Medecins Sans Frontieres
Grant Writer, Foundations and Corporate Partnerships
Medecins Sans Frontieres, New York, New York, 10261
About MSF USA | Doctors Without BordersDoctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients. MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF's social mission. Role OverviewUnder the general direction of the Director of Foundations and Corporate Partnership, the Grant Writer will be instrumental in advancing the mission of Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) by developing clear and persuasive written communications that effectively convey the organization's mission, programs, and objectives as well as expected outcomes, impact, and financial needs while reflecting donors' programmatic funding objectives. The Grant Writer will present these elements through compelling narratives that resonate with current and prospective donors and stakeholders, ensuring that all written materials accurately reflect our initiatives and the impact of our work and align with donor interests and priorities.As a key member of our Development team, the Grant Writer will serve as a thought partner for the Foundations and Corporate Partnerships team to conceptualize and define proposal ideas, at times in collaboration with the Program department. This role requires the ability to gather, synthesize, and adapt complex information from diverse written and oral sources (including materials in French and Spanish) to create concise and coherent reports and proposals.The Grant Writer will also be responsible for revising and editing drafts, upholding high standards of quality, and adhering to proposal-writing standards that emphasize readability, consistency, and tone.The Grant Writer will maintain meticulous records of source materials and remain up to date on MSF communications and program updates in support of the creation of materials that enhance donor reports and proposals.MSF's Foundation and Corporate Partnership team solicits approximately 500 foundations and 50 corporate foundations each year with the goal of raising approximately $50M from current and prospective donors.Department Accountabilities ProspectingPursue strategic opportunities to develop new donor segments annually, contributing to meeting the team's revenue targets.Donor Cultivation, Engagement and ManagementBuild trust and loyalty with potential and existing donors. At the simplest level, update donors on activities. At a more complex level, build long-term relationships with key donors and key donor segments. Take overall responsibility for designing, developing, and delivering the donor engagement strategy. May be through channels or through personal relationships.FundraisingSecure reliable, sustainable and efficient resources in alignment with MSF-US commitments.Brand PositioningDrive awareness and consideration through brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans.Best-in-Class Fundraising Systems and CapabilitiesDeploy and champion the latest technological systems and capabilities that push the boundaries of what Development can produce for its donors.Roles Specific OutcomesProject Management (G)Manage a portfolio of projects while reporting to senior colleagues.Stakeholder Management (F)Plan and deliver stakeholder engagement activities to develop effective project working relationships and to ensure that stakeholder needs and concerns are identified and met.Content Creation (G)Write and edit powerful and compelling content with messaging tailored by current and prospective donor interests while remaining line with MSF's priorities and voice.Data Management (F)Manage basic aspects of the data management system with guidance from senior colleagues. This includes being responsible for developing or operating basic elements of the data management systems to deliver prescribed outcomes.Donor Renewals (F)Drive and secure donor renewals through exceptional service interactions, ensuring the donor is consistently gaining value from the product/service.Donor Relationship Development (Prospecting) (H)Develop and implement a relationship management plan for strategic, complex potential accounts to build key relationships at local and national levels. Coordinate the engagement of own organization with the donor organization to ensure effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues.Donor Relationship Management (Account Management) (H)Develop and implement a relationship management plan for strategic, complex existing accounts to build key relationships at local and national levels. Coordinate the engagement of own organization with the donor organization to ensure effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. Manage key client and donor relationships, often through account teams, to ensure their ongoing satisfaction and loyalty.These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills§ Applies expertise to navigate complex donor priorities, adjusting proposal content based on donor requirements and MSF priorities. Typically known as a subject matter expert.§ Applies expertise to act as an authority to accurately identify and understand the key donation influences pertaining to an opportunity.§ Applies expertise to act as an authority to quickly and effectively establish trust within the client's organization.§ Applies expertise to act as an authority to orient MSF-USA around delivering to the key needs of their donors.Behavioral Competencies THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.People FocusBuilds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.Manages ComplexityMakes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.Global PerspectiveTakes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.Cultivates InnovationCreates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.Drives ResultsConsistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.CollaboratesBuilds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.Communicates EffectivelyDevelops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.ValuesDifferencesRecognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Instills TrustGains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.Builds trust with both internal teams and external donors by delivering high-quality work on time and proactively addressing donor concerns in consultation with colleagues.In partnership with Relationship Managers, develop stronger relationships with donors by tailoring proposals that meet their specific needs, fostering long-term engagement.Manages AmbiguityOperates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.Situational AdaptabilityAdapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.Technical CompetenciesPlans and AlignsPlanning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.Financial AcumenInterprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.Tech SavvyAnticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.Data Collection and AnalysisThe ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.Project Management SkillsThe ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.Presentation and Written Communication SkillsAdapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.Supervisory ResponsibilityNoneDesired Qualifications & ExperienceAt a minimum, the Job Holder should possess:•At least 10 years of experience in grant writing, with proven success in securing significant funding from foundations and corporate donors.•Ability to analyze and synthesize complex and sensitive material to develop compelling reports and proposals, and appropriate, well-informed messages to donors.•Excellent oral and written communication skills, organization, and attention to detail.•Ability to write for a range of audiences from a professional foundation to a corporation to an individual donor.•Advanced proficiency in Salesforce and other donor management systems. Expertise in using Excel for data analysis and reporting.•Facility with spreadsheets and budgets.•Excellent time management and ability to consistently meet deadlines.•Keen attention to detail with the ability to track multiple projects at one time.•Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.•Knowledge of international humanitarian affairs.•Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Media, or related field; or equivalent work experienceTravel RequirementsMust be willing to travel for work as needed.Compensation$88,822 to $133,233, all new employees will be compensated from the minimum to the midpoint based on experience)Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement:MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at recruitmentnewyork.msf.org.We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.