Assistant Director of Grants

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive, and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees. Consider joining us!

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Grants plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and completing an effective grant fundraising strategy for the Line of Service (LOS) and organization level. The position provides leadership to secure grants from diverse sources, both private and public, that provide vital financial support for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) programs and services statewide. The role works across LOS to coordinate and collaborate with LSS leadership and Development team members to develop high-quality, successful grant proposals that are responsive to LSS priorities and funding needs. The position will oversee Grant Services staff on prospect research, grant writing, and proposal development strategies. The position will play a role in developing relationship management strategies with key leaders and staff of major foundation, in partnership with the Development team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in nonprofit (social/human services preferred) competitive grant writing with a proven track record of success required.
• Experience supervising, directing, and managing direct reports required.
• Experience with government grant writing, including federal grant applications.
• Knowledge and familiarity with a wide spectrum of public and private funding streams/processes required, including local, statewide, and national philanthropic sources and trends.
• Ability to guide short- and long-term strategies to cultivate diverse statewide funding streams.
• Ability to compile quality research and compelling statistics pertinent to each funding request (i.e. demographics, social service issues, regional trends).
• Excellent organization, project management, and time management skills required.
• Ability to work and prioritize independently according to a demanding, fast-paced, deadline-driven production schedule.
• Strong computer proficiency with excellent command of Microsoft 365 and SharePoint; Raiser's Edge donor management database experience preferred.
• Excellent persuasive writing, grammar, research, proofreading, and copy-editing skills required.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and persuasive communications skills.
• Extreme attention to detail in crafting cover letters, grant narratives, and grant documents.
• Ability to review grant budgets critically with knowledge of budget expectations and norms.
• Ability to discern and implement a time-efficient project approach based on knowledge of various staff working styles (statewide and across lines of service).
• Ability to work with key personnel at all levels within the organization, from line staff to the President.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal relationship building skills are key.
• Cognitive judgement to proactively seek out new funding opportunities where they exist.
• Excellent initiative taker and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with the diverse services LSS provides.
• Research capabilities to determine and make recommendations regarding funding opportunity fit with LSS mission.
  
  

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.