Cleveland Fundraising Consultant

OverviewBased in Cleveland, OH, the fundraising consultant will support client teams with their expertise in grantwriting, annual fund strategy, and development operations.About the PositionThe fundraising consultant will serve as an extension of our client teams, bringing expertise in grantwriting, annual fund strategy, and development operations. This role requires a balance of independent execution and collaborative consulting, with a focus on building client capacity and delivering high-quality fundraising results. This position is ideal for a fractional consultant with multidisciplinary expertise, who is motivated to develop and work with a portfolio of clients. Growth with the firm includes managing diverse projects and contributing to business development efforts during downtime.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Grantwriting & Foundation Relations• Research and qualify funding opportunities aligned to client missions• Draft compelling proposals, LOIs, budgets, and reports for clients• Manage annual grantwriting schedule• Support relationship-building for client leadership with giving officers• Provide standardized reports for Board and donor engagementClient Annual Fund Campaigns• Develop and execute annual giving strategies (appeals, stewardship programs, etc.)• Analyze and develop strategies for annual fund growth and engagement• Track donor trends and provide insights for client leadership• Contribute to donor communications (letters, emails, social/digital content)• Standardize processes for annual fund and major donor programsClient Development Operations• Maintain, manage and improve fundraising databases/CRMs• Ensure accurate gift entry, acknowledgment, and reporting processes• Provide reporting and analysis to guide client decision-makingSkills and Attributes• Exceptional writing and communication skills• Strong facilitation skills, including leading diverse groups through• Analytical mindset with proficiency in synthesizing data into actionable insights• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to adapt to fluctuating workloads and priorities• Proactive and self-motivated, with a willingness to support business developmentCommitment to integrity, collaboration, and inclusion, aligning with Vega’s core valuesExperience• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in grantwriting and donor development• Strong understanding of annual giving campaigns and donor engagement• Proven development operations/CRM experience with high attention to detail• Excellent writing, communication, and client service skills• Deep knowledge of the Cleveland/Northeast Ohio funding landscape• Ability to work independently while serving multiple clients and priorities• Prior consulting or client-facing experience preferred•Proficiency in project management software and CRM toolsCompensation and HoursCompetitive hourly or project-based rate, commensurate with experience; Flexible hours, depending on assignments and project duration