Job Opportunity | Grants Manager

QUICK FACTS

Position: Grants Manager

Department:  Administration and Resource Department, Development Division

Supervisor: Development Director

Salary: $ 60,000 - 70,000

Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance covered at 100%; flexible work schedule; flexible paid time off with approval from supervisor; paid holidays; phone and travel allowance; child and pet-friendly workplace. Relocation package available.

Position & Status: Full-Time, exempt

Anticipated Start Date: August 2022

Hours: 40 hours per week; occasional evenings and weekends

Location: For local candidates, we are temporarily remote (based in Oregon) but eventually Portland, OR; ability to work from home, with occasional meetings in person once it’s safe to return to office (example Grants Team Monthly Meeting)We are open to remote candidates that live outside of Portland or from out of state.

Physical/Cognitive Details: Regularly required to use a computer and phone to perform work and communicate with others for several hours each day. Occasionally required to travel throughout Oregon. The noise level in the office is moderate.

ABOUT IMAGINE BLACK

Imagine Black (formerly known as PAALF Action Fund) helps our Black community imagine the alternatives we deserve and build our political participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives. Since our start in 2009, we have envisioned a world where people of African descent enjoy the rights, resources, and recognition to be a thriving, resilient, and connected community.

At Imagine Black, we have strengthened our commitment to a Black Queer Feminist (BQF) theory and practice. We understand that liberation for all Black people can only be realized by lifting up the voices, experiences, and prioritizing the issues of historically silenced and vulnerable groups within Black communities – specifically, queer, trans and GNC, femme, poor, disabled, working, and undocumented people (adapted from BYP100).

Imagine Black is a 501(c)(4) multi-issue grassroots organization in partnership with our sibling 501(c)(3) organization, Imagine Black Futures. We are a staff of five with an operating budget of around $1M. This represents a 400% budget growth in the past four years. More information about Imagine Black can be found at imagineblack.org.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Imagine Black is looking for a new member of its team to manage our grant proposal processes and the related database. The Grants Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining our development strategy across several programs, projects, and campaigns, focusing on foundation grants and RFPs  from the state and local government. The Grants Manager will work closely with Imagine Black staff to understand the funding needs and then research opportunities to meet those needs. This position will be responsible for completing grant applications, reports, and other correspondence with funders promptly. The Grants Manager is a vital member of the Development Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In alignment with the Imagine Blacks Strategic Plan,implement intentional and comprehensive fund development strategies for local advocacy and policy change efforts for Black Oregonians.

  • Grants Management & Reporting:

    • Work closely with the Director of Development to draft, edit, finalize, and submit grant proposals on time.

    • Work closely with the Director of Development to design and develop new internal reports useful in the management of grants.

    • Design, analyze, and produce reports on grant flow, historical trends, grant forecasting, and processing performance.

    • Respond to ad hoc data requests from internal clients; e.g. program staff, infrastructure teams, and leadership.

    • Manage reporting to external agencies; e.g. Candid, Council on Foundations.

    • Manage grant coding; e.g. project geography, subject, and type of support.

    • Prepare the IRS 990 grant disclosures.

    • Assess and recommend enhancement tools to maximize grantmaking efficiency and effectiveness.

    • Promote Imagine Black to the nonprofit sector, philanthropic institutions, and the public.

  • Grants Processing & Monitoring:

    • Monitor and facilitate grant reporting requirements, payments received, and other activities to maintain process and data integrity in EveryAction.

    • Verify that grant change transactions are formalized and data is recorded accurately in the grant management system.

    • Provide grant-making training to employees, including one-on-one training and group presentations that inform and educate new and seasoned staff.

    • Collaborate with the Development Team to monitor and support adherence to policies and best business practices.

    • Partner with the Development Director during peak grantmaking periods to review and process grant submissions.

  • Database Management:

    • Administer Imagine Black subscription, profile, and associated duties for Instrumentl, an online grants database platform.

    • Complete assigned data entry to EveryAction in a timely fashion. 

    • Produce regular reports and share back findings at internal meetings.

  • Support organizational development and alignment:

    • Regularly attend internal staff and department meetings.

    • Collaborate internally with staff using online tools and apps, such as Slack and Asana.

  • Other Development duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least two years of experience in related fields or similar experience.

  • A passion for the mission and vision of Imagine Black

  • A passion for how self-determination and radical Black imagination can directly influence policy and advocacy.

  • Familiarity with the unique challenges facing Black Oregonians.

  • Proven skills in working and communicating with communities within the African diaspora, especially with descendants of enslaved Africans, African immigrants and refugees, and Caribbean immigrants and refugees.

  • A commitment to applying a Black Queer Feminist lens to all aspects of the work; including organizing, leadership development, civic and political participation.

  • Experience managing databases and maintaining data integrity.

  • Strong comprehension skill set to interpret quantitative data effectively.

  • Ability to synthesize and communicate findings from data analysis to varied audiences both verbally and in writing.

  • Exceptional database management skills. Experience with EveryAction is a plus!

  • Proven ability to produce high-quality deliverables.

  • Manage and prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks.

  • Solid customer service orientation while balancing adherence to legal requirements and policies.

  • Flexible and positive approach to problem-solving in a collaborative team environment and an ability to work collaboratively with multiple audiences.

  • Ability to communicate and work effectively within a team and in partnership with other organizations, including but not limited to digital interaction.

  • Ability to establish confidentiality and discretion; maintain credibility and trust.

  • Strong comfort using technology, including cloud-based apps and software.

  • Ability to self-motivate, self-direct, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Strong work ethic and flexibility to accommodate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

  • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and online Google applications.

  • A desire to try innovative tactics and experiment with new forms of advocacy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Deep understanding of voter registration in Oregon, including the legal aspects.

  • Knowledge of electoral justice strategy and the political landscape on local, county/regional, and state levels.

  • Bi- or multi-lingual (Arabic, Amharic, Swahili, and Somali-speaking applicants are encouraged to apply).

  • Lived experience with Black community issues, particularly in Oregon.

  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite.

  • Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new systems as needed.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please submit the following items:

  • Resume or CV;

  • Cover letter describing your interest in this position and how well you meet the stated qualifications; and

  • Your written response to the following prompt: Tell us about a grant that you wrote solely and was funded? Tell us about your process,  the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them?

Materials should be uploaded here.

Racial and gender equity is of utmost importance for our search. If you do not meet all of the required qualifications for this role but feel you can be a great addition to our team, please apply and let us know why we should meet you! 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to those received by June 30, 2022.

Imagine Black embraces diversity in a profound way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool - because we know the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Imagine Black