Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
Operating multiple programs in more than 35 Detroit locations, Matrix provides services to more than 25,000 individuals and families annually and operates the largest Head Start program in Detroit serving more than 1,900 children.
CORE VALUES:
- Being of Service
- Building Relationships
- Always Learning
- Committed to Results
JOB SUMMARY/ ACCOUNTABILITY:
The selected candidate will be responsible for researching, drafting, and submitting proposals to help obtain grant funding for Matrix’s mission and programs. They will also work with organization leaders to review each program’s Priority Worksheet to identify financial needs and ensure they reach funding goals. Reporting to the Director of Grant Development and Strategy, the Grant Writer will focus on writing persuasive grant proposals to grant-making organizations and potential funder while keeping the Director apprised of and assessing the viability of new funding opportunities. The Grant Writer will also take the lead to assemble and submit high quality grant requests, conduct prospect research, and maintain a calendar of grant prospects, submissions and important deadlines using the organization’s Grant Tracker tool.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Research corporate, foundation, government, and other grant-making organizations and analyze them to identify funding sources for specific projects and programs.
- Compile, draft, write, edit, and submit all grant applications exhibiting strong expository writing skills and a high-level command of grammar and spelling.
- Attend all scheduled meetings and develop positive working relationships with key individuals in the organization and community.
- Monitor availability of federal, state, local grant funding that offers a favorable return on investment and aligns with Matrix’s strategic direction.
- Assess the viability of funding opportunities that cover program costs, align with strategic direction and revenue diversification goals, provide necessary duration of funding, etc.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to coordinate submission of informed and persuasive proposals for unrestricted and restricted grant funding, as well as required post-award grant reports, contributing writing support as needed.
- Develop grant budgets in coordination with Accounting staff and Program Managers.
- Keep current on Matrix’s history, program design, implementation, and expansion aligned with funding opportunities and compliance with grant and contract requirements.
- Stay connected with grant-making organizations during their review of submitted grant applications to supply additional supportive material as needed/requested.
- Coordinate the development of grant requests by establishing timelines, outlining tasks, assignments, and deadlines; facilitate timely communication and collect grant submission materials from program leadership.
- Meet all deadlines and respond to all correspondence by maintaining complete files for all grant requests submitted including copies of compliance reports submitted by program directors as required by grant sources.
- Use the Grant Tracker tool in the database system to track all relevant grant opportunities, information, submissions, and reporting deadlines.
- Ensure internal stakeholders are apprised of funding opportunities that align with Matrix’s strategic direction and department priorities in a timely manner.
- Facilitate development of partnership proposals with other community-based organizations, as necessary.
- Remain abreast of the latest trends in philanthropy and share relevant developments with program and key staff, as necessary.
- Perform special projects and related responsibilities as requested.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of a baccalaureate degree in a field related to task activities from an accredited university or college, a degree in Journalism, English, Public Administration business management, or a related field is preferred.
NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience that could provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be evaluated individually.
- At least two years of progressive professional experience related to grant writing activities.
- Working knowledge of non-profit or for-profit grants management, regulatory compliance monitoring and financial oversight is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high quality written products such as memoranda, presentations, and correspondence.
- Strong organizational, administrative and project coordination skills with the ability to
- effectively manage multiple priorities.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with funders, staff, clients, remote colleagues and supervisors, and others.
WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Works in a normal office environment with usual pressures of managing personnel and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple sites within the department and the need to meet with others within the community, it is common to drive to several locations, sometimes in inclement weather.
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:
- All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs.
- All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance.
- All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services.
Matrix Human Services is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Matrix Human Services is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Michigan law requires that a person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job must notify the employer in writing within 182 days of the date that the need is known or should have been known.
