Program Director
for Grant Writing & Partnerships

Job Title: Program Director for Grant Writing and Foundation Partnerships

 

Location: Remote

Schedule: Flexible (estimated 20 hours per week) 

Compensation: Equity stake during the startup period

 

Company Overview: Voice Up is a digital media and social impact project dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people to drive social change. Voice Up collaborates with non-profits, agencies, and foundations to address critical family and community goals through innovative programs and projects as part of this mission. We focus on education, criminal justice reform, literacy, special education, climate change, and ethical AI applications.

 

Position Overview: The Program Director for Grant Writing and Foundation Partnerships will lead VoiceUp’s efforts to support local and regional non-profits in securing private, state, and federal funding. This role will involve developing and nurturing partnerships with agencies and organizations whose goals align with VoiceUp’s mission, building strategies to win grants, and expanding VoiceUp’s network of foundation partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, program development, and partnership-building, emphasizing social impact initiatives. This position will work directly with the Founder, Hamilton Award Winner for Outstanding Contributions to the Cause of Behavioral Health and Individuals with Disabilities. He has secured over $30 million in support of education innovation and an additional $10 million in support of behavioral health innovation reform.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Grant Writing & Strategy Development:

• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals, focusing on funding opportunities that support Voice Up’s goals in education, criminal justice reform, literacy, special education, climate change, and AI for the public good.

• Develop comprehensive grant strategies for local, citywide, and regional initiatives, tailoring applications to meet the criteria of private foundations, state programs, and federal funding sources.

• Work closely with non-profit partners to understand their goals, aligning grant proposals to secure funding that advances shared objectives.

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2. Partnership Development & Collaboration:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with local, regional, and national non-profits, government agencies, and foundations to collaborate on social impact projects and funding initiatives.

• Engage with community organizations, educational institutions, and advocacy groups to understand their needs and identify funding opportunities that support family and community goals.

• Serve as a liaison between Voice Up and its partners, facilitating communication, aligning goals, and building long-term collaborative relationships.

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3. Program Support & Capacity Building:

• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to local and regional non-profits on best practices in grant writing, proposal development, and grant management.

• Develop resources and templates to help partners strengthen their grant applications, ensuring alignment with funders’ goals and priorities.

• Support partners with project planning, budgeting, and evaluation frameworks to enhance their chances of securing and successfully managing grant funding.

4. Foundation Partnerships & Networking:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key private foundations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations, building a robust network of funding partners for Voice Up and its associated non-profits.

• Research and pursue new foundation and corporate partnership opportunities, creating strategies for long-term engagement and support.

• Represent Voice Up at community events, conferences, and meetings with potential funders, fostering connections that align with Voice Up’s mission and vision.

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5. Project Management & Reporting:

• Track and monitor grant application deadlines, requirements, and outcomes, ensuring all submissions meet high standards and deadlines.

• Provide regular updates and reports on grant activities, partnerships, and funding outcomes to Voice Up leadership.

• Oversee compliance with grant requirements, ensuring funds are used effectively and align with funder expectations.

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Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a higher learning institution, including two-year or four-year colleges, universities, or trade schools.

• Or recent alumni with very strong on-campus real-time connections.

• Or a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in grant writing, non-profit fundraising, or foundation partnerships, with a proven track record of securing significant funding.

• Expertise in building and managing collaborative partnerships, with a strong network in the philanthropic, education, or social impact sectors.

• Knowledge of funding sources and grant opportunities for social impact programs, particularly in areas like education, criminal justice reform, and climate change.

• Exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills, with an eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• A collaborative, mission-driven approach to leadership with a commitment to community and social justice.

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Compensation: Compensation will be determined based on the startup’s structure and resources, with the potential for an equity stake or deferred payment arrangement in the initial stages.

 

How to Apply: 

Send to info@ellingtonbooks.com 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and samples of past proposals or successful funding applications. In your cover letter, share why you are passionate about VoiceUp’s mission and how you envision supporting our goals in partnership with community organizations.