New York, NY

Grants Manager, Science Friday Initiative

The Organization

Science Friday is an award-winning producer of high quality, fact-checked, and trustworthy science news and educational programming. For 30 years, we’ve introduced top scientists to public radio listeners, and reminded them how much fun it is to learn something new. But we’re more than just a radio show. We produce a sweeping array of educational and entertaining science experiences through videos, podcasts, digital media, live events, citizen science, K-12 education and professional development, and at-home learning activities for families that directly serve hundreds of thousands of educators, parents, citizen scientists, and lifelong learners every year.

All of our work is independently produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the public’s access to science and scientific information. WNYC Studios distributes our radio show, which you can catch on public radio stations across the U.S.

Position Overview

The Grants Manager is responsible for managing the day to day grants administration and functionality. This role is responsible for identification, cultivation, solicitation, reporting and stewardship of grants from private/public foundations, other grant-making institutions (family foundations, corporate philanthropic partnerships and government sources) in support of Science Friday. This position focuses on five-figure and six-figure grants. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies to meet ambitious funding goals by maintaining and when possible increasing levels of support from current funders while bringing new funders into the fold. This position is part of a small two-person grants team within a 22-person office. Initially, this role will focus on grants to journalism and science projects, with attention to climate, health, and education programming. The Grants Manager serves as a key member of the Development staff and will work collaboratively across the organization and with all Science Friday staff to sustain and grow institutional giving at Science Friday.

The Grants Manager should ideally have some familiarity with or interest in science education, climate science, and/or public media philanthropy. Competitive candidates will demonstrate an ability to quickly learn and communicate knowledgeably about new fields of nonprofit work and philanthropy as we value agility in a dynamic philanthropic and media environment. Excellent internet research and communication skills (oral and written) are essential, as well as a passion for developing and maintaining professional relationships.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Pipeline development: Researches, identifies, develops relationships with and solicits local, regional, and national funding sources for support of Science Friday projects including but not limited to science journalism and public engagement. Executes this work through coordinated research and strategy development with Science Friday program and Executive leaders, board members and program colleagues. This role involves writing compelling descriptions of the work and reaching out to prospects and current funders through inquiries and related correspondence; and planning and executing funder meetings and delivering on presentations to prospective funders.
  • Proposal and report writing: Works collaboratively with Science Friday leadership in developing proposals and reports on deadline to maximize opportunities for securing renewed grant funding. Works with relevant staff to gather data and information needed for compelling, results, and impact-oriented proposals for a range of audiences (program officers, individual funders, etc). Coordinates fundraising efforts with other Development staff as needed. Maintains updated records of funding in our database and manages required paperwork. Meets deadlines and guidelines for reporting requirements concerning the progress and outcomes of funded projects both internally and externally to funders.
  • Stewardship: Helps plan, execute, and staff stewardship activities, including funder events, selected mailings, and donor recognition (on-air credits, press releases, and other media) for portfolio funders. Attends program meetings and events, stays current with program and Science Friday activities, and informs fundraising and other colleagues about grant activities and awards. Participates in department, division, and organization-wide meetings and contributes to a positive, productive, equitable and inclusive culture in the department and beyond.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • 3-4 years experience with grant writing or grants management
  • Strong writing skills; ability to compose, edit and proof correspondence, reports, proposals, etc.
  • Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and deadlines and prioritize effectively
  • Strong project management experience, including an ability to independently lead collaborative efforts that require the support and contributions of diverse staff with varying responsibilities
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills
  • Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate with and diplomatically respond to current and potential funders, staff, community contacts, etc.
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google, Excel, and other computer programs necessary to perform job duties (Notion, Asana, and Airtable a plus)
  • Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate
  • Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues in a team environment
  • Strong research skills and ability to access, interpret and synthesize news, data and information about funders, funding trends and funding opportunities

Desired Knowledge/Experience

  • Familiarity with local, regional and/or national foundation and/or wider philanthropic community; some knowledge of major trends in nonprofit philanthropy, as well as with the arts and culture and/or climate change advocacy and science; preferred
  • Established experience with funders in New York, California, and/or those with journalism and science commitments
  • An interest in public media, science, and/or journalism and some familiarity with Science Friday is ideal

Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000

Deadline: This is an immediate vacancy. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should be prepared to participate in multiple interviews.

Additional Information:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Science Friday (and this role) is operating in a hybrid capacity where all employees can work remotely or from our Manhattan office. However, this position has been classified as a flexible remote position and can be deemed permanently remote or alternatively work from the New York office when it is safe to do so.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Science Friday is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  SciFri operates with the knowledge that both journalism and learning benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds. Diversity is essential to honest, trustworthy, accurate storytelling and promotes a healthier, happier, and more creative atmosphere. Science Friday strives for creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Our Workplace:

  • We have a flexible leave policy that easily accommodates religious holidays, travel vacation, personal and parental leave, and sick days. We close our offices twice a year for a week for whole-staff recharge time (Mid-year in July and in December for a Winter break). We do not work on Thanksgiving or the Friday after.
  • Our building has a secure lobby with a fully handicap accessible entrance and key card elevator service. We have a flexible open office with adjustable standing desks, adjustable chairs, and large external monitors; our office also includes a small recording studio, lounge area, and a handful of flexible separate offices and conference rooms.
  • We use headphones a lot during the work day. We are really into office plants.
  • We provide 401K matching, health, vision, and dental coverage, mental health support, an FSA, and often get great science and scifi books to read for free.

How To Apply

You can apply here.

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