About MPC:
Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every community is valued. Every person has a voice. And every neighborhood thrives. Since 1934, this independent, nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.
MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking to expand our team. Successful team members are curious and collaborative with strong communication and project management skills who recognize the connections between our core areas of work and seek to affect meaningful change. Central to living our values is embracing MPC’s organizational commitment to an anti-racist, anti-oppressive workplace and centering equity in strengthening our internal policies and practices.
Position Summary:
The Grants Manager is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding a pipeline of current and prospective institutional grant funders that support MPC’s revenue goals and meet funder guidelines and criteria. The Grants Manager serves as a grant writer, cultivates and stewards institutional funder relationships, engages in compliance reporting, and supports special project initiatives as needed. The Grants Manager will work closely with the Program and Operations teams to create grant proposals and reports, ensuring timely submission. The position is responsible for supporting efforts that meet or exceed the fundraising goals established by MPC.
Supervisor: Director of Development
Responsibilities:
Research, write, and manage grant proposals and reports that effectively communicate MPC’s goals, objectives, and strategies to current and prospective institutional funders, including private foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
Develop and maintain a strict calendar, and ensure all grant proposals and reports are written, reviewed, approved, and submitted prior to all deadlines.
Cultivate and steward relationships with institutional funders and stakeholders through targeted and strategic outreach and engagement in collaboration with the Programs and Marketing and Communications teams.
Manage and inform departmental strategy to develop a strong, expanding pipeline of grant-based funders for MPC’s operations, programs, and initiatives.
Track and monitor annual institutional revenue goals to provide financial updates and recommendations for annual budget development.
Conduct prospect research and analyze grant funding trends to identify new funding sources, opportunities for increased funding, and areas in need of greater development.
Enter and maintain accurate records for grant submissions, awards, outcomes, compliance, and reporting in Raiser’s Edge NXT and Airtable.
Schedule and facilitate donor meetings and site visits with internal and external teams.
Collaborate with the Program and Operations teams to gather relevant information and data needed for grant proposals and reports.
Maintain proficient knowledge of MPC’s history and current projects and the ability to tell the organization’s story, outcomes, and impact to current and prospective funders.
Collaborate with the Development team on other departmental projects as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, business, nonprofit management, etc.)
- At least 3 years of experience in grant writing, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
- Experience producing and managing grant proposals and reports for corporate, foundation, and government funders.
- Excellent research and writing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear manner to a diverse audience.
- Strong project management, organizational, and cross-departmental collaboration skills.
- Experience with donor relationship-building, cultivation, and stewardship is preferred.
- Self-motivated with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision in an effective and efficient manner.
- Experience with Raisers Edge/NXT and Airtable or similar software is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and respond to tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
If you are passionate about supporting MPC’s mission and have a proven track record of securing grant funding, we encourage you to apply. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.
How To Apply:
Please submit the following materials:
1) A cover letter articulating your specific interest in the role and what you will bring to it
2) A short and relevant (grant) writing sample
3) Your résumé or CV
EEOC/Diversity Statement:
MPC is an equal opportunity employer, and we stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and of all ages to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Salary range for this position is $74,000.00 -$84,000.00
For the 2024 Benefit year, Metropolitan Planning Council’s robust and competitive compensation package for new full-time employees includes covering approximately 80% of the employee premium for health benefits, 100% of the employee premium for dental benefits, and Disability and Life insurance. Additionally, MPC provides all full-time employees with a hybrid work environment, parental leave, up to five weeks of accrued vacation, transit benefits, a professional development stipend, and access to an onsite fitness center.