Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Development and Grant Proposals

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development

Job Profile: Professional-Advancement Manager I

Status: Full-time, Exempt

The Manager of Development and Grant Proposals is responsible, in coordination with faculty and staff on campus, for identification, research, proposal preparation, cultivation, and stewardship relating to federal, state, private foundation, and individual donor sources, especially in the areas of capital projects, university programs, faculty research, and endowment. In addition, writing support will be provided for Development projects and proposals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Works with the grants team, faculty members, centers and institutes, departments, and administrators of the university in researching and identifying grant opportunities, writing and editing proposals to private foundations, government agencies, corporate giving programs, and select individuals. Projects may include campus facilities, research, curriculum development, on-campus programs, outreach, equipment, stewardship, and other needs as identified by the university.
• Works with and understands foundations and other granting agencies, grant opportunities (including current agency priorities), electronic databases and search engines, multiple submission procedures (including online), and on-campus promotion of grant opportunities and development of grant writing skills. Coordinate the submission of proposals to granting agencies.
• Develops relationships with foundation personnel and community organizations (a) to cultivate external partnerships that will enhance Calvin’s connections to the community, (b) to strengthen the competitiveness of grant proposals, and (c) to steward successful partnerships for further collaboration.
• Assists with post-award reporting and administration.
• Supports Advancement team and Grants team in development of proposals, stewardship projects, and thank you letters.
• Requires depth of knowledge about Calvin University’s mission, strategic plans, current projects and priorities, as well as faculty, departments, and institutes, and competency in working with budgets and spreadsheets.
• Understands strategic planning and experience projecting next steps in developing grants program capacity and productivity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATION To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

The position requires a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; requires three to five years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Must be knowledgeable about foundations and other granting agencies; grant opportunities, including current granting agency priorities.
• Must have excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal, research, and organizational skills.
• Must possess commitment compatible with the mission of Calvin University and an understanding of the nature and mission of the university. Requires attention to detail and ability to work under pressure of deadlines.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The position requires the ability to explain university policies in difficult situations, write and edit reports or technical documents, coordinate and assess the work of others, and activities requiring significant communication skills. Handles confidential information.

COMPLEXITY

The position requires the ability to solve problems and to deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Instructions may be furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The position has the authority, if approved, to take action or make recommendations that will affect procedures, processes, and practices involving customers or employees in other departments.

DECISION MAKING/JUDGEMENT

This position typically involves projects and/or assignments with considerable decision making authority regarding procedures, plans, and schedules.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The position typically involves projects and/or assignments with considerable decision making authority regarding procedures, plans, and schedules.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.