Senior Writer and Grants Manager

Hours: Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: New York, NY

Organization Background

Youth Justice Network (YJN) was founded in 1990 to anchor, support and build capacity among young people released from jail in New York City. We break cycles of incarceration and promote an equitable justice system by providing young people with opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Through a combination of individualized advocacy, mentorship and services, our network of advocates develops relationships with young people whose lives intersect with the justice system. We leverage authentic relationships and local resources so that young people can forge their pathways to wellbeing and positive development.

Position Description

We are seeking a Senior Writer & Grants Manager to lead our grant writing and fund development efforts. This role is ideal for a skilled storyteller and strategic thinker who can translate complex justice reform services and initiatives into authentic, compelling narratives for funders, policymakers, and the public.

Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, executive team and program leadership, the Senior Writer and Grants Manager is responsible for researching, preparing, submitting, and managing and promoting the ongoing flow of grant proposals that support agency goals and align with funder priorities.

The purpose of this position is to move YJN’s mission forward by supporting the organization’s efforts to increase private, corporate, government giving. Working closely with the program, data, finance, and executive staff, this position will help grow YJN’s portfolio of public and private donors by identifying new institutional funding opportunities. This position also includes the support and maintenance of our individual donor database, as well as relevant administrative support tasks as they arise.

Overall, the candidate will demonstrate:

• A desire to serve and strengthen the agency’s mission and our participants’ growth.
• A passion and demonstrated facility for writing which sparks understanding of, excitement for and investment in YJN’s mission.
• The ability to take a strategic and systematic approach to grant applications.
• The ability to think creatively, collaborate with colleagues about identifying, matching and soliciting potential funders.

Key Responsibilities

This position requires inter/intra agency collaboration, project management, writing, research, and analysis to advance Youth Justice Network’s mission, growth and activism.

Grants Management

• Research, write, and submit grant proposals, reports, and letters of inquiry to foundations, government agencies, and corporate funders.
• Identify new grant opportunities and develop strategies to diversify funding sources.
• Lead and manage a calendar of grant deadlines and projections, ensuring a cycle of on-going, aligned prospects as well as timely submissions and compliance with reporting and renewal requirements.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather data, success stories, and programmatic updates for funder reports.
• Engage with program staff to identify and articulate need and shape proposal goals
• Work in partnership with the Data team to create and articulate the impact of agency services and mission.
• Work in partnership with the Finance team to ensure financial requirements of grant are followed and reported on in a timely manner.
• Identify, anticipate and stay abreast of potential public and private funding opportunities relevant to organization’s mission and services.

Individual Fundraising and Communications

• Assist the Executive Director in donor cultivation and funder stewardship, and in developing fundraising campaigns and initiatives that align with organizational priorities.
• Provide written materials and visual presentations for the organization’s stewards including Board of Directors, executive and program leadership, elected and policy leaders, and external volunteers and supporters.
• Lead and manage the acknowledgement process, ensuring every donor receives timely and proper acknowledgements, thank you letters, notes and tax receipts, and on-going timely stewardship
• Manage donor correspondence and respond to donor inquiries.
• Work with Communications and Development Associate and key agency leadership on overall communications strategy and campaigns including social media, email communications, and website currency and mailings.
• Work with Development and Finance teams to ensure that there is proper documentation of all grants and commitments.

Administrative Development/Communication Support

• Manage website ensuring updated and current content
• Assist with additional administrative tasks related to development and fundraising as they arise.
• Support the creation of policy briefs, op-eds, and advocacy materials as needed.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will have experience securing and managing grants, as well as a passion for social justice and equity.
• BA/BS degree
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a non-profit in grants-writing or development.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills as well as strong interpersonal, networking and relationship capability.
• A self-starter willing to take ownership of new challenges and new initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate measurable results.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work collegially and in partnership with all facets of the organization’s internal and external environment.
• Critical personal characteristics include maturity, integrity, flexibility, discretion and, most especially, good humor and a commitment to social justice and passion for the agency’s mission.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Benefits include competitive vacation/sick leave policy including 3 days off between Christmas and New Year’s Day, generous health insurance, 403b employer match.

Target Start Date: As soon as possible.

Work Location: Hybrid: 3 days per week in person.

Main Office: 63 W 125th St, 4th Floor, NY, NY 10027

Additional office locations in Brooklyn and the Bronx

To apply, please send a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to careers@youthjustice.org.