The Organization
About the James River Association:
Founded in 1976, the James River Association (JRA) is the oldest and largest river conservation group in Virginia and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring the James River. JRA has offices in Richmond, Lynchburg, Scottsville and Williamsburg, as well as the James River Ecology School on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. JRA pursues its vision of a fully healthy James River that supports thriving communities through its four approaches – awareness, appreciation, action, and advocacy – and its four core values: We are optimistic; We are catalysts; Credibility is our currency; and Community drives everything we do.
Position Overview:
The James River Association (JRA) is seeking a Part-time Grant Writer to provide oversight and administer all James Changer Campaign capital requests. JRA’s capital needs, as identified in our James Changer Campaign, totals approximately $8 Million. The successful candidate will have strong writing skills and initiative, be well-organized, have a demonstrated knowledge in corporate, private, and government foundations grants, and have an overall interest in issues affecting the James River. As the point person for JRA’s capital grant-based fundraising, the part-time Grants Writer report to the Director of Development and will help provide leadership over the grant process to include researching prospects; drafting, editing, and coordinating proposals; and serving as the point of contact for those proposals written by this position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the grant writing process for our capital projects, including drafting, editing, and submitting compelling letters of intent (LOIs) and proposals across the range of JRA’s watershed-wide capital projects to private and public foundations, corporations, and government funders.
- Develop, track, and manage the capital proposal development process in coordination with other JRA staff and especially with our current Senior Grants Manager.
- Develop a deep understanding of JRA capital projects and programs being offered at each of these project sites to inform LOIs, proposals, and reports. This includes meeting with JRA staff across all departments.
- Research, cultivate, and build relationships with potential funders that may or may not already be managed by the Senior Grants Manager.
- Track submission dates, report deadlines and requirements, grantor points of contact, and stewardship activities.
- Complete and submit reports to funders as well as other required paperwork.
- Track funding disbursement and develop financial reports.
- Maintain impeccable digital and hard-copy files of grant-related reference resources, including funder research files, grant application deadlines, grant reporting schedules, stewardship activities, and other information as needed – all in coordination with the Senior Grants Manager or other Grants related staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated skill as a writer and editor. Experience drafting grant proposals and reports is required.
- At least three years of work experience, including demonstrated effectiveness at fundraising, grant writing, and/or prospect research.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to set priorities, and consistent attention to detail.
- A self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
- Strong computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
- Strong ability to analyze and interpret accounting information and prepare financial reports.
- Demonstrated success in a deadline-driven environment, including ability to complete projects on schedule with a high standard of quality and ability to prioritize, plan, and execute multiple grants in a timely manner.
- General knowledge of best practices in grant-seeking and fundraising trends.
Compensation:
JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment. Part-time hourly rate or salary will be commensurate with experience. JRA is an equal opportunity employer.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter, with salary history or hourly rate, by email to admin@thejamesriver.org or by mail to:
James River Association
Attn: Administration
211 Rocketts Landing
Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23231
Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to resumes received by June 15, 2021. No calls or visits please.