Grant Writer - Part Time

Under direction of the Director of Grants & External Funds, the Grant Writer researches and explores potential funding sources to support the financing of City programs and activities, and assists the Director and Deputy Director with the development and writing of proposals. This staffer will learn about and work with various departments and disciplines across the City of Somerville, from the Somerville Public Library and the Council on Aging, to the Sustainability & Environment Division, Economic Development Division, and Somerville Police Department, among others, enhancing their capacity to identify and secure resources for new and innovative projects and programs.

In addition to researching potential grant opportunities, the Grant Writer will be responsible for writing a variety of proposal materials, which may include narrative content; support letters from the Mayor's office and other department heads, City Council members, and community partners; budgets; and additional proposal materials, and ensuring these materials are prepared and submitted according to the funder’s requirements.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Identify and summarize requests for proposals (RFPs) and funding notices for City departments and conduct outreach to those departments to assess funding fit, departmental capacity, and City’s viability to secure funds via the identified competitions.
• Assist with tracking outreach efforts and monitoring internal system to follow upcoming and anticipated grant competitions.
• Draft narrative content for grant proposals, translating complex or high-level ideas into concise and accurate descriptions that are persuasive and competitive; assist in the development and creation of attachments and letters of support to accompany grant proposals. Gather statistics concerning the community and comparative state and national data for inclusion in proposals.
• Participate in proposal planning meetings about new projects and initiatives and assist with logistics planning.
• Assist with or manage independently other departmental projects or initiatives as assigned.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and three to five (3-5) years’ experience in grant writing or proposal development work; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Experience with Microsoft Excel is required. Experience with municipal procedures and organization and with the federal and national nonprofit funding landscape is preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of municipal government; standard goals and objectives of major municipal departments and standard office practices, procedures, equipment and techniques; knowledge of adult learning techniques.

Ability: Ability to work with multiple parties diplomatically; ability to work independently and handle tasks without constant supervision; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to think strategically and problem solve; ability to listen well, follow directions and synthesize multiple ideas into a cohesive proposal;

ability to collaborate and deal appropriately with City employees, City officials, and funding agencies.

Skill: Excellent…