Director of Foundation and Government Grants
LAF makes equal justice a reality and gets people back on track. For 50 years, LAF (formerly called Legal Assistance Foundation) has provided free legal assistance in non-criminal issues to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. LAF’s more than 150 full-time attorneys, staff, and volunteers help resolve legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Our work stabilizes lives by increasing safety; protecting economic security; and preventing homelessness. In addition to representing individuals in court and administrative hearings, we run community legal clinics, provide know-your-rights workshops, and work with community-based organizations to address emerging issues as well as persistent and chronic problems that affect low-income families. Our work impacts more than 30,000 people each year. Position: The Director oversees all of LAF’s government and private grants and contracts which totals over $5,000,000. S/he works with program staff and the Chief of External Relations to develop, write, edit, and submit grant applications and proposals and provide guidance to staff regarding grant processes. Develops relationships with federal and state granting agencies, private foundations, and corporations. Duties may include, but are not limited to identifying funding sources, supporting the process for developing and submitting proposals, monitoring awards, and writing post-award reports. The Director is part of a 5-person External Relations Department and reports to the Chief of External Relations. Responsibilities: • Supervise and evaluate Grants and Data Administrator • Design, implement and manage a comprehensive proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing foundation and government relationships by directing and coordinating activities related to obtaining government and foundation support • Write all grant applications and reports, ensure case handlers, finance department and grants administrator complete necessary parts • Oversee creation of case management reports and analyze the data for funding reports and to ensure projects are meeting their goals. • Ensure that budgets and budget narratives are properly done • Work with attorneys on narratives for proposals and reports • Ensure that everyone understands the conditions placed on the money received from the grant and follows compliance directives • Gather information and generate the proper reports to the grantors in a timely manner
Qualifications: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of grant writing/grant management or related experience. S/he must have excellent writing skills, be able to multi-task, have strong interpersonal skills, and excellent computer skills including case management and Excel experience/knowledge. Knowledge of Crystal Reports a plus. Strong attention to detail, accuracy and presentation is crucial as is excellent analytical and evaluative skills. S/he must have the ability to take initiative and be a leader; be able to address issues in a timely manner and be a self-starter. Commitment to LAF’s mission. Salary: Commensurate with relevant experience. Generous fringe benefits.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of two professional references by March 28, 2018 to: resume@lafchicago.org. Be sure to write “Director of Foundation and Government Grants “in the subject line of your e-mail. No phone calls, please. LAF values diversity, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate on the basis of disability and encourages candidates with experience working with our client population to apply.