Senior Grant Writer, International Programs Helen Keller

Helen Keller International
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Senior Grant Writer, International Programs
New York, NY

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI offers programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. The organization combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research. Each year, their programs directly benefit millions of people, and children are a primary concern. HKI programs address malnutrition, cataract, trachoma, onchocerciasis, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy. HKI has over 700 staff and a worldwide annual budget of over $45 million. The headquarters office is recruiting a Senior Grant Writer to seek funding for its international programs.

The purpose of this position is to maintain and nurture relationships with existing corporate and foundation donors for HKI’s international programs; identify new corporate and private foundations for possible support based on priority funding areas; and develop proposals and applications for these sources.

The Senior Grant Writer is part of the Development and Communications team, and reports directly to the Vice President of Development and Communications. The Senior Grant Writer works very closely with the President’s Office, the Senior Vice President for Programs, both Regional Offices and, as appropriate, other Program Staff and Country Directors to meet these goals.

Scope of the Position:

• Sustain and renew existing sources for funding for international programs from corporate and private sources. Specific tasks include crafting and writing letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and reports.
• Based on priority funding areas set by the Senior Management Team, identify, research, and cultivate new sources of funding for international programs from corporate and private sources. Specific tasks include developing briefing sheets on potential funders that identify strategies for approaching them, and writing letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and reports.
• Maintain a database that tracks prospects, submissions and reporting deadlines. Participate on the project database working group to provide guidance and feedback.
• Work with HKI’s international program staff to gather information needed for reporting on program outcomes and challenges and to coordinate the timely submission of materials.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the HQ grantwriting team (Grantwriters and VP, Development and Communication) for regular communications on status of proposal and report submissions, etc.
• Assist in preparing updates on grants sought and approved to be included in the monthly Fundraising Report.
• Prepare other materials, such as case studies or publicity materials, as requested by donors.
• Where appropriate, maintain primary relationship with funders.
• As needed, provide assistance to submitting grants for government support.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in grant development for international programs, or similar experience, plus a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health issues.
• Superior written and verbal English language communication skills.
• Experience with research to identify new opportunities for foundation and government relations. Knowledge of US and/or international government aid programs a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively and efficiently manage several detail oriented projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a global development team.
• Experience, patience and comfort in dealing with a diverse range of people.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Raiser’s Edge experience a plus.
• Personal commitment to HKI’s mission and goals.
• Residence in or willingness to relocate to the NY metro area (no relocation package provided).

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates are invited to send a cover letter and résumé via e-mail to hkihr@hki.org, noting “Senior Grant Writer” as the subject heading. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Only qualified candidates meeting our requirements will be contacted. HKI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S.

No phone calls or faxes. No agencies.