Grants Assistant

Make the Road New York (MRNY) is a membership organization of 24,000 members that builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and justice. We integrate four core methodologies: community organizing, policy innovation, transformative education, and the provision of legal and survival services. This holistic model enables us to meet immediate needs, cultivate leadership among low-income people, design sophisticated and innovative policy solutions grounded in real-life experiences, and use deep base-building and community organizing to win policy transformations that impact millions.

The Development and Communications Department is a 13-person team that supports all of the organization’s work with fundraising from individuals, private foundations, and government sources. Our vast communications reach includes media outreach, social media, digital and hard copy materials and video to elevate our members’ voices and build public support. 

Current Opening: 

The Grants Assistant will support MRNY’s institutional giving team, which manages grants from foundations and government sources. The assistant will provide administrative support and database maintenance; conduct grant research; and assist with stewardship responsibilities for funders and elected officials. With training as necessary, the assistant will also manage a portfolio of low-dollar foundation grants, including drafting proposals and reports and other stewardship tasks as needed. This role is an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of grant work and support a major area of MRNY’s fundraising. The assistant will report to the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving and work closely with the Government Grants Coordinator and Associate Director of Development.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Department Support - Provide administrative support for institutional giving team as necessary, including scheduling; processing grant agreements and subcontracts; and maintaining registration in various government grant systems.
• Database Maintenance - Keep grant records in our Salesforce database up to date, including entering records; filing documents and meeting notes; and tracking deadlines.
• Stewardship/Funder Relations - Conduct regular stewardship activities for funders including drafting acknowledgement letters; managing mailings; coordinating elected official outreach, participation, and attendance for MRNY’s annual gala; and assisting with other major fundraising events and funder site visits as needed.
• Prospect Research - Conduct proactive research on prospects to support high priority funding areas for the organization; vet new opportunities as needed including attending information sessions.
• Foundation Grants - Maintain MRNY’s portfolio of foundation grants of up to $15,000, including reporting, renewal applications, and relationship stewarding for these grants in collaboration with grants team and program directors.

Requirements: 

• Eligible to work in the U.S
• Required to be fully vaccinated with an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to first day of employment. 
• 1-2+ years of office experience; nonprofit experience a plus
• Possess a commitment to collective action and community organizing 
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• Have experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic work environment 

Job Competencies: 

To be successful in the role, candidates should have:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to support multiple team members and manage multiple deadlines, including the flexibility to adjust work plans to meet quickly changing needs
• High level of accountability and initiative; needs to be eager to do team work to support the organization as a whole
• Strong writing skills in short (email) and long (reports and proposals) formats to communicate with MRNY program directors and external contacts
• Working knowledge of the Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Reader; database experience (especially Salesforce) a plus
• Interest in learning new systems and helping strengthen the processes of a growing department

Salary and Benefits: 

Starting salary is based on a scale set by a democratically-elected personnel committee and will depend on factors such as experience and education. MRNY offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $45,099 - $61,859

How to Apply: 

Please attach cover letter and resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New York career center.

MRNY is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse staff. Women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities and people of color strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.