Grant Writer

High Country News seeks an energetic, articulate and highly organized grant writer to support a growing foundations program. This position works closely with our Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, and maintains strong working relationships across the organization. Candidates should have sharp verbal and written communication skills, and a passion for independent journalism.

Responsibilities

Contract Deliverables include:

Grant Writing

Works with a range of staff to gather all relevant information for grant proposals
Drafts grant proposals that are concise, compelling, and aligned with organizational priorities
Provides staff members with time to review proposals and reports and offer feedback before submission
Coordinates with copy editor to ensure that reports and proposals are up to HCN’s standards
Files grant proposals and progress reports ahead of deadline
Ensures that all grant documents are up-to-date, accurate and filed appropriately
Meets regularly with editorial and fundraising staff to stay abreast of HCN’s work and aspirations

Foundations Tracking

Tracks deadlines and maintains calendar for grant applications and progress reports
Maintains grant records in Salesforce
Informs and updates staff members of upcoming deadlines and obligations
Works with editorial and other staff to track grant deliverables
Works with fundraising team on grant data entry

Foundation Prospecting

Identifies new foundation prospects and assesses their fit to HCN’s programs and priorities

High Country News is part of a growing number of newsrooms addressing a historic lack of representation, inclusion and equity in journalism and is committed to finding effective solutions. We welcome freelance contractors from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, people with disabilities, two spirit and non-binary people.
Qualifications

Skills and experience:

We’re most interested in hearing how your own skills, broader experience and qualifications would benefit HCN and the communities we serve and hope to serve across the West. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about the mission and values of HCN, and driven to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism.

The contract holder has a background as a grant writer, a foundations program manager, or other relevant role and is able to demonstrate strong organizational, project management and communication skills. They are able to produce crisp, compelling copy that is aligned with HCN’s evolving priorities and impacts.

The contract requires solid written communication skills, with the ability to ‘make things happen’. The contract holder is a highly collaborative individual, able to build trust and effective relationships with HCN staff. A proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace applications and donor database systems is an advantage.