If you are searching for a grant writing job, either full-time or contract, you may wonder what non-profits are thinking during the hiring process. What are they specifically looking for?
I recently spoke to a few of my friends who are Executive Directors of small to midsize organizations, and they were candid when they shared their insights.
The one thing they all agreed upon is that finding the right grant writer is like winning the lottery.
Skills are important, but it’s the little things that matter most.
Here is what they shared with me…
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
Understanding how non-profit programs operate is key to effective grant writing. If you have never worked for a non-profit, consider becoming a volunteer for a local program to learn about how they operate.
Do your research. When interviewing a grant writing candidate, Executive Directors want to see that you know the mission of the org and that you have visited the website and familiarized yourself with programs, annual reports, etc.
Are you comfortable with feedback? As grant writers, we are writing experts and masters of storytelling, but the staff at the organization is on the ground, getting their hands dirty every day. Grant writers must be able to accept feedback and work together with program staff.
Are you versatile? Grant funders are not monoliths. Community foundations, local foundations, corporations, government funders- they are all different audiences with different focuses. Executive Directors want to see that you can be versatile when writing grants for different types of funders.
What is your range? As the organization grows, can you expand your scope of work? Are you comfortable handling reporting and helping the program staff structure outcome data? Will you play well with the development team, and do you have the skills to support other fundraising types? Executive Directors don’t love the hiring process and would like grant writers to grow with the organization rather than have to hire again.
Interestingly, one Executive Director shared that the actual grant writing part can be learned through seminars and courses, so she focuses on hiring a great researcher and someone who thinks outside of the box when it comes to nonprofit fundraising. Those things can’t be taught as easily, in her opinion.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
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