Position Description:

The individual in this position is a proven grant and foundation support fundraiser who holds a critical position in the Advancement department. Working in conjunction with the Chief Advancement Officer, the individual researches, manages, and writes grants and build relationships with foundation program officers in partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer. The role oversees the development of a pipeline of grants and manages grant reporting.

About Connecticut Historical Society and its Opportunities:

The CHS has always worked to understand the past and encourage historic inquiry. Through permanent and groundbreaking temporary exhibitions such as Common Struggle, Individual Experience, An Exhibition about Mental Health, the CHS has always worked to ensure that Connecticut residents feel connected not only to the history and culture of Connecticut but, through a shared understanding of history, with each other. The public programming of the CHS serves school groups, families, teachers, curious life-long learning adults, researchers, and the State of Connecticut. The CHS is the only state historical organization that offers a folklife program, the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program, to ensure the collection is an inclusive and true representation of the diversity of the state. The adoption of the state folklife program in 2015 resulted in bringing more than 60,000 objects, mostly photographic and video content, of the diverse cultural groups that are in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Historical Society is at an exciting moment in its history. As the organization prepares for its 200th Anniversary in 2025, the CHS is committed to a five-year strategic plan to enhance its impact by elevating work with diverse communities across the state to develop engaging programs, events, and exhibitions. The CHS is in discussions with the State of Connecticut regarding a potential public-private capital project which is currently in its early stages of conception. In support of this capital project, the CHS anticipates launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign. In preparation for this anticipated campaign, the CHS has completed a campaign readiness assessment, an extensive development assessment, and wealth screen of its prospects. The CHS has also completed an institutional rebrand which will launch to the public in the first quarter of 2023.

Responsibilities:

• Manage grants administration. In conjunction with Chief Advancement Officer, outsourced grants vendor(s) and other CHS staff, generate potential grant sources, contacts, and distribute grant guidelines to relevant staff.
• Maintain a master calendar of grant opportunities, grants applied for, and grants awarded.
• Act as project manager with staff to develop grant proposals, submissions and appropriate interim and final reports including any required financial reporting.
• Lead or support as applicable grant applications and reports where needed, manage applications, collation, and submissions, helping to keep the processes on deadline.
• Act as liaison for grant request development between consultant Grant Writer and CHS staff to ensure all information needed for grants are delivered to the Grant Writer.
• Draft and edit grant proposals, LOIs and grant reports.
• Support in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of corporate sponsors, as needed.
• Support in the creation of sponsorship packages.
• Create monthly Advancement report and statistics.
• Support other Advancement Department other duties as directed.

Skills, Experience and Education Required:

• • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • 3-5 years of proven fundraising experience and achievement in the areas of grants, corporate sponsorships, and annual fund giving.
  • Goal driven and able to think creatively and strategically.
  • Strong organizational skills, writing and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to clearly articulate CHS’s mission and engage foundation partners.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with a variety of constituents and to consistently project a friendly and professional demeanor to visitors and staff, in person, electronically, and on the telephone.
  • Comfort meeting, engaging and soliciting external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with computers and ability to learn new software applications quickly.
  • Ability to maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.
  • Proven interest in and understanding of American history and culture.
  • Capable of managing several projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Experience with donor management software, Blackbaud Altru, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative suite, a plus.

Schedule

Full time, Monday through Friday, occasional remote work opportunities.

Compensation

$55,000 to $65,000 per year.

Benefits

Eligible for generous full employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, employer contributions to 403(b) plan, and paid vacation and sick days.

How to apply

Please email cover letter and resume to Susan Presutti, Director of Human Resources, [email protected], by April 21, 2023. Finalist group of candidates will provide three references (preferably current or former managers) with telephone numbers and email addresses.

CHS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.