Manager of Grants and Donor Communications

OverviewMission: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Greater Kansas CityWe’re more than fundraisers. We’re the hand-raisers and game changers. We go looking for the tough issues in our community, and with your help, we go solve them. United Way of Greater Kansas City (UWGKC) unites donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits and community leaders to help change the lives of those in need. We are making Kansas City and the surrounding area better…100 years and counting. Join us.Position SummaryThis person believes that solutions to complex social problems are possible when Kansas Citians are united for transformative change. Primary responsibility is to grow revenue through strategic grantmaking, collaborative community partnerships, and execution of donor communications and annual appeal.Position Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.Grant Research, Writing and ManagementSupport the development of an annual grant strategy in conjunction with partners across Community Impact and Development, including an annual grant calendar, inventory of grant opportunities, and prioritizing of grant opportunities in support of United Way initiatives.Lead grant acquisition efforts for the organization and internal programs, including prospecting grant opportunities, preparing grant proposals and managing follow-up reporting and grant compliance.Make effective use of written communications to achieve goals related to grant making and community collaboration work, ensuring that stakeholders stay apprised of the organization’s work.Conduct post-grant award stewardship, including review of annual progress reports and aggregation of grantee outcome data.Day-to-day oversight and management of the pipeline of strategic initiatives, developing effective feedback mechanisms to ensure that the relevant staff and external partners are kept current regarding all aspects of the initiatives.Strengthen technology channels through Empower Pack, project management through Asana, and create effective communication, calendars, and schedules to improve the time management process.Serve as regular contact for UWGKC with leadership at area foundations and public funding agencies (as well as national funders, when appropriate) to cultivate relationships, engage around funding opportunities, and serve as the point of contact on grant applications and post-award reporting.Fundraising, Annual Appeal and CommunicationsExhibit exceptional communication skills while serving as the project lead for the direct mail and automated messaging plan.Implement and craft annual donor solicitations and communications as part of a cross-department team.Be knowledgeable about UWGKC’s work and be an effective and compelling communicator of the same to advance engagement and brand value.Be an active listener – seek to understand the spoken and unspoken needs of others, both colleagues as well as donors and prospects; include and engage others; be an effective facilitator between the organization and the donor; know when to bring others into donor conversations and decisions.Operational ExcellenceContribute to building a positive, results-oriented, donor-centric culture that delivers upon UWGKC’s mission driven strategic, operational and financial objectives.Participate in the Community Impact team managing high-level relationships and the Development team for program presentations to ensure strategic alignment between UWGKC initiatives and programs and fundraising objectives.A data-driven thinker who ensures systems are in place and functioning to gather, interpret, and report data to drive dynamic programming performance and impact.Regularly assess progress to goals, identifying what drives and impedes progress, work to develop solutions to address gaps.Maintain accurate and detailed donor communications notes in appropriate databases; ensure prompt acknowledgement of donations secured.Manage to project deadlines as outlined while proactively managing up to supervisor, Executive Team members and cross-departmentally.Annual Goals:

Achieve established goals for current and prospective grants and annual appeal fundraising and engagement. Work with other members of the UWGKC team to ensure goals and execution reflect, align and contribute to the broader goals of the organization.Flexibility:

UWGKC is evolving with our changing external environment. Flexibility is a key attribute for this position. A willingness to take on additional duties to ensure the success of the team is essential. Limited evenings and weekends may be needed to staff activities.Position QualificationsThe requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and/or ExperienceBachelor’s degree is required or equivalent, relevant professional work experience.At least three years of experience in grant writing or related field required.Excellent understanding of fundraising principles preferred.Demonstrated leadership in relationship building and management with internal and external constituents and a commitment to UWGKC’s focus on diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.Forward thinker with strong communication skills and politically savvy to represent UWGKC in this critical position.Proven experience and success in project management with a high degree of reliability, thoroughness, consistency, organization and accuracy is required.Proficient technology, computer and database experience required.Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive data.Core CompetenciesCatalyst:

A change agent who actively convenes partnerships with others who offer diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive community transformation and foster mission goals.Achievement:

Driven to make a difference – actively sets challenging stretch goals – passionately and purposely aims to achieve them; demonstrating adaptability and perseverance.Responsive:

Can be counted on to do what he or she says will be done. Models a consultative engagement approach in all interactions developing relationships both internally and externally, brings the “right” stakeholders into decisions and actions; and resolves conflicts respectfully.Excellence:

Invests in continuously learning, generously shares knowledge and strives to do the right thing in all endeavors to positively reflect the UWGKC brand and mission.Solutions:

Exhibits fierce resolve to understand root issues that impact achievement of results. Collaborates to devise creative, innovative solutions to optimize outcomes for those we serve.Position Leader:

Vice President, PhilanthropyPosition Leads:

NoneFSLA status:

ExemptAbout United Way of Greater Kansas CityUnited Way of Greater Kansas City, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, serves the five-county metropolitan area of Kansas City, partners with 145 agencies and serves more than 40,000 donors. The organization’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Greater Kansas City. Its focus is to improve the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community. United Way of Greater Kansas City’s partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information, please visit

www.UnitedWayGKC.org .United Way of Greater Kansas City - Equal Opportunity EmployerOMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

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