The Southern Movement Committee (SMC) is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced and dynamic grants manager to make a significant impact. The grants manager will be instrumental in securing grants to support SMC work, managing existing grants, and researching new funding sources for the organization.

The grants manager will be an essential member of SMC's staff. The grants manager will work with SMC leadership to develop and transform ideas into grant proposals and will take the lead in preparing funding applications. The grants manager will also find new grant opportunities to fulfill SMC's mission, write and edit grant reports, and ensure programmatic compliance with all grants. The grants manager will maintain a grant management system and facilitate regular internal meetings to prepare for future grant proposals and report deadlines. 

We are looking for someone who works well on a small team, is committed to our mission, and is passionate about social justice. The right person for this team takes initiative, aligns with our values, has great communication skills, and can manage multiple projects with different timelines. This is a full-time position located in Nashville, Tennessee, with some travel.

• Prepare, write, review, and submit grant proposals to secure funding opportunities that align with SMC’s vision, projects, and campaigns

• Expand SMC’s grant portfolio by researching and reviewing new funding opportunities and developing and implementing an effective grant solicitation strategy 

• Maintain grant database that includes current funder list, prospect list, grant portal login information, research reports, grant language, template designs, cover letters, grant applications, financial reports, and other pertinent documents

• Support the organization in stewarding relationships with current and potential funders through timely report submission and providing regular written updates 

• Collaborate with SMC staff to gather and develop program budgets, timelines, and other necessary documents for grant submissions 

• Facilitate staff meetings to share timelines, budgets, and deliverables for new grants  

• Track funding opportunities, deliverables, and deadlines in the donor database

• Develop a report for SMC directors regarding grant-seeking progress and strategic action steps 

• Participate in SMC projects and other duties as assigned by management 

• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings 

• Develop and implement necessary work plans with the Executive Director

• Document SMC’s programs, campaigns, and activities and create relevant reports 

• Some travel to training and events as permitted with COVID19 travel precautions

• At least three years of experience in successful grant-seeking and writing

• Has successfully raised at least $250,000 in grants 

• Commitment to SMC’s vision, mission, campaigns, and programs 

• Strong relationship-building skills 

• Ability to work with community members, community partners, and other stakeholders

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

• Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills

• The ability to adapt as necessary and work on teams

• Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

• High degree of proficiency with online grant application software, Google Workspace, PowerPoint, EveryAction, and donor management software experience, plus online research tools

• Driven, takes initiative, and self-motivated

• Highly organized, able to meet goals in multiple areas with established timelines

• Commitment to fighting systemic oppression, dedication to movement building in the US South, and enthusiasm and commitment to participatory democracy, movement building, and community organizing

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to carry out assignments to completion 

• Ability to work Monday - Friday, with weeknights and weekends as needed

• Experience developing member-based fundraising campaigns

• Experience developing new relationships with funders 

• Knowledge of economic, racial, gender, and criminal legal system issues and policy fights 

• Understanding of the local and statewide political landscape in Tennessee