Advancement Writer & Grants Specialist

This is a union position.   The Advancement Writer & Grants Specialist works on behalf of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh to produce fundraising communications that will most effectively position the organization for contributed support. This position works in collaboration with department and museum staff to develop, write and submit proposals, letters, reports, one-pagers, and other development communications. The Advancement Writer & Grants Specialist produces proposals that directly contribute to an average of $1.5 million in new revenue annually and reports that help steward an average of $2–3 million in active grants. The incumbent also works with gift officers to provide guidance and develop proposal and reporting strategies for an assigned set of foundations.   EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, ideally in English, communications, journalism or related field Five years of fundraising experience that demonstrates success in securing funding.  Familiarity with the Pittsburgh funding community a plus   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Maturity and professionalism to work both independently and as part of a team to interact effectively with all levels of leadership within the Institute Ability to adapt writing styles for a wide variety of client interests and to manage multiple projects at any given time Ability to comprehend a wide variety of concepts (art, science, education etc.) and convey them in writing. Capacity to accept and learn from editorial guidance Excellent proofreading and editorial skills Detail oriented, with excellent organizational and project management skills Ability to establish project timelines and meet deadlines for self and for team Ability to integrate verbal and visual elements is a plus, as is background or experience with researching and/or writing funding requests to foundations, corporations, government agencies.  Familiarity with relevant computer software programs, including Microsoft Word and ideally Raiser’s Edge.   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: No special requirements   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Serve as project lead, project manager, editor and/or principal writer for a wide variety of projects, including proposals, letters, reports, major initiatives, and other institutional communications as required. Provide editorial direction and guidance to others as requested. Complete an average of 75 writing assignments annually. This includes proposals that directly contribute to an average of $1.5 million in new revenue annually, reports that help steward an average of $2–3 million in active grants, and templates used by other departmental teams to generate additional revenue. Provide guidance and work with CMP gift officers to develop proposal and reporting strategies for an assigned set of 10–15 funders based on a thorough understanding of their grantmaking priorities, guidelines, and eligibility criteria. Actively participate in collaboration with central development, museum staff, and senior leadership to develop effective fundraising communication strategies. Transform concepts and ideas into appropriate and effective written communication for internal and external audiences. Maintain active understanding of institutional history, fundraising plans, and current and planned programming across all museums. Infuse proposals, reports, acknowledgment letters, and stewardship strategy with current impact-based data and museum visitor profiles to deepen the audience’s connection with CMP programs, exhibitions, and operations. Work with finance and program staff to gather information necessary to craft proposal and report budgets. Ensure that the budget is consistent with the narrative. Develop and maintain close working relationships with museum and centrally based curatorial, program, and finance staff. Ensure proposals and reports adhere to funder requirements. Identify and communicate potential challenges or risks associated with proposals or reports and proactively recommend solutions to relevant stakeholders. Ensure high quality work; carefully proofread and edit all work for accuracy, completeness and clarity. Maintain schedule of projects, timelines, and due dates. Prioritize and manage workflow in order to meet established deadlines. Attend departmental meetings and participate in departmental events as requested, contributing to the overall team effort in a spirit of cooperation. Assume special projects as assigned. Cover letter must be provided in the application materials.