The Environmental Justice (EJ) Grants Manager will work in close partnership with the EJ Project Manager and EJ Coordinator. This newly established team establishes critical collaborative capacity to support communities at this pivotal moment in our history. These three newly created positions will work in close partnership with each other in service to collaboration and movement building. We strongly encourage applicants to read the entire Description of Strategic Hires which includes more information about this new initiative, including the responsibilities of all three positions and how they will work together.

Though a direct contractor of New Sun Rising or RiverWise depending on the project, the EJ Grants Manager will provide support throughout New Sun Rising and RiverWise’s networks, and will report jointly to the Executive Directors of both organizations.

Location: Primarily Allegheny and Beaver Counties; some work in surrounding Counties may be done remotely

Requirements

Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the EJ Grants Manager is to successfully obtain and manage grant funding through community education, opportunity identification, proposal submission, budget monitoring, and reporting.

Comprehensive Grant Strategy Development:

Develop and implement sophisticated strategies to navigate complex federal, state, and private grant programs, ensuring alignment with environmental justice goals and the Justice 40 initiative.
Continuously research and stay updated on new funding opportunities, policy changes, and trends in environmental justice financing.

Relationship Building and Representation:

Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including nonprofits, municipalities, and community collaborations.
Act as a primary liaison between these parties and funding agencies, facilitating clear and effective communication.
Forge and nurture ongoing relationships with grant-making organizations, government agencies, and other potential funders.
Represent the organization and its partners in grant-related meetings, negotiations, and public events, advocating for support and understanding of environmental justice projects.

Capacity Building and Education:

Provide training and resources to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of grant processes and increase their capacity for successful grant acquisition and management.
Organize workshops and seminars to educate partners on best practices in navigating grant landscapes, proposal writing, and compliance.

Customized Proposal Development:

Lead the conceptualization and crafting of compelling, customized grant proposals tailored to the specific needs and strengths of each project and partner.
Work closely with project teams and partners to gather necessary information, ensuring proposals are comprehensive, persuasive, and meet all funding program requirements.

Grant Compliance and Reporting:

Support the EJ Project Manager ensuring strict adherence to all grant requirements, monitoring compliance throughout each project's lifecycle.
Develop and implement efficient systems for tracking and reporting, providing stakeholders with clear guidance on documentation and financial accountability.

Budget Management and Financial Oversight:

Collaborate with project managers and partners to develop detailed project budgets, ensuring they reflect the scope and needs of each initiative.
Provide oversight and support in financial management, helping partners understand and manage the complexities of funded projects, including expense tracking and resource allocation.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

Commit to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of grant management, environmental justice issues, and community development strategies.
Adapt strategies and approaches based on lessons learned from project outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and changes in the funding landscape.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, writing, community development, or a minimum of 4 years experience in a related field. We are less concerned with a specific educational pedigree and more interested in the skills and disposition that a potential candidate will bring to this position.
Demonstrated experience in grant research, writing, and reporting for private philanthropy, state agencies, and especially federal funders. Adept at writing grants for collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Strong understanding of environmental justice issues and the Justice 40 initiative.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, particularly community leaders and their organizations.

The Ideal Candidate’s Disposition:

We are in search of an Environmental Justice Grants Manager who embodies a strategic and analytical mindset, essential for navigating the intricate landscape of grant funding. The ideal candidate brings a seasoned understanding of grant processes coupled with a passionate commitment to environmental justice. They are able to identify funding opportunities that align with community needs and organizational goals, turning possibilities into actionable strategies. Possessing a disposition that marries meticulous attention to detail with broad strategic thinking, this individual excels in planning, organizing, and executing comprehensive grant programs. They are an adept researcher, constantly seeking new opportunities and staying abreast of trends in environmental funding. Their approach is methodical and thorough, ensuring that every grant application and report is crafted with precision and clarity.

The ideal Grants Manager is a master communicator, capable of articulating complex funding requirements to diverse teams and partners across urban and rural contexts. They are equally comfortable discussing detailed financial matters as they are in conveying the broader impact of funding on environmental justice initiatives. Organizational skills are second nature to this candidate, adept at juggling multiple grants, deadlines, and compliance requirements without losing sight of the bigger picture. They are proactive in managing timelines and resources, ensuring every project is on track and well-supported. With an eye for detail, they meticulously track expenditures and outcomes, ensuring accountability and transparency in every financial aspect.

Emotionally intelligent and collaborative, the ideal candidate thrives in team environments, valuing the input, expertise, and voice of others including community members. They are a natural bridge-builder, cultivating relationships with funders, team members, and community partners alike. This individual is deeply driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference, channeling their grants expertise into impactful environmental justice work.

Application Process:

As part of growing a comprehensive ecosystem, we are soliciting candidates interested in contracted work aimed at securing and managing grants of various sizes and types. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter including fee structure, and a list of three professional references through the New Sun Rising Job Board at https://www.newsunrising.org/about-us/jobs-opportunities/. The application deadline is February 16, 2024.

We are committed to practicing and promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity. We value applicants with a wide range of experience and vision, who have demonstrated commitment and responsibility in related projects and duties.

If you are passionate about advancing environmental justice, empowering communities, and contributing to the Justice 40 Initiative throughout southwest Pennsylvania, we invite you to consider joining our team as an Environmental Justice Grants Manager.

Benefits

This is a contracted position with New Sun Rising or RiverWise. Contractors will be matched with EJ projects based on the nature of the funding source, and their experience with project characteristics such as geography, strategy, partners, and activities. Compensation will be determined on a project specific basis.

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Environmental Justice (EJ) Grants Manager