Grant Writer / Fundraiser

Starting Salary: $50-60,000 annuallywith benefits, depending on skills, experience and qualifications

Position Summary 

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Voice of the People in Uptown, a community-based and tenant-led affordable housing organization, the Grantwriter / Fundraiser (G/F) will be charged with

  • Writing grant proposals and donation requests, with related funder/board relations and reporting;
    • Conducting outreach to current and prospective individual supporters, cultivation and curation of donor relationships; and
    • Supporting and organizing promotional, fundraising and special events.

The G/F carries out duties and responsibilities in support of the Executive Director, program and administrative staff, who create and maintain the affordable housing and the non-profit organization, and provide resident and owner support services. 

G/F Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Researches and writes grant requests for  corporations and foundations, and government agencies
  • Develops annual strategic plans and updates for  long term plans for Marketing & Resource Development; prepares and presents quarterly reports to Voice Board of Directors based on the plans;
  • Produces quarterly e-newsletters for the general organization, and more frequent ones leading up to annual Sweet Home Uptown celebration and fundraiser;
  • Makes monthly organizational social media posts for general organization, maintaining organizational and community calendar of events, and Wish List for donations of money, goods, volunteer time and services to be routinely shared and updated on website and social media;
  • Supports executive, event consultants and management staff in organizing of annual fundraiser and community events; and,
  • The G/F supports the Executive Director with public and community relations, including emergency response communications.

General Qualifications & Requirements

A position-related degree from an accredited college or university.  A minimum of five years of experience in grant management and preferably, with individual/major donor solicitation and management. Candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated proficiency in proposal writing. Experience producing events desirable. Marketing and public relations is included in the job responsibilities . Thus, c (Candidates may be asked to document or test for the same.) Certification or membership status with the Association of Fundraising Professionals or equivalent organization is preferred.  Knowledge and experience with affordable housing issues, Chicago foundations and funders of housing and service programs, and demonstrated capabilities in donor research are all preferred.   Based on demonstrated qualifications and performance, a G/F could be eligible for start or promotion to Resource Development Coordinator, with coordination and management responsibilities in community and public relations, marketing and outreach, website and multi-media management, organizational planning and evaluation, educational and training programming.

Contact Us

E-mail cover letter, resume, writing sample(s) and references to careers@uptownvoice.org

About the Organization 

Voice of the People in Uptown is a nonprofit, community-controlled housing corporation with 54 years of service in the community. Voice is owner or partner of affordable housing, overseeing property and asset management, providing resident support services to over 800 people, including seniors in 14 buildings, and connecting tenants to service and economic opportunities. Voice now also provides affordable housing support services to owners that is essential for sustaining racial and economic diversity in north lakefront communities.  The organization has a legacy of tenant organizing, community development, and advocacy for affordable housing and social justice, which continues to the present day. The organization is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about us at UptownVoice.org

Recruitment: April, May 2023