Strategic Development Specialist

JOB SUMMARY :

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Development and Public Policy and collaborating closely with other organizational leaders, this position promotes efforts with community engagement and strategic development.

The Strategic Development Strategist oversees a comprehensive approach to securing government and foundation grants, while also driving the integration of care strategies across program areas to enhance the impact of our services.

This position works closely with the Vice President of Strategic Development & Public Policy in a collaborative manner to reach the organization’s goals, while focusing on both grant writing and engagement with programs to advance strategic integration.

The Strategic Development Strategist is primarily responsible for developing and writing grant proposals to grant-making organizations and will communicate Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s mission, vision, and programs to potential funders.

The Strategic Development Strategist conducts research on issues of concern and focus and represents the organization at community events.

The Strategic Development Strategist will be able to craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner. Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.

The individual must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and highly organized. The Strategic Development Strategist will work well under pressure and possess the ability to seek and synthesize information and communicate in a compelling and succinct form.

ESSENTIAL Duties and Responsibilities :

• Provide support to the Vice President of Strategic Development & Public Policy in achieving strategic goals.
• Collaborate with organizational leaders to align grant-seeking activities with short-term and long-term organizational goals, focusing on measurable outcomes and funding targets.
• Conduct research on funding opportunities, community needs, and programmatic initiatives to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Work closely with organizational leaders to develop and implement an integrated care strategy that promotes coordination and collaboration across program areas.
• Support the development and implementation of community projects and initiatives.
• Support the coordination of advocacy efforts alongside the Vice President of Strategic Development and Public Policy, leveraging relationships and partnerships to advance VOASELA policy priorities.
• Assist the Vice President of Strategic Development & Public Policy in research, community engagement, and responsive grant writing activities.
• Represent Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana in community meetings.
• Seek out and respond to strategic opportunities that leverage Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s presence in and impact on the community.
• Build and foster relationships with key stakeholders, partner agencies, and service providers.
• Work on special projects and assignments as needed.

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE / TRAINING REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of human services or other relevant experience, with a focus on strategic development and community impact.
• Proven track record in grant writing and management, particularly with government and foundation grants.
• Strong understanding of federal grant programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent writing, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for VOASELA’s mission and commitment to equity.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and integrity.
• Ability to meet aggressive deadlines and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to network and partner with all stakeholders including broad and diverse representation of private / public and traditional / non-traditional community organizations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have National Criminal Identification Center (NCIC) clearance for employment.

Travels to other locations as appropriate in the performance of duties and responsibilities.

Must have :

• Current driver’s license issued by state of residence
• Current Vehicle Inspection decal
• Current vehicle insurance
• Current vehicle registration in state of residence
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed while sitting at a desk.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.