Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Marketing Communications
Union: Excluded
Posting Date: September 7, 2023
Posting Close: September 21, 2023
Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency located in the heart of east downtown Toronto committed to realizing the vision of a city where everyone thrives. Since 1929, we have been touching the lives of thousands of our community’s most vulnerable residents by providing a range of programs and services across every stage of life. We create lasting solutions to end poverty, social injustices, and isolation in Toronto. We value respect, diversity, integrity, care, compassion, and accountability.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications and working collaboratively with the various departments at Dixon Hall, the Grant Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for Dixon Hall's programs, projects, and initiative. The Grant Writer will work closely with program and finance staff to gather information and develop budgets for grant applications. The role will also involve collaborating with key stakeholders and maintaining knowledge of our organization's mission and programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and Identifying Funding Opportunities:
- Conduct thorough research to identify potential grant opportunities that align with the organization's mission and programs.
- Stay updated on grant databases, government funding sources, and private foundations that offer grants.
- Analyze each grant opportunity's eligibility criteria, guidelines, and deadlines.
- Continuously research and identify new funding sources and grant opportunities.
Develop Grant Proposals:
- Write clear, concise, and persuasive grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization's mission, goals, and impact.
- Gather and compile relevant information, data, and statistics to support the grant proposal.
- Collaborate with program staff to understand project details and outcomes.
- Tailor each grant proposal to meet the specific requirements and priorities of the funding agency.
Budget Development:
- Work closely with the finance and program teams to develop accurate and realistic budgets for grant proposals.
- Ensure that the budget aligns with the proposed activities and objectives outlined in the grant proposal.
- Provide detailed justifications for budget items and ensure compliance with funding agency guidelines.
Grant Application Submission:
- Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines.
- Ensure all required documents, attachments, and supporting materials are included.
- Follow up with funding agencies to confirm receipt of the grant application.
Grant Compliance and Reporting:
- Monitor and track the progress of funded projects to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Prepare and submit progress reports, financial reports, and other documentation as the funding agency requires.
- Maintain accurate records of grant activities, expenses, and outcomes.
Relationship Building:
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential donors, funding agencies, and key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with program staff to gather success stories, testimonials, and impact data for donor cultivation.
Creation and Maintenance of a Grant Management System:
- Develop and implement a grant management system to streamline the grant application and reporting process.
- Design and maintain a centralized database to store grant-related information, including deadlines, requirements, and reporting schedules.
- Train and educate staff on the proper use of the grant management system.
- Continuously evaluate and improve the grant management system to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, nonprofit management, English, public administration).
- 5+ years of progressive experience in grant fundraising and writing.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities; able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritize, and take initiative.
- Experience in not-for-profit accounting and grants management preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to quickly demonstrate credibility and develop strong partnerships with individuals at all levels, both internal and external, to the agency.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in using Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with individuals and influence/negotiate effectively.
- Highly collaborative and able to work effectively within a team in a fast-paced working environment.
- Must be legally able to work in Canada.
- Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a 'Clear' or satisfactory result that meets the Agency's operational requirements.
- Must have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine that has been approved for use in Canada.
Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.
To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply.