Grant Writer

Description

The Mind & Life Institute is seeking to contract a consultant to provide professional grant writing to support organizational fundraising needs.

For over 30 years, the Mind & Life Institute has been the driving force in creating and growing the contemplative sciences field. Beginning as a series of dialogues between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and leading Western scientists and scholars, Mind & Life has since expanded to become the leading convener, catalyst, and community builder in supporting contemplative research and bridging practice and real world applications.

The mission of the Mind & Life Institute is to alleviate suffering and promote human flourishing by integrating scientific inquiry with contemplative practices and the world’s wisdom traditions.

Mind & Life is committed to building an inclusive community that integrates diversity of perspective and experience. We aim to maximize the benefits of diversity and to use diversity as a tool for enriching our organization and the field of contemplative research. We welcome candidates of all races, classes, genders, ages, religions, physical abilities, and sexual orientations.

Job Duties

The Grant Writer will assist in meeting the Mind & Life Institute’s fundraising goals through support of a well-coordinated, strategic program to cultivate and solicit support from foundations and corporations.  

• Strategically researches, identifies, and pursues foundation, government, and corporation grants and opportunities for sponsorship and underwriting for Mind & Life programs and activities. Packages Mind & Life’s existing programs for compelling presentations to funders. Drafts and edits grant proposals and reports.
• Creates opportunities for Mind & Life leadership to engage with funders via in-person visits, video calls, and at Mind & Life events.
• Works closely with Director of Philanthropy to prepare strategy and briefing documents for meetings with foundations and corporations.
• Maintains accuracy of tracking systems and databases for corporate and foundation constituents, while maintaining confidentiality of donor information. Prepares regular internal reports on corporate and foundation programs and major gifts.

Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3+ years of demonstrated successful professional grant writing experience for nonprofit organization(s).
• Excellent grant research skills.  Proven ability to understand the needs of MLI and the funding agency.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Advanced proficiency in the use of office technology including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and G Suite.
• Ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
• Excellent organizational capacity and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully under pressure and accommodate change.
• Interest in MLI’s work in the field of contemplative research a plus.

Work Schedule

15–20 hours per week on average, with flexible work schedule. Work may be conducted in-person with opportunity for partial remote work.  

Additional Info

Please submit your cover letter and CV to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “ Grant Writer Proposal.”

Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2019.