Description

Job Overview: An exciting opportunity for a grant professional looking to help organize and enhance the grants program for a nationally recognized organization.  The Grants Content Specialist position is a full-time position, with the opportunity to work both in-person and remotely on occasion. This is a new position added to the Grants Department to comprehensively address all of Mystic Aquarium’s grant needs.  Currently, the organization is funded through millions of dollars in federal, state, city, foundation, and corporate support.  Grants are used to support our mission programs, including the operations of the aquarium, as well as to conduct marine mammal research, rescue, education, and conservation efforts. The Grants Content Specialist will work closely with the Development Team, Finance, and Program staff to ensure the successful development, submission, and management of Mystic Aquarium’s grant applications.   

Requirements

Primary Functions:

• Support the organization’s existing grants program, including writing new and renewal applications, completing progress reports, and requesting modifications.
  Working with program staff to lead, manage, and organize the process of identifying, outlining, writing, and submitting federal, state, and local government grants. 
• Lead, manage, and organize the organization’s grants schedule, ensuring deadlines are tracked, all organizational documents are up-to-date, and grant narratives are updated to reflect the organization’s work.  
• Lead, manage, and organize the process of submitting government grant progress reports, budget modifications, and/or scope of work changes.
• Work with the Grants Management Specialist to ensure new grants are onboarded into the organization’s appropriate systems and that all grant rules and policies are followed. 
• Work with the Grants Management Specialist to ensure that all government, foundation, and corporate grants are effectively managed, including working with government grants officers to ensure compliance with all government grant requirements.
• Research new potential funding opportunities and review all new opportunity guidelines to help the organization determine if the opportunity is something it should pursue.
• Work with the Grants Management Specialist and Controller to ensure all grant expenses are tracked accurately and efficiently.
• Work with program staff to ensure all program data is kept up-to-date and is tracked for reporting purposes.  
• Work with program staff, including the Chief Zoological Officer, Vice President of Research & Chief Scientist, and Vice President of Education & Conservation to ensure all program funding needs are addressed and to stay up to date about the goings on within the organization’s programs.
• Oversee and manage foundation and corporation post-award activities, including inputting grant information into the organization’s grants management system, tracking grant requirements, reminding and updating staff about grant requirements, and keeping funders updated about the organization’s work.
• Work with Development staff to cultivate and steward foundation and corporate funders.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in researching, writing, and managing grants, including government, foundation, and corporate grants, and a proven track record of having success in securing grant funds for nonprofit organizations.  The ideal candidate will also have experience tracking and meeting deadlines, preparing professional organizational applications and materials, documenting and reporting organizational outputs and outcomes, engaging with local funders, and managing complicated federal government grant systems and processes.   Other ideal experience includes the following:

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• The ability to juggle multiple deadlines and projects.
• Knowledge of the funding landscape in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and nationally.
• The ability to work independently and manage deadlines without daily oversight.
• A history of leading grant program/application development processes, including coordinating teams.
• Cultivating and stewarding funder relationships.
• Experience with and the ability to work with teams across different departments with diverse needs.

The ideal candidate will also have the following characteristics:

• Must be dependable, honest, self-motivated, and able to motivate others.
• Must be a team player and willing to take and follow supervision.
• Excellent judgment, decision-making, and quick-thinking abilities.
• Strong organizational, time management, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy in the Microsoft Suite of products, including Word and Excel, Adobe, and Outlook.
• A passion for marine mammals and sea conservation is a plus!

Physical Demands:

This role takes place in a typical office environment requiring the ability to sit for extended periods, operate computer equipment, and participate in meetings and phone calls. The position occasionally requires walking across campus facilities, navigating potentially wet or slick surfaces, and brief exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. Employees must be able to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds, perform general office tasks involving bending and reaching, and maintain physical stamina throughout a standard workday.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with this organization is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws. This organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position. If you require an accommodation to complete an application, please contact (860) 572-5955 and ask to speak with the recruitment department.   This position may require background checks and reference verification as part of the hiring process.