Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

This position is responsible for all aspects of achieving annual grant revenue goals from corporate and foundation sources. Primary responsibilities include prospecting, researching grant opportunities, writing and submitting grant proposals, managing awarded grants, and reporting on use of funds.

Dimensions

Working Title: Grants Manager
Position Classification: Manager
Employment Conditions: Exempt
Department/Section: Development and Sales
Classification Starting Range: $62,000 – $72,000, depending on experience
Reports To: Development and Sales Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Environment:  Hybrid, with some days reporting to office in Bloomington, MN

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Manage comprehensive grant processes (85% FTE)

Tasks

1. Manage the entire grant lifecycle, secure annual grant budget goals in alignment with organizational mission and strategic plan.
2. Research statistics, trends, and data for grant proposals.
3. Manage annual grants calendar, including timely actions to secure funds and communicate with funders.
4. Coordinate writing and editing of all institutional grant proposals, budgets, reports, and other supporting materials.
5. Ensure compliance with grant requirements and fulfillment.
6. Collect, process, and maintain accurate donor information and foundation guidelines in the fundraising database and file system.
7. Collaborate between internal Wilderness Inquiry teams and departments to ensure that grant objectives are achieved and grant proposals align with program and organizational priorities. 
8. Support development team in charity compliance reviews and ratings, sponsorship requests, and other needs that use written proposal materials.

Performance Indicators

1. Meet or exceed annual corporate, foundation, and some types of government grant revenue budget goals.
2. Ensure grant and donor databases are accurate and up to date.
3. Complete grant applications and reports timely.

Responsibility 2: Prospect and Manage Relationships (15% FTE)

Tasks

1. Support prospecting, in collaboration with other team members, to identify and pursue new sources of corporate and foundation funding. 
2. Lead outreach to funders through proactive relationship management and communications with program officers, organizing site visits, and strengthening relationships.
3. Assist in the coordination and facilitation of department- and organization-wide communications about strategic partnership and grant-making priorities to ensure our approach is targeted and effective in prospecting and securing new funding opportunities.

Performance Indicators

1. Meet or exceed annual goals for outreach and prospecting new funding sources.
2. Ensure regular communications regarding strategy and prospecting occur with potentially impacted staff and the development team.

Responsibility 3: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned

Tasks

1. Cross-train other team members in grant processes, as needed, to ensure healthy work-life balance.
2. Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees by adhering to Workplace Community Agreements.

Performance Indicators

1. Ensure continuity of service for grant-writing and monitoring functions.
2. Encourage a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
3. Co-workers feel respected and engaged in all interactions.

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or 2 years of related professional experience.
• Demonstrated analytical and persuasive writing skills experience as well as superior editing skills, including ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. 
• Strong administrative skills with ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to deadlines.
• Advanced word processing and database skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in or with non-profit organizations.
• Passion for the outdoors and nature-based recreation.
• Multi-cultural competence and experience working with historically and currently under-represented communities in nature-based outdoor recreation spaces.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to use a telephone and computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Deadline: 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until January 12, 2025.