Grant Writer

Job Title: Grant Writer
Reports To: Director of Development
Position Status: Part-Time Salary, Individual Contributor
Compensation: $48,000 - $52,000 per year commensurate with experience

POSITION SUMMARY: The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) seeks a grant writing professional with superb writing skills and a passion for telling the story of MCA Denver in a compelling way that is of interest to the grant-making community. A successful candidate is one that is well-versed in the function of research, is an excellent writer, editor and proof-reader, can act as a strategic advisor to the entire development team’s prospecting strategies and has a proven track record of fundraising ability. While important to periodically be onsite to connect with staff, board, and program officers, 50 - 75% remote working is supported.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Identify potential grant support from government agencies, foundations and corporations to meet the financial, operational and capital needs of the organization.
2. Craft and deliver a compelling storyline to foundations both through presentation in person and in writing.
3. Provide clear communication of proper rules and regulations for approving grants, its specifications, requirements and objectives across all departments of the organization including management.
4. Actively provide the development team with the detailed research on specific prospects and develop a winning strategy that identifies new potential funding sources.
5. Support the development department by writing content in for development-related publications, email campaigns, and online and offline materials Manage grant files and keep a database current on progress, interactions and results.
6. Maintain relationships with funding agencies and program officers and work closely with the Director of Development to strengthen those relationships in authentic ways.
7. Prepare monthly and quarterly foundation updates for management, the Development Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
8. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Demonstrated expertise in grant fundraising, writing successful donor communications for a non-profit organization.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising administrative projects, meeting deadlines and coordinating with a remote team.
• Exceptional ability to interact in an effective, tactful and professional manner with members, donors, board members, volunteers and staff.
• Ability to deliver compelling, professional presentations to funders that build long-term relationships and effectively tell MCA Denver’s story.
• Display a positive, collaborative attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate a professional demeanor, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a can-do attitude to achieve individual and team goals.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and Adobe CS software; donor database system (working knowledge of Altru or other Blackbaud products, preferred). Comfortable communicating with the team using Slack.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years’ experience in fundraising activities preferred.
• Experience in grant writing for the arts is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is required to travel independently within museum office and spaces, and in the communities served. The position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, moving throughout the museum, reaching, lifting/moving objects up to 25 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The position occasionally requires speaking for an extended period. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

ABOUT MCA DENVER:

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) explores the art and culture of our time through rotating exhibitions and public educational programs. Featuring international, national, and regional artists, MCA Denver exhibitions impact the field of contemporary art and enrich our community. Through dynamic adult and youth education programs and other creative events, the museum cultivates a culturally engaged community and a healthy, creative place of belonging for teens.

We believe we are paving a new path for a 21st century museum that is Both/And: We are both advancing the field of contemporary art and providing a platform for creative expression, in the broadest sense of the term. We present both world-class exhibitions and quirky events, serious lectures and epic parties. We are both sophisticated and unpretentious. By continually breaking conventions ourselves, we promote the values of risk-taking and newness in the hearts and minds of Denverites.

MCA Denver was founded in 1996 by philanthropist Sue Cannon and a group of committed volunteers and artists who responded to the community’s desire for a contemporary art museum in Denver. For seven years, MCA Denver occupied a renovated fish market in Sakura Square in lower downtown Denver. In 2003, Mark Falcone and Ellen Bruss, members of MCA Denver’s Board of Trustees, donated a gift of land in Denver’s Central Platte Valley in order to realize the organization’s goal of building a permanent home for contemporary art in Denver. In October 2007, MCA Denver opened its new, 27,000-square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in the Riverfront neighborhood of lower downtown Denver, designed by acclaimed architect David Adjaye. The building has five galleries on two floors as well as dedicated education spaces, a gift shop, an innovative art lending library, and a rooftop café.

MCA Denver is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age 40 and over, ancestry, creed, military status, genetic information or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

For consideration, please email your CV and Resume to jobs@mcadenver.org