What Design Can Do is looking for a GRANT WRITER / MANAGER
GRANT WRITER / MANAGER
32-40 hours / week
Amsterdam
What Design Can Do (WDCD) is an international organisation that seeks to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, fair and just society using the power of design. WDCD team members contribute to this mission with their expertise and creative power, and that’s where you come in.
Based in Amsterdam, with hubs in São Paulo, Mexico City, Delhi, Nairobi and Tokyo, WDCD started in 2011 and is initiated, curated and organised by creatives. Since its inception, WDCD has undertaken numerous activities to promote the role of designers in addressing the world’s most pressing societal and environmental issues. It has done so by showcasing best practices, initiating discussions and facilitating collaboration between disciplines. So far, WDCD has hosted successful international design conferences in Amsterdam, São Paulo, and Mexico City.
Through its print publications, website, blog and social media, WDCD reaches an international community of engaged designers and creatives. In addition, our Challenge programme provides a space where the creative community can pilot, test and scale new innovations led by design and design-thinking. Challenges provide the global creative community with the connections, resources, skills and funding to help their new ideas thrive.
To expand our reach, support these activities and grow our impact we are looking to engage and build mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of funders, public, private or civil. Thereby we aim to also diversify our partnership base and increase income to fund our ambitions.
What we look for:
The Grant Writer/Manager plays a critical role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the programs and initiatives of WDCD. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, developing grant proposals, managing the grant application process, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The Grant Writer/Manager works closely with programme staff, finance team, and senior management to develop compelling proposals and reports that align with the organisation’s mission and priorities. This position works closely under and reports to the Head of Development of WDCD.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Grant Research: Identify and research potential funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other donors that align with the organisation’s programs and strategic priorities. Regularly monitor donor databases, websites, and other sources for funding announcements and opportunities.
- Proposal Development: Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and letters of inquiry in collaboration with program staff and other stakeholders. Ensure proposals are compelling, well-written, and tailored to meet the requirements and priorities of each donor.
- Grant and Relationship Management: Manage the entire grant lifecycle, from initial application through reporting and closeout. Coordinate with program teams to develop project budgets, work plans, and timelines that align with grant requirements. Track grant deliverables, milestones, and expenditures to ensure compliance with donor regulations. Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, program officers, and other key stakeholders. Serve as the primary point of contact for donors regarding grant inquiries, reporting, and communications.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with donor regulations, reporting requirements, and deadlines for all grants. Prepare and submit timely and accurate narrative and financial reports to donors, highlighting program achievements, challenges, and impact.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Measure the effectiveness of fundraising activities and track progress towards revenue targets. Use data and analytics to identify trends, evaluate strategies, and make data-driven decisions. Provide regular reports and analysis to the Head of Development and management team.
- Networking and Representation: Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences, and networking events related to international partnerships. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and resource mobilisation.
What your bring is:
We are looking for an talented and ambitious fundraiser, with some experience in development and fundraising, who brings the following:
- You have skills and some work experience in the field of international culture and creativity and/or climate action and developing funding applications;
- You have a creative and fresh mind, combined with a proactive and positive attitude;
- You have excellent communication skills in English and Dutch (additional languages are welcome)
- You are well organised and know how to build and manage a pipeline of relationships;
- You are a result driven (young) professional with a strong sense of responsibility, ability to work independently, with attention to detail as well as adherence to deadlines;
- You are familiar with digital management tools.
What we offer is:
A contract-based interesting parttime position (24-32 hours) with career opportunities, in a creative social impact organisation with an international scope and inspiring network. The initial contract is 6 months. Salary is dependent on skill set, experience and education and in accordance with the standards in the creative and cultural industry.
You’ll be joining a team of 13 Amsterdam-based creative professionals. The working atmosphere is informal, multilingual, team-oriented and encourages individual input and development and an entrepreneurial spirit. You will have the opportunity to be part of the Development Team and represent and promote WDCD with a variety of funders. Thereby you support the execution of WDCD’s impact driven programs and make a real difference to creating a more sustainable world.
Please send your CV and motivation (text and/or video) by 1 September 2024 to vacancies@whatdesigncando.com.
Please do not contact us for sales purposes or if you are an intermediary.