Grant Writer

Job Summary:

The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society. The Studio Museum in Harlem was founded in 1968 by a diverse group of artists, community activists and philanthropists who envisioned a new kind of museum that not only displays artwork but also supports artists and arts education. The Museum is in the midst of a comprehensive, multi-million dollar Capital Campaign to build a new museum on 125th Street in Harlem, designed by Sir David Adjaye. While in construction, the Museum is bolstering its presence in our communities through a programmatic initiative called inHarlem.

The Grant Writer is responsible for developing and writing winning grant proposals designed to secure funding from public institutions, private foundations and corporations, and other grant-making entities, to support and implement the Studio Museum’s program. The Grant Writer will possess exemplar writing and communication skills and will persuasively convey the Museum’s mission and programs to potential funders. Reporting to the Director of Development, this person will develop strategies, craft narratives, assemble and submit grant requests, conduct prospect research, and maintain a calendar of submissions and reporting deadlines, as well as creating and overseeing the necessary tracking systems and procedures.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a full range of activities required to conceptualize, write, submit, and manage grant proposals
• Oversee grant calendar to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports
• Liaise with Museum departments to collect relevant program information, attendance and audience details, publicity and marketing materials, budgets and financial data, to create compelling applications and collateral
• Steward current supporters by providing regular updates and giving key stakeholders opportunities to engage with leadership
• Research prospects for new support
• Coordinate site visits for foundation leadership and program officers
• Maintain institutional giving records in database and digital files, including grant tracking and reporting
• Create gift transmittals and draft acknowledgement letters
• Maintain list of institutional credit lines
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested

Travel Requirements:    ☐ Yes   ☒ No

Physical Demands: ☐ Yes   ☒ No

Education/Qualifications & Work Experience:

Required (items listed as "required" MUST be met for a candidate to qualify for this role):

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-6 years of relevant experience
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer, and be able to craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner
• Candidate must be detail-oriented and highly organized
• A strong understanding of the development process and nature of foundation philanthropy
• Able to gather and synthesize information and communicate in a compelling and succinct form
• Self-starter able to meet deadlines, work collaboratively and manage several projects at once, including ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion
• An understanding of budgets as they relate to proposal and grant procurement
• Proficient computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as MS Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word)
• Dedication to quality control and ownership of job responsibilities
• Ability to work well under pressure

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge
• Familiarity with arts and culture funders
• Professional museum experience and/or a sincere interest in arts and culture

Required Job Competencies (Key Behaviors & Essential Abilities):

• Commitment (Core Value) - to the mission and values of Studio Museum in Harlem.
• Collaborative (Core Value) – works well with others at all levels of the organization as well as with key external stakeholders (if applicable to the role)
• Initiative (Core Value) - takes self-directed, appropriate action to influence outcomes and / or drive progress and positive change.

Application Instructions:

The position is open until filled. Please send a resume, cover letter, and professional writing sample to jobs@studiomuseum.org. Please include “Grant Writer” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls or faxes, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.