Stepping Stone House is an award winning non-profit punching above its weight. We provide a safe place for children and young people at risk or experiencing homelessness so they can begin to heal, build resilience, create connections and become the very best they can be. Our mission is to End Youth Homelessness in Australia – a big audacious goal that the team are committed to achieving together.

The Role

This varied and impactful role will oversee a portfolio of writing responsibilities to increase income and community support of Stepping Stone House. The wide portfolio of writer responsibilities includes researching, securing and acquitting of grants, EOI’s, RFT’s and RFP’s in addition to writing competition submissions, blogs and marketing content for Stepping Stone House. There will also be an expectation to meet with and build long-term grant donor relationships. This is a broad and varied role and will suit someone with a strong organisational capability and a creative flair, with a focus on increasing fundraising opportunities. The Senior Grants Writer will also be responsible for the effective management and direction of a junior Grants Writer. As a not-for-profit charity, Stepping Stone House relies heavily on funding through grants as well as various fundraising events and donations.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a strategy and manage the increase in revenue through the grants portfolio
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with existing and potential grants donors
• Lead and develop the junior Grants Writer, meeting weekly to discuss and attribute upcoming grants. This can be done virtually or in-person as required
• Work closely with the SSH Partnerships Manager to develop, implement and refine a grants strategy that targets appropriate grants and provides the best chance for approval
• Build Stepping Stone House’s Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Tender (RFT) capability
• Research funding organisations to ensure effective grant proposals; including thorough scrutiny of funding criteria, grant eligibility and previously funded projects, as well as the ability to effectively match a Stepping Stone House project with the funding organisation in a way that addresses their company values and meets individual funder needs
• Author succinct and professional grant proposals that align with the values and projects of Stepping Stone House
• Develop and implement innovative engagement strategies for new and known grants including invitation-only grants
• Proactively create accurate and timely acquittal reports and evaluations to funders for successful grant proposals
• Research and write award submissions on behalf of Stepping Stone House to increase brand awareness
• Write copy including speeches and other marketing content for SSH management and team members
• Maintain professional and respectful behaviour consistent with the Stepping Stone House values and consistent with building trusting respected working relationships with stakeholders

The purpose of the Senior Grants Writer is to develop and implement grants strategies that increase the revenue from new and known grants.

About You

In order to thrive in this role, you will care passionately about our cause. You will join us in achieving our mission to end youth homelessness and will work as part of a wider team of committed, driven and fun individuals. Your energy, passion and enthusiasm for writing and for the non-profit space will see you excel in this position.

Selection Criteria

• A passion for writing
• Exceptionally strong written communication skills; including grammar and spelling
• Minimum 2 years’ grants writing experience and a proven ability to secure funding
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop others
• Exceptional creative and analytical thinking with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Evidence of collaborative working style and ability to build good working relationships in team
• Professionalism and a passion for the cause
• Highly organised, self-motivated and high energy
• Ability to embrace change and uncertainty with a contagious attitude of enthusiasm
• Experience in supporting relationships with partners and sponsors
• High level of administrative and organisational qualities with attention to detail
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows based computer applications

For further information, please contact [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Grants Writer enquiry via EthicalJobs.