releases, and print advertising (e.g., Chatham Magazine).
• Draft campaign letters and Executive Director messaging for use across campaign communications.
• Track campaign communication deadlines and contacts across all neighborhood and workplace partners to ensure timely, accurate delivery of materials.
• Support campaign recognition and donor stewardship materials, including thank-you notes and recognition pieces.
• Provide logistical support for the annual Campaign Kickoff event, including setting up the event webpage for ticketing, coordinating seating arrangements, and liaising with the venue.
• Assist the Executive Director with presentation preparation for the Campaign Kickoff event.
• Assist with creation of the Campaign Kickoff event schedule and design/production of the physical event program.

Grant Writing and Management:

• Lead grant proposal development and submission – preparing and organizing materials for proposals, and submitting and monitoring grant applications, including: 
  • Research and identify potential grant and business development opportunities that align with the organization's mission and programs.
  • Coordinate with the Community Impact Manager and Executive Director to schedule meetings with funders and potential funders.
  • Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and grant reports to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
  • Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and prospects, including all associated files and correspondence, to ensure timely submission of proposals and reports.
  • Maintain a central list of all electronic login and passwords to grant portals.
  • Maintain library of grant supporting documents including financial documents, board/staff diversity lists, etc. 
• Maintain grant compliance, tracking and reporting, including outcome measurement and grant expenditures. Duties include:
  • Submission of all reporting forms and supporting documentation.
  • Cultivate relationships with funders and partners to enhance grant opportunities and collaborations.
  • Work closely with the Community Impact Manager on grant writing and reporting, including gathering program data and outcomes to support proposals and reports.

Administration:

• Stay informed about trends and best practices in nonprofit communications and grant writing.
• Provide support for other administrative tasks as needed.
• Assist with special projects and events as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Skills:

Experience:

• Experience working in a professional office. 
• Nonprofit experience preferred, ideally 3-5 years within nonprofit development, outreach or communications activities. 
• Preferred experience in nonprofit grant writing and management. 
• Preferred experience in event planning. 

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Proficiency in Wordpress, Mailchimp and Canva.
• Strong knowledge of social media and other basic communication platforms.
• Knowledge of project management tools.
• Knowledge of Grant Management Software (Foundant) a plus.

Work Style:

• Must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize. 
• Must be transparent, ethical and possess high integrity leadership skills. 
• Must be a self-started and be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment. 

Logistical Requirements:

• Must be available for occasional weeknight and weekend events. 
• Must be able to occasionally lift 15-20 points up and down stairs.
• Must have own transportation and valid driver’s license. Some business travel within Chatham County is required. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

United Way of Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.