Posted Apr 29, 2026
Under direct supervision of the Director of Strategic Partnerships the Grant Writer will participate in fundraising efforts to ensure that Native Forward Scholars Fund has the financial resources it needs to fulfill its mission. The Grants Writer will be responsible for writing grants and developing relationships with donors and prospects and providing support for additional internal and external affiliate messaging. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Primary responsibility for researching, drafting, and submitting proposals to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. - Manage a portfolio of 60+ foundation donors and prospects. - Develop and implement strategies to raise support for the financial wellbeing of Native Forward Scholars Fund from foundations, to assure sustainability of Native Forward’s programs. - Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards donors and prospects, through visits and other forms of direct personal contact, in accordance with performance targets set by the Director of Strategic Partnerships. - Works with department leads to ensure timely management of grant deadlines, including letters of inquiry, proposals, reports and other communications as required by donors. - Identifies, cultivates, secures and stewards major gifts/investments in the form of endowments, estate gifts, annual gifts, internships, and event/program sponsorships. - Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s annual fundraising campaigns, including other general giving and special fundraising activities. - Supports initiatives within annual giving from initial planning and coordination stages to implementation and follow-through. Participates in the success of these activities. - Manage the grant writing process from start to finish including editing, preparation, gathering of data, approval by relevant parties, final submission, etc. for donors and prospects. - Assists in planning and implementation of events, as assigned, including invitation production, mailings, RSVP lists, event coordination and personal support of the event(s). - Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization. - Maintain positive relationships with funders and other key stakeholders. - Provide general support to the development department during peak periods. - Assist in the preparation of materials for Board Meetings. - Provide executive-level support to other Native Forward team members in preparation for donor interactions, including briefing materials in advance of meetings with donors and prospects. - Develop and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities, such as small events for select individual donors/prospects in the portfolio; trade show and conference receptions; public speaking engagements; larger donor recognition events; and service on prominent boards or committees. - Track key relationship activity and Create reports as required by management that accurately reflect progress toward strengthening relationships and increasing donor support. - Maintains strict student confidentiality and compliance with the Family Education Right to Privacy. - Embodies Native Forward Scholars Fund Core Values and promotes the Native Forward organization, staff and programs, in a positive and professional manner. - Contributes to a team effort and accomplished related results. - Perform other duties as required. Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in related field preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required, plus five years experience in grant writing and reporting, program development/management, and federal grant writing. - Valid Driver’s License required. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation. Knowledge, Abilities, Skills and Certifications:
Knowledge of American Indian History, culture and tribes. - Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. - A commitment to the mission and goals of Native Forward Scholars Fund in providing scholarship funding and support services to Native students. - Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic
Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in
Ability to follow oral and written instruction. - Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. - Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with coworkers at all levels. - Ability analyze progress and make necessary adjustments throughout the cultivation
Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment. - Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action. - Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in
Comfortable and confident engaging at the highest levels, and adept at influencing opinion and securing commitments. - Superior skills in building relationships and comfort in asking donors to commit their money, time, and/or energy to a shared vision. - Excellent oral and written communication and presentation Demonstrated ability to simplify complex themes and activities into a short, compelling presentation or written piece. Experience in grant writing and business proposals. - Ability to discuss the role of education in promoting social justice and economic opportunity. - Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully on the phone, via email/text and in person with donors, board members, volunteers, colleagues, and the general public. - Proficiency with office technology and information systems. - High ethical standards, strict adherence to donor confidentiality, and genuine interest in developing authentic relationships. - Persuasiveness and perseverance in attaining goals. - Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including various software applications, specifically Word, Excel, Access, presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
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