Grant Writer

Rehearsal for Life (RFL), a creative youth development organization headquartered in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, seeks an experienced contract grant writer.

RFL’s mission is to strengthen young people’s social-emotional learning (SEL) skills for every stage in life, through dialogue, creativity and performance. We challenge young people to deal creatively with real issues in their lives, working with students and schools to build positive school climate where students experience physical and emotional safety, belonging and value-learning, building toward communities of respect and learning. Since 1974, we have used theater as a vehicle for social change and social justice, serving more than 80,000 young people in Greater Boston and beyond.

Job Description:

In collaboration with RFL’s Managing Director and development team, this person will be the primary grant writer for the organization’s yearly foundation goals and will ensure that we are on track to fully fund our operations and programming.

The grant writer will report to the Managing Director and work remotely, with regular meetings required to discuss ongoing projects, priorities and funding opportunities. Availability to work and meet during business hours (8:30am-4:30pm EST) is important.

Primary Responsibilities:

Articulate goals, impact and values of Rehearsal for Life, both organizationally and programmatically.
Solicit approximately 75 funders annually through letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, renewal requests and reports.
Generate project budgets, if applicable.
Update and maintain case statements and language for use in all grants.
Update CRM moves management and tracking systems for grant activities.
Update and generate monthly grants reports for the Managing Director.
Reach or exceed annual grant-funding revenue target.
Prospect for new grant funders using tools like Foundation Center, Philanthropy Massachusetts, Grantstation and others, and make recommendations to the Managing Director.
Provide other services as reasonably requested by the Managing Director.

The Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years’ experience including grant writing, prospecting, reporting and budgeting.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and comfort with competing deadlines.
Excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to tell a story that moves readers to action.
Strong editing and proofreading skills.
Familiarity with the arts and education philanthropic landscape in Greater Boston and Massachusetts.
Familiarity with creative youth development, theater, social-emotional learning and the role it plays in today’s youth.
Experience adapting organizational budgets into different formats as needed.
Ability to work effectively with computers using Microsoft Office, Google Docs and CRM-donor software Neon.
Ability to communicate information and organizational needs effectively on behalf of Rehearsal for Life’s staff and board.

How to Apply:

This part-time, contract role will require approximately 8 hours per week, understanding some flexibility with the grants calendar. The compensation for this role is $70/hr.

Interested parties can send a resume, cover letter, and professional writing sample grant proposal to office@rehearsalforlife.org. Please write Grant Writer | NAME in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Rehearsal for Life does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, students, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.

Rehearsal for Life is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a multicultural organization. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.