Grant Development Manager

Heartland Conservation Alliance Grant Development Manager – Blue River Greenway Initiative

Posted August 9, 2024

Heartland Conservation Alliance (HCA) is seeking a passionate and experienced Grant Development Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in securing and managing sustainable funding streams for HCA operations, programming, and initiatives (particularly for the exciting Blue River Greenway (BRG)). About the Blue River Greenway (BRG): HCA, in collaboration with partners, is developing the BRG, a 43-mile linear corridor within the Blue River Watershed. This initiative aims to connect people and places, preserve greenspaces, improve water quality, and contribute to a healthy, prosperous, and connected region. See the Blue River Greenway Vision and Case Statement as well as the Water Equity Road Map for more details on this initiative.

About the Position: As the Grant Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying, securing, and managing funding that supports HCA generally and the BRG vision and implementation program. This includes:

• Identifying and applying for federal, state, and foundation grants: You will be a grant research pro, scouring funding opportunities that align with HCA’s strategic plan and the BRG initiative.
• BRG Coordination: Manage the “Blue River Greenway (BRG) Coordination” Cooperative Agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), including:
  • Develop and finalize a strategic funding and financial plan for the BRG.
  • Identify and apply for 1-2 federal grants, 1-2 state grants, and 5-10 foundation grants per year to fund components of the “Vision and Implementation Program for the Blue River Greenway”.
  • Approach at least 3 major regional and national philanthropic funders to cultivate funding relationships, communicate the vision for the BRG, and solicit partnership and contributions.
  • Work to identify and leverage city, county, state, federal, and philanthropic funding and innovative financial instruments such as carbon credits, taxing districts, loans, or program related investments to achieve the strategic funding and financial plan for the BRG.
  • Develop a comprehensive, long-term funding and financial portfolio that distributes resources equitably and efficiently to implement the “Vision and Implementation Program for the Blue River Greenway”.
• Developing compelling grant proposals: Craft persuasive and well-organized proposals that showcase the impact of the BRG and effectively communicate organizational and program-specific funding needs.
• Strategic Funding Plan: Develop and finalize a comprehensive funding and financial plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of HCA and the BRG initiative. 
• Managing awarded funds: With support from other team members, manage the post-award phase for awarded grants by overseeing the implementation of grant activities, reporting on grant progress, and completing closeout activities at the end of grant performance periods.
• Urban Waters Federal Partnership: Serve as Ambassador for and lead the EPA Blue River Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP), including coordination of the Urban Waters Partnership Workgroup and the Renew the Blue campaign.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Grant Writing & Management Expert: Proven track record of securing and managing large, federal-level grants (3-5+ years of experience) via exceptional grant writing and managerial skills.
• Strategic Thinker: Can translate HCA’s goals into a winning funding strategy and develop a long-term funding plan for HCA and our BRG initiative.
• Relationship Builder: Thrive in building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community members.
• Effective Communicator: Excel at written and verbal communication, able to present complex information to audiences from varied backgrounds.
• Team Leader: Have experience managing a team of volunteers and possess strong leadership skills to motivate and collaborate effectively.
• Environmental Justice Champion: Passionate about environmental justice and committed to ensuring equitable access to nature for all.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with modern computer applications, including word processing, cloud storage, presentation development, and internet research tools.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary range: starting at $60,000 commensurate with experience. 
• Comprehensive benefits package including 15 paid holidays, 15 days per year of paid time off, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, as well as employer contribution of $500/month to organization’s health insurance plan and employer-paid dental, group life, and vision insurance plans. HCA is closed for Winter Break from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day.
• Hybrid work environment offering flexibility and opportunities to work in the office, remotely, and in the field.

Heartland Conservation Alliance is an exciting place to work if you are passionate about conservation, environmental justice, and making a positive impact on your community. Join us in making the BRG a reality!