Grant Researcher & Writer Jobs

Do you have experience working with nonprofits? Are you passionate about making a huge difference with many different nonprofits at once? If so, ZIM Consulting is the place for you.

Who We Are - ZIM Consulting (ZIM) is a woman-owned, Denver-based company that specializes in grant research and writing, development, strategic and succession planning, training, and implementation services for nonprofit organizations. ZIM has worked with more than 380 nonprofits over the past 16 years, the majority of which are in Colorado. Additionally, ZIM has performed projects with nonprofits who provide services in all 50 states and international clients who provide services in 121 countries around the world.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility - At ZIM, we value life-long learning, the wellbeing of our team, and the role nonprofits play in building a better world for all. We serve diverse clients and communities, and diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences strengthen our team. We are committed to cultivating an equitable and inclusive work environment and actively encourage applications from people with lived experiences such as BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ community members, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and members of other marginalized communities.

Statement of Need - We are seeking a full-time Grant Researcher and Writer to assist with new and existing clients. This is an entry-level position in which the individual will identify funders and develop an initial grants strategy for clients. The goal for this position is to become familiar with grant research and then start to take on grant writing responsibilities. We are looking for someone with a passion for nonprofit work and writing and who wants to grow as a leader.

Reports to: Director of Grant Research and Writing

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Work with clients to cultivate funder prospects and develop relationships with key contacts.
• Prepare all necessary documents and attachments to submit grant applications.
• Recommend appropriate funding opportunities to clients.
• Maintain calendar and records of all prospective and submitted grants for clients.
• Learn and develop grant proposal writing skills and begin writing grants and reports for clients.
• Work with clients to strategically communicate all aspects of their organization including how the organization’s impact is portrayed and evaluated. This can include discussions about advancing DEI practices, specific evaluation methods, etc. that can be used to strengthen the organization’s work and its grant applications.
• Track and input funder updates into ZIM’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Conduct in-depth research of potential foundations and funding opportunities for clients.
• Develop and maintain collaborative client relationships.
• Work directly with clients to fully understand what they do and determine current and future funding needs.
• Prepare and present grant research prospects to clients.
• Organize and manage shared organization files.
• Manage reporting deadlines and requirements of funded grants for clients.

Priorities:

The ideal candidate will need to be able to:

• Work successfully in a team environment by taking initiative in requesting information, knowledge, and support as needed from other team members.
• Work efficiently, performing research projects for multiple organizations simultaneously.
• Edit grants and other documents written by other ZIM staff.
• Maintain professionalism in all communications with clients.
• Respond quickly and professionally to emails and phone messages.
• Utilize ZIM’s grant tools and CRM to track and meet all grant-related deadlines.
• Attend events and meetings as necessary.
• Communicate needs with clients and coworkers in a timely and forthright manner.
• Be thorough and detail-oriented in researching and compiling profiles of prospective funders.

Qualifications:

• Data entry and database management experience within CRMs is a plus.
• Experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, low-income communities, immigrant communities, and other oppressed and marginalized groups.
• Ability to multitask, self-direct, and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ensure confidentiality and discreet handling of all business matters.
• Capable of translating complex information into concise written communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and critical thinking skills and a strong writing skills foundation, with a desire to continue growing and developing a compelling personal writing style.
• Ability to carefully proofread and edit your own work and the work of others.
• Experience and/or knowledge of nonprofit organizations and their work in the community.
• Possess a conscious attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or 1-2 years of relevant work experience. Preference for candidates with some grants, fundraising and development, or other nonprofit experience, or strong customer service experience.
• Capable of establishing and cultivating strong relationships with team members and clients and successfully working collaboratively in a team environment.

Additional Information

• Hours: This is a full-time, exempt position with occasional nights and weekends during busy periods and for client events. Busy periods typically equate to three separate months during the year. The position attends client events approximately one evening or weekend each month.
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and long-term disability. ZIM provides flexible schedules and vacations, including an open paid time off (PTO) policy. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the open PTO policy to prioritize their health and well-being. Professional development opportunities are offered and a stipend for external professional development is provided.
• Compensation: The salary range for this position is $46,000-$49,000, commensurate with experience.
• Evaluation: This position will have a six-month initial evaluation followed by annual evaluations.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected] with “ZIM Grant Researcher and Writer position” in the subject line. Please state in your cover letter how you learned about the position. Hiring Managers will review application materials on a rolling basis and invite qualified candidates to participate in a writing assignment and panel interview. Application materials will be accepted until the positions are filled. Only complete applications received via email will be reviewed. No calls, please.