Open Space Institute
New York, NY
Anticipated Start Date: January 2027
Description
OSI is seeking a Grant Writer to support essential institutional fundraising communications. Under the supervision of OSI’s Senior Director, Institutional Giving, the Grant Writer’s responsibilities include developing tailored concept notes and proposals, narrative and financial reports, donor touchpoints, meeting resources and presentation decks, and other formal and informal communications that demonstrate the impact of OSI’s programs and strengthen relationships with current and prospective funders. OSI’s institutional funding partners are often deeply knowledgeable about land conservation, climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature, and many bring extensive experience and networks to these fields.
The Grant Writer must be able to translate OSI’s complex and place-based work into clear and compelling materials for this sophisticated audience. This position requires exceptional writing abilities, keen attention to detail, and the ability to communicate OSI’s mission, strategies, and results with accuracy and persuasive force.
Responsibilities
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Write compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, reports, briefings, emails, decks, program updates, and other communications as necessary to cultivate, secure, and steward funding relationships to support specific projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with funders' priorities and guidelines.
Collaborate closely with fundraising and program staff to gather complex, essential information and data necessary to develop grant proposals, reports, briefings, stewardship updates, cultivation outreach, meeting materials, and any other communications.
Research municipal, state and federal plans, news items and articles, and policy pieces to develop cases for support of OSI’s work.
Drive project timelines, ensuring accurate and timely submission of grant inquiries, proposals, and reports, adhering to internal priorities as well as any deadlines, requirements, and guidelines provided by funders. Meet internal deadlines for drafts and revisions, allowing for internal reviews by project and fundraising teams.
As needed, lead project kick-off meetings with program and fundraising staff to gather key information, develop project timelines, and communicate project needs. Prepare donor communications and decks to support institutional funder portfolios managed by Chief Development Officer, Senior Director, Institutional Giving, and Manager, Institutional Giving.
Conduct research to identify funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies aligned with our organization's mission and programs. Copyedit institutional funder communications.
Gather relevant program information to support donor-facing members of executive, development, and program teams in preparation for meetings and in the creation of proposals and reports.
Additional Responsibilities
Assist with grant management activities, including monitoring grant progress and reporting requirements, as needed. Submit proposals, reports and compliance needs in portals, as needed.
Assist with reporting to and activities for OSI’s External Affairs committee, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
Serve as a point of contact between the development department, communications department, and program teams.
Support and assist with other development activities, including mailings and events. Special projects as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in related field and 3+ years related experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising/development role in non-profit sector.
Undergraduate degree.
General Skills and Abilities
Outstanding attention to detail, organization, diligence and commitment to excellence. Ability to think and problem-solve creatively.
Highly organized. Ability to meet and work ahead of deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
Ability to work on overlapping complex assignments. Highly collegial working style.
Familiarity with environmental and/or land conservation issues is desirable. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
Location & Physical Requirements
The position is based in OSI’s New York City office. Some evening and weekend hours may be required occasionally for donor events. Frequently sits for long periods of time. Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard. May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, and bending.
Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
$70,000-74,000
How to Apply for this Job
About the Organization
The Open Space Institute (OSI) protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats, and sustain community character. OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, special loan programs, creative partnerships, and analytical research.
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