Grants Coordinator

Organization Description 

Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We take a systems-based approach to complex issues – such as child welfare, immigration policy, affordable health care, and poverty – and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether that’s in the courthouse, at the Capitol, or in the community. 

Position Description 

The Grants Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the organization’s grant activity. The position is responsible for preparing proposals and reports to funders, researching potential funding sources, building relationships with current and prospective funders, and monitoring grant deadlines and major deliverables together with program directors and grant owners. The Grants Coordinator is responsible for creating written materials, producing timely and accurate management of all grant-related paperwork, and meeting reporting and other grant-related deadlines. The Grants Coordinator reports to the Development & Engagement Senior Director but works in collaboration with the Senior Grants Coordinator, Executive Director, Administrative Senior Director, Program Directors, the Development Coordinator, and other program staff. The Grants Coordinator serves on the Development Team. The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Position Responsibilities 

• Ensure work is aligned to the goals of the Development and Engagement Team, and the strategic objectives of the organization 
• Gather and synthesize information from program staff for grant proposals and reports 
• Draft, edit, and submit proposals, letters of intent, and reports to foundations and other grantors, steering the grants process from initial concept to delivery 
• Guide program staff through evaluation considerations and assist in grant evaluation processes 
• Conduct research on prospective local and national foundations and grantmakers
• Oversee and maintain the grants database by entering contributions, uploading final applications, and processing correspondence 
• Build and maintain relationships with foundations and grantmakers and coordinate communication between program staff and funders 
• In partnership with the Development Team, manage our grants calendar and portfolio across multiple program areas (on average 60 active, pending, and prospective grants) and ensure all proposal and grant reporting deadlines are met 
• Craft and edit additional written materials to help external and internal audiences understand Appleseed’s efforts  

What you Bring to the Position 

The ideal candidate will have the following background or a combination of the following qualifications: 

• Two years of prior fundraising or grant writing experience is preferred, but not required
• Excellent writing skills
• High attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience 
• Strong ability to synthesize ideas and write clear, concise, and persuasive proposals and reports
• A self-starter who can manage and prioritize multiple projects, next steps, and deadlines 
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with a range of personalities across staff to obtain timely information and produce high-quality materials 
• Strong computer skills, including use of Google Docs, email, and calendar, Microsoft Word, and Excel 
• Experience with fundraising and/or grant management software is a plus, but not required 
• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends 
• Background or experience in working with nonprofit advocacy organizations is desirable 
• A strong commitment to social justice, support for Appleseed’s mission, and an ability to communicate the value of our mission 

Salary and Benefits

Salary range of $48,000 to $60,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance with single coverage paid at 100% by Nebraska Appleseed; 401(k) with a 4% match; and generous paid leave including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and longevity leave. Nebraska Appleseed is a flexible and hybrid workplace. 

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and their families, staff working within our physical office are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

To Apply

The application deadline is May 22, and the target start date is late June to mid July.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references via email to careers@neappleseed.org or via mail to Nebraska Appleseed, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 83613, Lincoln, NE 68501-3613

Nebraska Appleseed is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Nebraska Appleseed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.