Grants Officer

Position Summary:   The Grants Officer will seek new, innovative, and sustained grant funding for civil legal services throughout the state. This position will work as part of Legal Aid NC’s Development department, working closely with program, finance, and data teams to manage all aspects of the grant life cycle, including application, project implementation, award management, and close-out.  The Officer will nurture new and existing relationships with a primary focus on municipal entities and other community stakeholders.  The Grants Officer will report to the Senior Grants Officer.

Job Description: The Grants Officer will:

• Identify and qualify funding opportunities specifically including, but not limited to, municipal and local governments
• Build community relationships and partnerships, write and submit proposals to foundations, corporations, government agencies and other sources of grant funding to meet and exceed fundraising goals.
• Meet deadlines for submitting applications and reports, and for renewing grants.
• Track grant requirements including organizational implementation, requirements for invoicing/billing and periodic reporting to funder, compliance with funding restrictions, and update the CMS (Legal Server) and CRM (Raiser’s Edge) to manage profiles and compliance.
• Maintain background information and supporting documentation related to grant applications and proposals. Support program staff in meeting reporting deadlines and providing excellent stewardship of the funder.
• Write, prepare, and file reports with funding sources and regulatory agencies. Identify reporting needs for each of the awarded grants and obtain quantitative and qualitative information from the appropriate program areas or offices to submit accurate and timely reports.
• Stay current on new funding opportunities, community social service trends, funding trends, and grantor changes.
• Research and provide funding opportunity information to appropriate program directors and work with staff to prepare collaborative, creative proposals seeking funding for programs, which will enhance LANC’s ability to meet the needs of our communities, clients, and their families
• Attend community events and municipal meetings, as necessary to steward donors or prospect for new opportunities.
• Create narratives that are accurate, technically responsive and present the project or service in the most favorable way including adherence to submission requirements, responsiveness to scoring criteria and priorities, and meeting the highest professional standard for presentation of materials
• In coordination with the Development department, provide input into the annual budget process to ensure that the Finance department is aware of funding goals and changes.
• Assume responsibility for staying abreast of best practices within the field and maintaining relevant professional standards
• Perform other related duties as assigned

  QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to the mission and values of Legal Aid of North Carolina.
• A commitment to, appreciation for, and understanding of organizational values around diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• At least three years of demonstrated experience in grant writing and history of attracting grant awards of $50,000 and up. Experience with federal grant reporting preferred.
• Experience and a proven track record of managing grant portfolios and ensuring compliance with grantor guidelines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability including the ability to write clear, structured and persuasive proposals.
• Experienced working with grants management software.
• Self-motivated, with the proven ability to set goals, build a plan to achieve goals, and meet self-imposed and external deadlines.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret grant guidelines and government regulations.
• Knowledge of grants terminology, standards and documentation.
• Practical experience completing grant reports and applications. 
• Significant experience with the Office suite of products
• College degree preferred.  Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Political Science, English, or similar.
• Must have experience building relationships with funders and community partners
• Demonstrated experience in preparing reports and making presentations to management and staff
• Experience with this or other work involving the similar need for compliance with government requirements is a plus
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Proficient with Windows, Outlook, Internet research, MS Office including Word, and PowerPoint, Development CRM (Raiser’s Edge), and advanced knowledge of Excel preferred
• Must possess the ability to work effectively with both financial and non-financial grantees and LANC staff
• Detail orientation, strong organizational and project management skills including ability to develop project plans, meet deadlines, and analyze and report progress against goals and business objectives
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment