Senior Grant Writer

Senior Grant Writer

APPLICATION DEADLINE:          Open until filled

SCHEDULE:                                      Full time, Exempt

DEPARTMENT:                                Institutional Advancement
MOCA AND ITS WORKFORCE

As the region’s only contemporary art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland leads the way in shaping and advancing contemporary culture. We are global and local, Cleveland at our core with a cosmopolitan skin. Our visitors are cultural adventurers, and MOCA enthusiastically promotes experimentation and discovery through guided experiences with contemporary art and ideas. Grounded in the community, MOCA welcomes all audiences and employs a smart, creative, and diverse workforce. MOCA values an entrepreneurial spirit in our work culture, supporting an enterprising staff that anticipates and reacts nimbly to change while embracing new opportunities and challenges. Success of the individual directly impacts success of the institution, so MOCA holds every employee to a high standard of excellence with the expectation that everyone understands and participates in the institutional goals.

JOB PURPOSE / POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Grant Writer is responsible for managing the development plan for foundations, corporate foundations, and government, as well as solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship of these prospects and contacts.  S/he is a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to strategy and execution around project-specific fundraising and is responsible for grant requests securing $900K+ of the $3.2M operating budget. S/he works with the Executive Team and the Board of Directors to establish funding relationships and secure resources that support MOCA’s mission and long-term strategic goals. S/he acts as key reader for marketing and recognition related to major donors, and contributes to key publications and donor lists.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FOUNDATION, CORPORATE FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT FUNDRAISING

• Manage the foundation, corporate foundation, and government advancement plan and solicitation calendar in partnership with Executive Director and grants team (Deputy Director, Curatorial Dept., Programs Dept., Finance Dept., and Development Associate).
• Responsible for foundation, corporate foundation, and government budget benchmarks, and monitors related revenue and expenses.
• Create and sustain strong relationships with foundation, corporate foundation, and government leadership.
• With MOCA leadership and the Development Associate, identify new potential grants as related to specific exhibition and project opportunities.
• With the Executive Director and Board, identify and steward prospects in support of Public Value initiatives.
• When appropriate, identify and involve relevant staff to contribute to grants, proposals, budgets, and funder communications.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and current and prospective partners to grow MOCA’s strength and visibility as a potential grantee and community resource.
• Conceive, craft, and execute stories, proposals, and case statements for donor audiences.
• Communicate accomplishments and funding needs to legislators relative to state and county funding.
• Act as liaison for state and county advocacy and campaigns, attending meetings, engaging in community outreach, and ensuring staff participation.
• Collaborate with Director of Individual Giving + Major Gifts, Curatorial, Programs, and Marketing around special opportunities and project-specific support as needed.
• Secure hotel and other in-kind support in exchange for corporate partnership.

MANAGEMENT + RECORD KEEPING

• Supervise Development Associate, as s/he assists with proposals and report writing, communications, research, advocacy, and archiving.
• Oversee database management, gift processing, donor correspondence, and reporting for all foundation, corporate foundation, and governmental/legislator funding relationships.
• Provide accurate and complete donor communications and meetings notes/records to Development Associate and Development Manager to ensure foundation, corporate foundation, and government donor context, history, and gift acknowledgements.

MARKETING + ADVOCACY

• With the Director of Individual Giving + Major Gifts, oversee and develop external communications and community relations to ensure clear messaging consistent with institutional brand voice
• Create stewardship communication plans for key foundation, corporate foundation, and government donors to ensure an exceptional donor experience.
• With the Marketing department, develop strategies for advancement presence and appropriate recognition in all communications.
• With the Leadership Team, equip trustees and key staff with talking points and background to help with grant cultivation and stewardship

OTHER

• Execute duties and maintain standards in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as needed or directed.
• Maintains current knowledge of the industry relevant to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of development experience with increasing responsibility, proven track record in major fundraising/grant writing, and firm knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and ethics/confidentiality.
• Knowledge of philanthropic community and experience fundraising in the Cleveland arts community.
• Familiarity with the arts and cultural discourse is a plus.
• Ability to lead multiple, concurrent projects, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Superior communication and writing skills.
• Aptitude for management and effective use of information systems in support of an advancement program.
• Experience with donor databases required; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge is a significant asset.
• Fluency in English: speaking, reading and writing.

All MOCA employees are expected to possess the following characteristics:

• Inspired by contemporary art and culture.
• Responsive to frequently shifting priorities.
• Computer competency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and position specific software.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to work flexible hours for occasional evening or weekend events or meetings.
• Located in an open office area with regular co-worker interaction.
• Able to sit for long periods of computer use.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Direct reports:             Development Associate

Indirect reports:          Departmental interns and volunteers

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit the following to cwilson@mocacleveland.org using the subject line “MOCA Senior Grant Writer”:

• Cover letter or cover email that lets your personality and style shine through. Tell us what you can offer and what you hope to gain. It wouldn’t hurt to mention a current or past MOCA exhibition or program that you attended, or perhaps a life-changing experience with contemporary art and if you know someone who is associated with MOCA be sure to tell us.
• Resume or CV that highlights relevant education and experience and makes it obvious why you are the best possible candidate for this position.
• A relevant writing sample, ideally showcasing your superior grant writing skills.
• Contact information for 3 references.