Grants Officer, Institutional Giving

CPJ is looking for a Grants Officer who will play pivotal a role in helping shape the future of the organization at a time when press freedom is under unprecedented attack.

Grants Officer Position Overview:

The Grants Officer is a critical member of CPJ’s development team and is responsible for developing and driving strategies to engage with current partners, secure new grants to support the organisation’s work, and lead efforts to identify and cultivate new institutional partners.

They will create compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and other correspondence for a diverse audience of foundations, both private and corporate; research, identify and create solicitation strategies for new potential partnerships; and work closely with program staff to ensure that all proposals and reports accurately reflect the organization’s mission and priorities.

The ideal candidate will understand the synergies across development, programs, and communications. They will be a strong and compelling writer who can meaningfully elevate CPJ’s mission. They will be a perceptive and careful listener and a collaborative thought partner. They will be an adept prospect researcher and understand how to best convey CPJ’s work to a diverse range of audiences.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the application, renewal, and reporting process for all foundations as required by donors/prospects.
• In partnership with relevant program and operational staff, develop and submit foundation concept notes, proposals, and reports, including creating budgets and budget narratives.
• Identify and qualify new prospective institutional funders, and support efforts to ensure a moves management pipeline to move prospective donors to higher levels of giving.
• Track institutional funders’ deadlines, important dates, and essential information in CPJ’s database.
• Identify important achievements in the work of the organization with a view to developing written content and communications for relevant funders.
• Meet with foundation staff to secure grants for CPJ, including preparing CPJ staff and leadership for these conversations.
• Serve as a thought partner on foundation development strategy and plans to develop and implement long-term stewardship and cultivation strategies.
• Other writing and research assignments as needed.
• Other duties as requested based on department and/or organizational needs.

Required Qualifications and Work Experience:

• At least three years of experience working with foundations and institutional funders.
• Exceptional writing ability. Able to synthesize information from throughout the organization into clear, compelling, and concise written materials.
• Superb attention to detail, balanced against consistent production of timely, error-free work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Comfortable serving as support to senior staff as they manage fundraising prospects and donors. Skilled in establishing trusted partnerships throughout the organization and using expert judgment when dealing with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to multitask, work effectively, and produce high-quality work in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment. Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work independently, as well as collaboratively, with a spirit of flexibility and a positive outlook.
• Strong comfort with CRM systems; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge specifically, a plus.
• Demonstrable passion for press freedom, free speech, and human rights.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands of this position are reflective of work in a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The CPJ offices in Midtown Manhattan are currently working on a hybrid schedule of two days in-office (Wednesday and one other day of the employee’s choosing), with the option of working three days remotely.

Candidates residing outside of the local area may be considered for fully remote work.

Minimal travel will be required for this position, however, there will be opportunities for domestic and international travel to CPJ regions, if interested.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Writers Guild of America, East.

CPJ is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The organisation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To apply, please click here.