Major Gifts, Sponsorships, and Grants Coordinator

Major Gifts, Sponsorships, and Grants Coordinator

The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years. Make a difference, lead with purpose! The Arc Erie County NY is seeking a dynamic and experienced Major Gifts, Sponsorships and Grants Coordinator to lead comprehensive fundraising initiatives that strengthen the financial sustainability of The Arc Erie County. This position plays a central role in designing and executing creative fundraising tactics to increase overall giving through grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, and individual donor engagement. The coordinator oversees the complete grant cyclefrom research and proposal development to award management and compliancewhile cultivating relationships with major donors, corporations, and foundations.

What You'll Do :

• Develop and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors capable of making significant contributions.
• Implement donor recognition programs and maintain regular communication to strengthen long-term relationships.
• Lead corporate sponsorship initiatives for agencywide programs and signature events, including The Ale Trail and other high-yield fundraisers.
• Research, identify, and evaluate local, state, and national grant opportunities aligned with agency programs and strategic goals.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for grants, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives to meet annual revenue goals.

What You'll Bring :

Bachelor's degree in Grant Writing, Marketing, Fundraising / Development or a related field PLUS a minimum of three years' experience in successful grant writing or nonprofit fundraising. OR Associate's degree in Grant Writing, Marketing, Fundraising / Development or a related field PLUS a minimum of five years' experience working in the Human Services field.

AND proficiency in Microsoft office software, be able to provide writing samples, and previous examples of successful grants, major gift solicitations, fundraising campaigns and events. Valid NYS Driver's License and reliable transportation : travel throughout WNY required.

Why Join The Arc Erie County NY?

We offer a mission-driven workplace where your leadership directly enhances the lives of independence of people with developmental disabilities. Be part of a collaborative team that values integrity, respect, responsibility and innovation. Some additional perks include :

Job Description

Job Title : Major Gifts, Sponsorships, & Grants Coordinator

Department : Administration- Marketing & Community Outreach

Job Grade : 5

Position Summary :

The Major Gifts, Sponsorships, and Grants Coordinator serves as a key member of the Marketing and Community Outreach team, responsible for leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives that strengthen the financial sustainability of The Arc Erie County. This position plays a central role in designing and executing creative fundraising tactics to increase overall giving through grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, and individual donor engagement. The Coordinator oversees the complete grant cyclefrom research and proposal development to award management and compliancewhile cultivating relationships with major donors, corporations, and foundations.

In addition to grant and donor management, this position has the primary responsibility for planning, coordinating, and executing all agency fundraising events, including expanding the signature Ale Trail event, assisting with the annual appeal, and developing new community-based experiences that generate high net profit. The Coordinator will also spearhead fundraising campaigns and sponsorship strategies for Black Water Acres, The Arc's 150-acre farm, and vocational training initiative currently under development. This position involves a combination of office and community-based work, including attending donor meetings and events. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for special events and donor engagement activities outside normal working hours 8 : 00am- 4 : 30pm Monday - Friday. This position works on-site non-remote.

Reporting Relationship :

Reports to the Director of Marketing & Community Outreach. Works closely with members of the Marketing & Community Outreach team, Service Directors, Fiscal Department, Board of Directors, and other staff within the agency.

Job Duties and Responsibilities :

Major Gifts and Donor Relations :

Develop and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors capable of making significant contributions.

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through personalized engagement strategies.

Implement donor recognition programs and maintain regular communication to strengthen long-term relationships.

Create giving opportunities that align donor interests with agency priorities, including naming opportunities and sponsorships.

Corporate Sponsorships & Fundraising Events :

Lead corporate sponsorship initiatives for agencywide programs and signature events, including The Ale Trail and other high-yield fundraisers.

Design and execute creative fundraising campaigns and events that drive participation, awareness, and net revenue growth.

Partner with internal teams to develop sponsorship packages that highlight community impact and align with corporate social responsibility goals.

Support planning and execution of employee giving campaigns and workplace fund drives.

Grants Management :

Research, identify, and evaluate local, state, and national grant opportunities aligned with agency programs and strategic goals.

Prepare compelling, high-quality grant proposals and supporting materials in coordination with program leadership and finance teams.

Oversee compliance, reporting, and stewardship for awarded grants, ensuring adherence to funder requirements.

Maintain an organized grant calendar and database to track submissions, outcomes, and deadlines.

Manages the monthly and as needed Grant Committee meetings (agendas, presentations, budget reporting, reporting on grants, tracking, and more).

Responsible for tracking and recording all grant proposals, awards, and contracts in a well-labelled and consistently maintained electronic data system.

Work in conjunction with the Finance Department to establish grant budgets and budget narratives as well as gathering information necessary to report to corporate / foundation funders on current programs, interim grant reports.

Strategic Planning & Campaign Leadership :

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for grants, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives to meet annual revenue goals.

Create innovative fundraising tactics to expand donor participation, increase annual giving, and improve donor retention.

Collaborate with senior leadership to set priorities, forecast outcomes, and align resource development strategies with agency objectives.

Lead the annual membership drive, targeting a minimum 15% year-over-year increase in membership.

Partner with marketing and program teams to ensure consistent messaging, brand alignment, and impact storytelling.

Stewardship & Accountability :

Implement systems for donor acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting to ensure transparency, and donor satisfaction.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and grant records in CRM systems.

Track and analyze fundraising metrics and report regularly on progress toward goals.

Ensure compliance with all fundraising and grant-related regulations and ethical standards.

General Responsibilities :

Develop and maintain an understanding of The Arc Erie County New York programs and projects. Perform prospect research on local as well as national foundations and corporations and evaluate those prospects for grant opportunities that benefit The Arc Erie County New York.

Under the guidance of the Director of Marketing & Community Outreach, work to cultivate a positive relationship with area foundations and corporations.

Assist at agency events and fundraisers that benefit the agency and those that we support.

Assist with interns for the department.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements :

Bachelor's Degree in Grant Writing, Marketing, Fundraising / Development or a related field PLUS a minimum of three years' experience in successful grant writing or nonprofit fundraising. OR Associate's Degree in Grant Writing, Marketing, Fundraising / Development or a related field PLUS a minimum of five years' experience working in the Human Services field.

Key Skills Required :

Strategic Thinking & Planning, Fundraising & Donor Development, Event Management & Sponsorships, Communication & Relationship Building, Project Management, Financial Stewardship, Creativity & Innovation, Collaboration & Teamwork.

Essential Job Functions :

Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A) Mental Requirements : Ability to carry out detailed but involved instructions and to deal with problems involving multiple variables. Ability to adapt to diverse requests and quickly changing requirements. Excellent time management