Direct Relief
Summary Job Description
In support of the world's leading medical relief charity, the Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, researching, and securing grant funding from a variety of international, government, and private sources to support the NGO's humanitarian programs and initiatives. This role requires outstanding writing skills, a proven track record of successful grant applications, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple countries and time zones.
The Grant Writer plays a key role in supporting Direct Relief's fundraising goals by researching, developing, and managing grant proposals and donor communications across a wide range of institutional funders. This position will contribute to the advancement of Direct Relief's mission by securing grant funding to support the organization's humanitarian programs and initiatives, both in the U.S. and globally.
As part of a growing foundation engagement team within the Partnerships & Philanthropy (P&P) department, the Grant Writer will work collaboratively across the department to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging, donor engagement, and reporting. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to support philanthropic partnerships through high-quality written materials, relationship management, and collaborative teamwork.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
Research and Identify Funding Opportunities :
Desired Qualifications:
Education:
Travel Requirements: Periodic domestic and/or international travel by car or aircraft may be required.
In support of the world's leading medical relief charity, the Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, researching, and securing grant funding from a variety of international, government, and private sources to support the NGO's humanitarian programs and initiatives. This role requires outstanding writing skills, a proven track record of successful grant applications, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple countries and time zones.
The Grant Writer plays a key role in supporting Direct Relief's fundraising goals by researching, developing, and managing grant proposals and donor communications across a wide range of institutional funders. This position will contribute to the advancement of Direct Relief's mission by securing grant funding to support the organization's humanitarian programs and initiatives, both in the U.S. and globally.
As part of a growing foundation engagement team within the Partnerships & Philanthropy (P&P) department, the Grant Writer will work collaboratively across the department to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging, donor engagement, and reporting. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to support philanthropic partnerships through high-quality written materials, relationship management, and collaborative teamwork.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
Research and Identify Funding Opportunities :
- Proactively seek and evaluate grant opportunities that align with Direct Relief's programmatic priorities and geographic focus.
- Conduct research to inform strategy, positioning, and outreach for foundation and institutional funders.
- Write compelling, well-structured grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.
- Draft and edit a wide range of high-impact written materials, including concept notes, letters of inquiry, grant proposals, grant reports, pitch decks, and donor-facing newsletters.
- Tailor content to diverse funders, ensuring alignment with donor compliance requirements, and organizational priorities.
- Coordinate the full grant lifecycle, including proposal submissions, documentation, deadline tracking, and reporting.
- Maintain timely and accurate records in CRM systems such as Salesforce and/or Raiser's Edge: NXT, to support foundation engagement and internal reporting.
- Work cross-functionally with program, finance, and communications teams to gather relevant data, budget information, and program narratives.
- Support collaborative fundraising initiatives and special campaigns with members of the broader Partnerships & Philanthropy team, ensuring cohesive donor messaging and strategy.
- Contribute to building and maintaining strong relationships with foundation partners by providing timely updates, supporting site visits, and customizing donor communications.
- Participate in stewardship strategies that go beyond reporting, incorporating personalized outreach and tailored updates.
- Ensure adherence to grant requirements, producing accurate and compelling interim and final reports.
- Track the impact of funded projects in partnership with internal teams and provide timely updates to funders.
- Stay informed of trends in philanthropic funding, grant writing best practices, and donor engagement strategies.
- Share learnings and contribute to strategic planning efforts within the foundation engagement team and broader Partnerships & Philanthropy department.
Desired Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree required, degree in business, communications, public affairs, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of nonprofit grant writing experience, with a strong track record of securing institutional grants from foundations, corporations, and/or government agencies.
- Exceptional writing, research, and editing abilities.
- Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to meet multiple deadlines, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team setting.
- Familiarity with Salesforce and Raiser's Edge: NXT platforms strongly preferred; experience with other CRM or grant management systems a plus.
- Familiarity with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT
- Passion for humanitarian work and commitment to the organization's mission.
- Ability to occasionally work nights and/or weekends.
- Clear background check.
- Clear toxicology screening.
- Extended periods of sitting at a desk and computer use.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
Travel Requirements: Periodic domestic and/or international travel by car or aircraft may be required.