Grants Acquisition Associate
About Jusoor
Jusoor, which means "bridges" in Arabic, is an international NGO with the mission of “Maximizing the potential of Syrian youth through education”. Founded in 2011 by Syrian Diaspora in the private sector, Jusoor is a unique model of humanitarian intervention known for its innovative approach, dynamic and continuously improving programs, high-velocity execution, and the strength of its global partnerships. We believe in lean impact, and hold ourselves accountable for being nimble and responsive to the realities of Syrian children and youth on the ground and in the diaspora. We are also non-political, non-religious and globally registered in the US, Canada, UK, Jordan and Lebanon.
Over the last 12 years, Jusoor has been bridging the opportunity gap for war- and displacement- affected children at each developmental stage through to their early career. Through our 4 programs – Refugee Education, Scholarships, Entrepreneurship and Career Development — we have impacted the lives of over 15,000 children and youth through creating diverse and meaningful educational pathways in the Middle East, US, UK, Europe, and Asia; trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs; and empowered over 600 businesses and startups through mobilizing over 23million USD in global support. Our specialized and committed team of 25 staff and 50 frontline educators work passionately to empower and elevate generations of Syrian youth.
Join our
Fundraising Department
and Make an Impact
About the Role
We are actively seeking a highly motivated and experienced consultant with a strong network of institutional donors to strategize, secure, and effectively manage grants, providing essential funding for our programs. As a Grants Acquisition Associate, your mission is to create and implement a robust plan to secure grants, involving proficient grant prospecting, the cultivation of vital relationships with benefactors and supporters, drafting persuasive funding proposals, and grant lifecycle management. Your financial expertise and drive for fundraising will be instrumental in securing the necessary funding to support Syrian youth and ensure the continuity of our mission.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Monitoring:
1. Develop and implement a strategic grants fundraising plan that aligns with the organization's mission and funding needs.
2. Remain abreast of funders' trends and contribute information for prioritization of funding opportunities.
3. Be on top of changing aid modalities and their implications for Jusoor.
4. Generate leads, identify donors and co-funding partners, analyze opportunities, pitch ideas, and develop internal stakeholder buy-in for opportunities.
5. Identify and attend conferences and virtual events on behalf of Jusoor.
6. Manage the Grants Calendar
2. Relationship Building & outreach:
1. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including foundation program officers, government agency representatives, and high-level institutional donors.
2. Organize and assist with site visits and represent the organization to funders and visitors.
3. Ensure potential institutional donors receive regular updates about our developments.
3. Research & Proposal Development and Management:
1. Lead the proposal development process for identified funding opportunities. Coordinate with all relevant departments and advisors.
2. Advise on the interpretation and application of donor rules, regulations, processes, and procedures.
3. Draft concept notes and narratives, and work with the MEAL Manager to develop log frames and theory of change in line with funder guidelines.
4. Support Program Development and Funding Associate to ensure reporting requirements for all funders are met and reports are completed to deadlines.
4. Grant Acquisition and Administration:
1. Identify and research potential grant opportunities, foundations, and government programs that align with our mission and programs.
2. Draft compelling grant proposals, make sure they meet grant requirements, and submit them on time.
3. Collaborate with finance and program teams to develop budgets and financial projections for grant applications.
4. Work closely with the fundraising team, MEAL team program managers and other departments to gather information and data needed for grant applications.
5. Lead registration with institutional donors, like the EU.
6. Help in other fundraising areas to improve tools and reports.
7. Work with the relevant team members to ensure the Salesforce Database is up-to-date with grant and donor information, including deadlines and milestones.
Eligibility
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Access to a computer or laptop with high-speed internet
- Strong computer skills and experience navigating various cloud-based collaboration platforms, including Google Drive, Slack and Zoom.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with other remotely-based team members while also being self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Demonstrates respect for diverse identities, including strong multicultural awareness and gender-sensitive behavior as a member of a global team.
- Knowledge of the challenges facing Syrian children and youth
Preferred
- Existing connections to institutional donors supporting organisations similar to Jusoor
- Knowledge of Arabic
- Proficiency in donor databases (preferably Salesforce)
Required Skills and Experience
Core Qualifications
- Strong writing skills that convey mission, values, and goals in ways compelling to potential donor institutions, experience in development and writing winning technical proposals for institutional funders.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- Ability to develop and execute a strategic grants fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals.
- Proactive in identifying and capitalizing on emerging funding opportunities.
- Knowledge of donor rules, regulations, and procedures, and ability to advise on their interpretation and application.
Technical Skills
- Proven track record of securing multi-million dollar grants from foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making organizations.
- Strong interpersonal skills for cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including foundation program officers, government representatives, and institutional donors.
- Experience organizing and participating in site visits to enhance engagement with funders.
- Expertise in developing budgets and financial projections for grant applications.
- Familiarity with financial aspects of grant lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with funder guidelines.
Experience & Education
- Bachelors in international relations, business, or a related field. MA strongly preferred,
- Extensive experience with a minimum of 7-10 years in grant proposal writing.
- Demonstrated success of securing at least 60% of grants submitted.
- Demonstrated track record of securing a substantial amount of funding, with experience in successfully securing 2 million dollars or more annually in grants.
- Ability to showcase tangible contributions to the financial sustainability of the organization through effective grant acquisition strategies.
Culture, Values & Expectations
At Jusoor, we place integrity, accountability, and respect at the core of our values. Jusoor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming work environment. Jusoor does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation. People with disabilities and people of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Why Work with Us
- Energetic, diverse and all-star team to work with and learn from
- Generous paid time off and parental policies
- Yearly professional development stipend for courses, conferences, learning materials, and a variety of training opportunities across the organization.
- Opportunities for creativity and directing your career path within the organization
How to Apply
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter including examples of successful major gift solicitations through the link below by Dec 8th, 2023. Note that applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
As a result of the high number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter including examples of successful major gift solicitations through the link below by Dec 8th, 2023. Note that applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
As a result of the high number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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