Girls’ LEAP works to interrupt the cycle of violence by teaching girls and gender-expansive youth that they have a right to be safe and by providing them the tools and skills to protect themselves, both emotionally and physically. Our vision is a world where all girls and non-binary youth grow into powerful, capable adults realizing the power of their aspirations. Our mission is to disrupt the violence that surrounds them by amplifying their voices, emboldening their courage, and imparting critical life and self-defense skills so they can thrive in the face of challenges. Since 1997, Girls’ LEAP has empowered over 20,000 girls in Greater Boston.
We partner with local schools and community centers to deliver empowerment and self-defense services to girls aged 8-18 in Greater Boston. We employ a paid and volunteer intergenerational staff of adult lead teachers, college-aged teaching women, and near-peer teen mentors to lead programs which are a combination of socio-emotional development and physical self-defense skills.
Girls’ LEAP is entering an exciting period of growth and development as we complete and implement a three- year strategic and fundraising plan; develop new partnerships; enhance and scale our programs; and integrate new systems and tools to support our work.
The Role
Girls’ LEAP has been empowering girls and young women for over 20 years. We have a strong reputation based on the impact we’ve had on thousands of girls and our long productive partnerships with after school and community leaders. Foundation, corporate and government funding is critical to our work, representing over 40% of our revenue.
We are seeking a professional grant manager to sustain and grow this essential revenue stream. You will be responsible for developing and managing the annual grant budget and oversee 2 or more freelance Grant Writers. You will partner with the Executive Director and Grant Writers to identify potential sources of funding, shape the requests and ensure the development of compelling proposals. You will work with the Executive Director and Program DIrector to ensure successful fulfillment of the organization’s grant commitments. You will be building on a history of success in engaging and retaining institutional funders; and a key player in enabling us to realize our plans for sustaining and expanding our impact on girls and non-binary youth, across Boston and beyond.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Create and manage annual grant budget and planning calendar based on prior years’ experience and new opportunities
- Hire and manage freelance grant writing staff and assign work to meet annual goals
- Research prospective private foundations, corporate and government funding opportunities and advise on appropriate opportunities, based on the funders’ criteria and our needs and capabilities
- Oversee the development of letters of inquiry and grant proposals complete with necessary collateral material in a deadline-driven environment
- Work with ED, Program Director, and Funders to ensure the successful fulfillment of all grant commitments
- Work with ED and Program Director to create organizational reports as required by funders and to host site visits as requested
- Update and maintain foundation, corporate and government funder data in Salesforce
- Maintain positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders
Qualifications :
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Strong research and writing skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Interest in/ ability to understand and communicate the context and impact of our work as well as our organizational strategies
- Self-motivated, collegial and professional
- Experience writing or overseeing the development of successful proposals
- Knowledge of the Boston area institutional giving community preferred
- Knowledge of girls or women-serving organizations preferred
- Experience with Salesforce or other donor databases a plus
