Grant Writer Manager Job at Association of Fundraising Professionals in San Dieg

Overview The San Diego Automotive Museum is seeking a full-time Grant Writer whose goal will be to obtain $400,000+ in grant funding each year. The Grant Writer will also play an integral role within the development team, supporting overall fundraising and department initiatives.

Responsibilities Grant Research & Identification

Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other aligned funding sources.

Maintain a comprehensive grant calendar to track deadlines and reporting requirements.

Proposal Development & Writing

Write, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials.

Tailor proposals to highlight the Museum’s educational programs, cultural initiatives, and capital improvement needs.

Collaborate with leadership, education staff, and curatorial teams to gather data and program details.

Reporting & Stewardship

Prepare timely grant reports, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Track and measure grant outcomes, providing updates to funders.

Cultivate relationships with funders through communication, recognition efforts, and site visits.

Support the Development Manager in creating newsletters, thank-you letters, and annual reports.

Collaboration & Strategy

Partner with the Development Team to align grants with annual fundraising goals.

Assist in capital improvement fundraising efforts.

Help build long-term strategies to increase institutional support.

Additional Responsibilities

Support coordination of events and fundraising initiatives.

Ensure accuracy and quality of all submitted materials.

Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum 4 years of proven experience in grant writing, preferably in education, arts & culture, or museums.

Strong research, writing, and editing skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.

Experience managing budgets and financial documentation for grant applications.

Familiarity with fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar CRM).

Knowledge of San Diego and California philanthropic landscape is a plus.

Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with funders and stakeholders.

Familiarity with professional and ethical museum standards.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Understanding of outcomes-based reporting and education program development.

Experience with capital campaigns or infrastructure-related grants.

Physical Demands Regularly required to sit, walk, and stand.

Ability to climb stairs and lift / carry up to 40 lbs.

Frequent use of computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.

Benefits Health and Welfare benefits with up to $450 per month subsidized by SDAM

Paid Vacation accrual of 3.33 hours per pay period (80 Hours annually)

48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per fiscal year

6 Paid Holidays per year

Employees receive their birthday off as a holiday

Schedule Primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as required.

About the Museum The San Diego Automotive Museum, located in Balboa Park, houses a dynamic collection of motorized vehicles. Its mission is to tell the story of the social and technological past, present, and future of motorized vehicles through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Opened in 1988, the Museum is a nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3). We value diversity and inclusivity—every race, gender, age, religion, identity, orientation, and life experience is respected and celebrated. Join us!

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