Director of Grants

Boston, MA, United States

The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Director of Grants to manage a portfolio of prospects, develop grant proposals and identify additional funding prospects . The ideal candidate has a strong track record of grant writing and grant administration and is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. This is a hybrid role based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 2-3 days per week in our Boston office.

ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE:

What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they had the opportunity to design and launch a company or social-venture they were passionate about? What if they knew what an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, industrial designer, data scientist, marketing executive, electrical engineer, biotech researcher, advanced manufacturer, roboticist, game designer, journalist, nonprofit leader or mayor does and why? What if they were given the opportunity to intern in these positions and work settings while still in high school? And what if they had the chance to learn the foundational professional and technical skills needed to succeed in any of these careers? And very importantly, what if they develop a mindset, where their imagination and creativity can be fully explored, where everything is possible and where no boundaries exist? Would young people believe they could pursue these careers or any others they choose? Would they become what they had dreamed?

At The Possible Zone, our resounding answer is YES! We are on a journey to develop a transformative model and facility in the heart of Boston’s most diverse and youth-populated communities.

TPZ is an eleven-year-old non-profit organization that has served well over 1,000 students with programming, internships and advisory services during high school toward the mission of economic equity. Our program has demonstrated strong impact in terms of high school graduation, matriculation into post-secondary education and careers, and strong Social Emotional Learning and Identity Development. As we further expand into Boston, TPZ Programming will catalyze a Boston Community Ecosystem that will include students, parents, high schools, community organizations, large corporations, local entrepreneurs, technology companies, venture capitalists, and postsecondary education institutions. Our intent is to join and continue to enhance a Student Ecosystem in Jackson Square and surrounding communities that are similar to those that have emerged in other Greater Boston areas such as Kendall Square and the Seaport District. Collectively we will dream, learn, work, and ultimately create leadership opportunities for economic mobility and prosperity for our students and their surrounding community. Importantly, TPZ is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. And as we establish success in our Boston Headquarters, we will scale our efforts to replicate TPZ’s blueprint at a National level.

We envision a program and space that serves tens-of-thousands of students over the next decade(s). When a student enters the program, they will be

… greeted, coached, taught, counseled and supported by highly trained, caring staff and partners in entrepreneurship and business, leadership and team building, passion and perseverance, learning and accountability and empathy and integrity.

… challenged to pursue their passions and launch ventures in everything from electronics, software, digital media, services, fashion, food, to consumer goods

… equipped with the life skills essential to thrive in the emerging economy

… building social networks through connection to professional mentoring and internships with hundreds of local companies

… supported when needed through wrap-around services in academic tutoring, ESL, mental health, food security, and college success by partner organizations

Ultimately, through their experiences and growth at TPZ, and with our partners, our students will be prepared and inspired to attend college, alternative post-secondary education and launch careers in their community, where they will pursue their passions in business, STEAM, Community and Entrepreneurial organizations.

Our students - all students - deserve to pursue their passions and achieve economic equity.

CURRENT SCALING (WHAT’S NEXT?)

In 2022, TPZ opened a 35,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center that can serve up to 1,000 students annually. The organization employs 70+ professionals with plans to grown in Boston and beyond in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovation curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the VP of Institutional & Public Funding, the Director of Grants will manage a portfolio of 50-70 prospects in the $10-$50K grant range. Partnering with the VP and other stakeholders within the organization (program, evaluation, finance), the Director will develop grant proposals and accompanying budgets. The Director serves as a liaison with community members and funding source program officers. The Director provides leadership in the research and identification of additional funding prospects, external organizational priorities, and search requests. The position emphasizes strong writing skills, a passion for relationship-building, familiarity with donor databases, social media, research and creating donor profiles. It provides a wonderful opportunity for innovation and creativity within stewardship.

Responsibilities include:

Assist the VP of Institutional Advancement in planning yearly and quarterly grants schedules and strategies Standardize TPZ’s grants approach by developing and using effective templates, creating consistency in our data and language, and building a powerful set of stories and impact examples

Represent TPZ externally, alongside the VP and Executive Director, with significant foundation funders and foundation prospects during meetings and site visits

Manage assigned portfolio and research and write grant proposals, impact reports and correspondence in relation to assigned funders and new prospects with the goal of growing portfolio overtime Cultivate new prospects through telephone inquiries and letters of inquiry

Collaborate with TPZ staff across multiple teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting on grants to foundations and public donors

In collaboration with VP prepare visits with funding agency representatives and tours

Develop presentations, research reports, survey reports, and documents to secure new funding and reporting to stakeholders

Support and guide development operations, communications and research in relations to institutional giving Assist in general administration including database management and file maintenance

Coordinate with Communications and Development staff on post-award social media donor recognition

Work closely with TPZ’s Program, Development, and Communications staff to stay abreast of ongoing TPZ projects, new initiatives, and opportunities

Frequently review youth development research and include relevant facts and statistics to craft compelling and current issue statements.

Qualifications:

5-7+ years of relevant experience in grant writing, management and administration of grants

Successful experience in managing a portfolio of institutional funders with demonstrated growth of portfolio over time

High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to convey complicated information in a concise manner

Effective storytelling skills that ignites passion and engagement of funders

Collaborative and persuasive communication skills including formal presentations

High degree of comfort using Google Suite and Sales Force

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines under pressure

Skilled at working in a project team structure

Excellent organizational, time management and research skills

Produces high quality work products and demonstrates reliability

Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects

Embraces a culture of continuous learning

Demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit by embracing fluidity, critical questioning, innovation, and continuous improvement

Experience working in both large and small organizations a plus

Other duties as assigned

The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-quality health benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.

$110K - $125 Depending on experience

DEI Statement:

We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) — and that’s what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important.

We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves.

We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zone community, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, reveals biases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitment to young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and our opportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathways that further prepare students in achieving their desired success.

The Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives a booster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption.

Why are you interested in working at The Possible Zone? *

What about your experience prepares you for this role? *

TPZ is looking to hire entrepreneurs. Tell us about a time you worked for an entrepreneurial organization or displayed an entrepreneurial mindset. *

Are you authorized to work in the US? If hired, you must present documentation verifying your identity and authorization to work in the United States in accordance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986. *

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa or permanent residency status (e.g., H-1B visa or EB1, EB2, or EB3 status)? *

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