Grant Writer

About Playworks:

At Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

About the position:

Working with the Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York/New Jersey and Michigan offices (the Hub), the Grant Writer plays a key role in supporting revenue targets by drafting, revising and submitting grant proposals, both for government and non-government agencies, and reports across the Hub. This role is writing focused and requires the ability to 1) understand grant requirements and focus areas, 2) draft proposals tailored to those requirements and focus areas, and 3) work with the Senior Development Manager and regional leadership to communicate edits and changes for ultimate submission.

As we are a national organization, the Grant Writer will collaborate with other development professionals across the nation, ensuring that we are using consistent grant language and that we're sharing resources for the benefit of the organization as a whole.

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Senior Development Manager. Location is flexible with the option to work remotely or at one of our regional offices either in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, or North Carolina.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with Senior Development Manager, Senior Development Associate and regional leadership to:

• Write clear and compelling grant proposals that take into account funder priorities and requirements.
• Draft grant reports that accurately reflect the programmatic work conducted with received funding.
• Brainstorm and draft new language highlighting Playworks' programmatic priorities and outcomes such as social-emotional learning, anti-bullying, anti-violence, gun violence, conflict resolutions, physical health, etc.
• Find new funding opportunities that correspond with regional needs and programming.
• Understand the history, objectives, programs, outcomes, and financial needs of each region.
• Work with program staff in developing and monitoring procedures to track grant implementation.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience catering messaging to different audiences
• Experience researching grant opportunities
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Strong research skills
• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent experience in a related field.
• A minimum of two years' experience in a professional position, preferably in a non-profit organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G Suite, and Salesforce.
• Ability to work collaboratively with distinct teams across the organization, as well as communicate efforts effectively.
• Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, including monitoring progress and tracking results.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally.

• Competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time exempt position.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k), employee funded pre-tax health and childcare spending accounts.
• Flexible (unlimited) paid time off with paid sick and holiday leave.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in joining the Playworks team, submit the following application materials online:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role. A cover letter is required for application review.
• Writing sample (with confidential information redacted) from previous work experience that is a testament to your writing abilities and skills.

References will be requested if competitive for the position.

Playworks is changing the way children experience school every day by leveraging the power of safe and healthy play. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. Our ambitions demand that we invest in recruiting, developing and managing a team that reflects the broad diversity of our communities.

Our core values of inclusion, respect, healthy community and healthy play are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work, including recruiting and retaining the best talent we can. While diversity is often used in reference to visual characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, sex and physical appearance, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes less visible factors. We also recognize that individuals can affiliate with multiple identities.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of national origin, religion, gender, differing abilities (physical, mental, learning), sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, political affiliation, military experience, and any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates on a merit basis.