About us: Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is a nonprofit Catholic organization. For more than a century, we have cared for generations of families. We own and operate premier senior living communities that provide a spectrum of housing and care options including independent living, assisted living, memory support services, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community-based home care. Our charitable programs include a domestic violence prevention center and shelter, and we provide scholarships and educational support for students attending an all-girls Catholic high school in the Chicago area.

About your New Role: Welcome to the heart of transformational giving, where every grant represents a beacon of hope and possibility. As the Senior Grants Manager at Franciscan Ministries, you'll be at the forefront of our mission to empower communities and ministries with the resources they need to flourish. Your role isn't just about driving grant submission strategy; it's about forging meaningful connections and nurturing partnerships that transcend transactional exchanges. With your expertise, you'll craft tailored proposals that speak to the unique needs of each community and ministry, ensuring that every dollar invested makes a tangible difference in people's lives. Reporting to the Corporate Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving, you'll be the architect of our grant management efforts, stewarding resources with care and precision to maximize their impact. But perhaps most importantly, you'll be a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between vision and reality, and fostering a culture of generosity and compassion that defines Franciscan Ministries' legacy. Join us on this journey of empowerment and possibility, where your passion meets purpose, and together, let's build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Specific Task/Duties: Grant Management Responsibilities:

• Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders within Franciscan Ministries to drive grant fundraising results and manage grant projects and relationships related to building support through corporate, foundation, and government relations.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive grants management program system-wide, implementing strategies to establish and expand relationships with grant funders and community partners, submitting impactful proposals, and building communication pieces that share the foundation’s mission and message with all philanthropic grant funding supporters.
• Research and contact potential foundation and corporate funders to support programs, scholarships, capital, and other projects related to St. Jude House, Madonna Foundation, and our Senior Healthcare Communities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Research and contact potential funders for grant support and build quality relationships.
• Manage donor relations, communications, and recognition for our supporters.
• Communicate regularly with development team, executive directors, and finance to build knowledge and awareness of grant-related practices and opportunities.
• Develop effective procedures and implement best practices.
• Research, write, and submit competitive proposals to private and public foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Consult with appropriate program directors/managers to identify program priorities and coordinate proposal development with management.
• Manage and/or submit all required reports to funders.
• Work closely with program directors to obtain client, resident, and scholar outcomes and for grant reporting.
• Partner with finance staff in the creation of grant tracking policies along with providing information related to pending and committed grant funding awards.
• Maintain grant fundraising records within donor database (Raiser’s Edge).
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of potential new funding and strategies for education and programming for disadvantaged students, domestic violence/human services, and aging healthcare priorities.
• Maintain and believe in displaying the highest level of ethical conduct.
• Assist Advancement division with other writing responsibilities when needed.
• Attend and/or assist Advancement division with special events, only when needed.

Mission/Values:

1. Support, upholds, and maintains the Mission and Philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and serves as a role model in a positive manner and in all business interactions with entities and to the outside community. Demonstrates loyalty and pride in Franciscan and all affiliated entities.
2. Respects and safeguards the confidentiality of information regarding all Franciscan Ministries constituents, including and not limited to, scholars, residents/clients, co-worker’s schools, and family members, and holds others accountable to the same standard.
3. Projects a professional and caring demeanor always.
4. Exhibits financial responsibilities, ensuring budgetary guidelines are met.
5. Sets an example by demonstrating an attitude of teamwork when interacting with others. As such, consistently displays respect for self and for others in manner (body language, dress), word (spoken language), and action. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the essential functions of your job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work duties/tasks that may be required of the position.
6. Takes ownership of job responsibilities by initiating prompt and appropriate action/follow-up in all areas. Insure appropriate and timely resolutions to situations.
7. Exhibits resourcefulness and initiative in anticipating and meeting the needs of the Advancement division in a proactive manner. Encourages and empowers others to perform in the same manner.
8. Welcomes suggestions and new ideas as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve services.
9. Promotes and supports the change effort through accurate and timely communication, flexibility, and acceptance.
10. Aligns personal goals and objectives with the overall strategic plan of the organization.

Position Requirements:

• At minimum Bachelor’s degree in communications, education, business administration, or other closely related field.
• Master's degree in communications, business administration, or other closely related field.
• A minimum of five or more years of grant development OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary level of skill, knowledge, and ability.
• A demonstrated ability to manage grant programs and develop funding strategies to achieve program and fundraising goals.
• Experience in grant research and application processes, including government (federal, state, and local government) and non-government grant programs and processes.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and have the ability to take initiative, work independently, and use innovative techniques to prepare grant applications.
• Knowledge of the geographical service area and an interest in service to the underprivileged.
• Ability to apply an ethical code and good judgment, and to handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures and have the ability to embrace the mission of Franciscan Ministries.
• 10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including grant writing, accounting and statistics, gift reporting and receipting.
• Knowledge of Raisers Edge fundraising software.
• Experience with annual funds, capital campaigns, and planned giving is preferred.
• Membership with Grant Professional Association.