Grant Writer - Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse

ABOUT US:

Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse (TAB) a non-profit organization, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner and other civic-minded citizens of Austin to provide a setting where blind men and women could come to learn skills and create products that were sold door to door.

Today, Travis Association for the Blind stays true to the mission established in 1934 by providing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. We continue to grow and expand the services we provide to blind Texans.

Our Core Values guide us in everything we do: LIGHT: Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart, and Teamwork.

TAB offers a variety of benefits to include: 403(b) retirement plan; health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; employee assistance program; life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; employee appreciation events; and more.

Job Summary

The Grant Writer will play a crucial role in securing funding for our organization by identifying, developing, and writing grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities. This position requires a strong ability to communicate the Austin Lighthouse mission, programs, and needs to potential funders while adhering to the guidelines and requirements of each grant opportunity. Seeking a 1099 Grant Writer/Researcher for a hybrid role with weekly meetings. The position requires 20-40 hours per week for a 10-12-week project, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

· Research potential grant opportunities and funding sources that align with the organization's goals and objectives.

· Stay informed on trends, best practices, and changes in grant funding.

· Develop, write, and submit high-quality grant proposals, including letters of intent, full proposals, budgets, and supporting documents.

· Collaborate with program staff to gather proposal information, including program descriptions, objectives, and outcomes.

· Ensure that all proposals meet the funder's requirements and deadlines.

· Manage the entire grant process from proposal submission to reporting, including maintaining detailed records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and outcomes.

· Assist in preparing reports and maintaining relationships with current funders.

· Monitor and track the progress of grant applications and ensure compliance with all grant requirements.

· Work closely with internal departments to understand funding needs and program objectives.

· Communicate effectively with funders, partners, and stakeholders.

· Provide training and support to staff on grant writing as needed.

· Complies with and assists other employees understand and comply with TAB's policies and procedures.

· Behaves in accordance with the key behaviors aligned with TAB's Core Values of Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart and Teamwork (LIGHT).

• Research various foundations' grant cycles and giving histories, manage the organization's data collection, and track it in CRM. Create and maintain a grants calendar with opportunities and reporting requirements. Establish internal organization for grant applications and develop organizational language for grant submissions.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear and compelling narratives.
• Knowledge of grant writing best practices, including proposal structure, budgeting, and donor cultivation.
• Excellent research skills, with the ability to identify and evaluate potential funding sources.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using grant management software and other relevant tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector and the specific challenges and opportunities related to fundraising.

· Strong ethics and discretion with confidential or sensitive information

· Able to read, comprehend and understand information and ideas presented in writing or in an alternative form

• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity

Supervisory Responsibility

· None

Communication & Contacts Required

· Employees, managers, executives, donors, & community members

Decision Making/Judgment Required

· Makes decisions as per Standard Operation Procedures and Company Policies

Minimum Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Minimum of 4 years of professional grant writing experience.

· Proven track record of successfully securing grants from a variety of funding sources, including foundations, corporations, and government entities.

· Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or other relevant certifications preferred

· Experience with grant management software and CRM systems

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to:

· Prolonged periods of working on a computer

· Ability to be in a stationary position (stand/sit) for 4-8 hours

• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs. at times
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, adjust position for 10% of time
• Ability to work in conditions with varying temperature, including cold and/or he

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned or reassigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Background Check and Drug Screen required
• Internal and external applicants accepted
• Verifiable documentation of ability to work in the US

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to apply

TRAVIS ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

TAB provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, TAB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EEO is the law. To review your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit:www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf