Grant Writer

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. We are seeking an experienced individual to join our team to provide grant writing services in the Development department. To be successful in this position, the candidate will need to be detail-oriented, well-organized, a skilled writer and editor, and enjoy collaborating with colleagues within the department and across the institution. You’ll be part of a great team working together to make the Arboretum exceptional.

Position Summary:  Write grant applications, letters of inquiry (LOIs), reports, and other funder correspondence, primarily to private foundations and some government applications.  Effectively present the Arboretum’s research, conservation, and learning and engagement work with attention to tailoring language and content for specialist and non-specialist audiences, as needed. Work collaboratively across departments to collect and synthesize data needed for proposals and reports. Coordinate with program, finance, and other staff on all activities related to grant data collection, proposal development, and reporting.

Essential Functions: 

• Work collaboratively to research, develop, write, and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers, grant proposals, and grant reports.

• Coordinate with the Finance Office to create budgets to accompany proposals.

• Remain up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals. 

• Meet regularly with colleagues to discuss current and new funding needs.

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required, and 3+ years grant writing experience required. Demonstrated experience in securing new funding opportunities. Ability to work effectively against deadlines, and excellent writing and verbal skills required. Highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes. Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data, excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Google Applications), and database management (CRM) skills. 

Success Factors: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the institution.  Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner. Canva or publisher experience is a plus. Dedication to the Arboretum and its mission. Ability to lead projects and work independently to meet deadlines. Motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Work requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 10 lbs.), and occasional travel around the Arboretum grounds. 

• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily indoors, in an office setting, although travel within the Arboretum grounds is occasionally required. 

• Equipment: General office equipment.

The expected hiring range is between $28.50 - $33.00/hour based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process, along with internal equity. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

For full consideration, please submit a resume and a cover letter

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment