Grants and Communications Specialist

Position Purpose: The Grants and Communications Specialist is responsible for writing compelling copy and funding requests for Bonnet Springs Park. This position manages all aspects of the grant cycle, coordinates grant strategy with colleagues, and ensures compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. They will support the Programming team on large event days and the Vice President of Engagement with communications projects. Essential Responsibilities: Research, prepare, and submit letters of interest, proposals, grant applications, and reports Maintain a tracking system for grant projects and prospects, conduct prospect research and prepare funder profiles Collaborate with program staff to develop and track project budgets, timelines, and overall funding strategies Assist with program and event planning and implementation. Coordinate grant projects as needed. Key contributor in shaping the public voice and image of the Park. Create a range of compelling grants and marketing communication assets. Collaborate with staff across the organization. Assist with marketing plans and maintain communications calendar to ensure timely execution. Essential Functions: Conducts research to identify new funders and help grow the existing portfolio Research data for populations served including needs, trends, and other resources in the area Assemble grant requests, including letters, proposals, budgets, and presentations Manages administration of the grant cycle from application to closing; ensures that grant requirements are met and stewards funder relations to ensure ongoing funding Works closely with staff to review applicant and grantee financial reports to perform grant due-diligence procedures and identify potential concerns Upon award of a new grant, assemble appropriate internal team members to ensure everyone understands responsibilities, reporting requirements, deliverables, etc. Conducts all business in a moral and ethical manner leaving no room to question the integrity of the park or its staff Leads the implementation of and ensures adherence to grantmaking workflow processes and procedures. Maintains manual of standard operation procedures for grants management Process all grant payments. Supports finance team related to grant activity with annual report, audits, etc. Prioritize projects to keep multiple projects moving in a timely manner, meet deadlines and manage supplemental material required for proposals Develop and maintain a communications plan strategy and calendar to support consistent communication across channels Create engaging content for various platforms including website, social media, newsletters, and press releases Edit other external-facing communications to ensure cohesive messaging and mission-driven communication Utilize market research and analysis to direct strategy and planning Monitor media coverage and respond to inquiries or requests for information Ensure brand consistency and messaging coherence across all communications Audit website monthly for updates Monitor and analyze campaign performance metrics and suggest improvements Performs additional duties as assigned Qualifications: Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, English or Creative Writing, Communications/Marketing/Public Relations, or equivalent Experience At least 3 years of work in grant management and communications, proven track record of raising funds to support programs. Demonstrated Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of and experience with grant research Excellent writing skills and strong copy-editing skills Highly organized with experience handling multiple projects at once Ability to organize and present a logical, persuasive, and compelling narratives Adept at building and presenting budgets as well as gathering and incorporating research data and quantitative and qualitative program evaluation metrics Requirements: Pass a background check and mandatory drug test Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable through the park’s insurance carrier Must have good people skills and be comfortable dealing with the public Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends, and events Work Environment: The work environment is widely varied and spans from quiet indoor office work to loud outdoor work in extreme weather conditions, primarily heat, though cold weather work may be necessary. The candidate must be able to adapt to either condition very quickly as transitioning from indoor to outdoor could occur multiple times per day. Physical Demands: The physical demands representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job include but are not limited to regularly required to sit, stand, walk, see, hear, talk, drive and meet with others. Employee must possess conversational hearing, with or without aid, as well as adequate vision and ability to verbally communicate effectively. Additionally, employee must possess dexterity to operate standard office equipment, drive a golf cart and ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds or more. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.