This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works (“Lighthouse”) funders, writing and managing grants and the application process, as well as submitting timely and accurate reports and Letters of Intent (LOIs) for existing and new grants. Primary responsibility is maintaining the organization’s comprehensive grant funding process, which consists of a grants calendar, grants files (hard copy and electronic), writing proposals, reports, documentation into donor management software, and stewardship of funders. Responsibilities involve learning the latest trends and practices in the blindness field, including reviews of current literature for the most compelling case for support. Also, the management of the entire grants process, including grant tracking, reporting, and working collaboratively with program/administrative staff on grant opportunities.

Essential Job Requirements:

• Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on funding requirements, needs, and opportunities;
• Direct research of potential new funding sources through a variety of online grant resources, including the Foundation Directory, www.grants.gov, and other governmental, private, and local grant sources;
• Ensure that proposals and reports are submitted in a completed fashion by working collaboratively with appropriate Departments;
• Study and understand the history structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs of Lighthouse;
• Direct the development and maintenance of a comprehensive filing system complete with all documentation, time schedules, and contact information;
• Track current grantors to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, new deadlines, priority updates, etc.;
• Manage an effective tracking system for notifying organization departments of proposal deadlines, follow-up reports; and
• Communicate/meet with Departments about post-award requirements and deliverables through appropriate kick-off meetings for grants and contracts;
• Maintain current funder records in the donor database and files, including grant tracking and reporting;
• Maintain relationships with funders and prospective funders by providing stewardship of grant gifts; inviting them to special events and programmatic functions;

• Stay current with grant funding trends in the blindness and disabilities community, as well as the broader philanthropic community, to inform proposal writing;
• Assist the Fund Development team with the following projects as requested:

• Attending meetings, networking events, and receptions
• Attend staff meetings
• Agency tours and community presentations
• Assist with agency meetings and special events

• Participate in the development and implementation of the agency’s annual operating plan paying particular attention to the areas involving grants;
• Make recommendations to management regarding the implementation of resource (grant) initiatives, including identifying new perspective grant opportunities using the Go/No Go Process as required;
• Provide staff assistance to the program staff and administrative staff in writing grant proposals and reports associated with grant funding;
• Coordinate with Lighthouse staff and volunteers, as appropriate, to ensure the success of projects and initiatives;
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, including the completion of required documentation and reports;
• Assist agency staff and volunteers with the information and collateral for presentations as requested.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; relevant master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

Three to five years experience in social service non-profit fundraising.

Familiarity with blindness and broader disabilities issues is a plus.

Demonstrated Knowledge and Skills:

• Planning: an ability to think ahead and plan over a 1-2 year time span
• Management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and deadlines

with minimal oversight

• Problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including writing and presentation skills
• Excellent computer skills to support responsibilities, including MS Office applications, use of the donor database, and Internet
• Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team and within a matrix-style organization
• Ability to think critically and problem solve
• Possess a commitment to Lighthouse’s Core Values
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion
• Exercise good judgment and objectivity

Physical Demands:

• Flexible schedule of early and late hours and remote work
• Typical office environment with infrequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects and materials up to 10 lbs.
• Extended periods of oral communication and frequent typing
• Frequent periods of prolonged sitting and standing.

Requirements:

• Possess reliable transportation
• Hold a valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and proof of insurance
• Must pass Level II background check

The employment policy of Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has committed to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works will recruit, hire, train, and promote qualified individuals in all job titles and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, and veteran status, or disability.

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and primary duties have been included. Requirements, skills, and abilities have been determined to be the minimal standards required to perform the positions successfully. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and conditions may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act may modify requirements to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made that may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or impose undue hardships on the organization.