Freelance/Pt-time Grant Writer, iPRAXIS

Posted by on June 27, 2011

Freelance/Pt-time Grant Writer, iPRAXIS

Organizational Overview:

iPRAXIS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in the University City Science Center. Our mission is to encourage universities and the regional bioscience industry to support science education and entrepreneurship activities for underrepresented communities. We are primarily a volunteer driven organization with a small talented staff. We currently operate two programs: iNSPIRE, designed to enrich the delivery of science education in some of Philadelphia’s lowest-performing neighborhood schools, and bench2BUSINESS; our initiative to increase the participation of minority scientists in biotechnology commercialization.

Grant Writer Job Description

* The grant writer must gain a complete understanding of the program for which he or she is requesting funding. To do this, the writer will interview key people in the organization, and perform comprehensive research into the project
* Perform in-depth research into grant-making organizations
* Write grant applications that display meticulous grammar and spelling
* Analyze the feasibility of the project’s budget
* Research each grant-making association’s guidelines
* Strictly adhere to these guidelines
* After submitting a grant proposal, keep in contact with each grant-making organization to check on the progress
* If requested, submit progress reports to any grant-making organization that has funded a program

* Persuasive: You must be able to make your proposal sound so attractive that the grant-making company will be happy to fulfill your request.
* Analytical: A grant writer will need to use both analytical and creative skills. First, he or she will analyze the data. How much money can this project potentially receive?

* Creativity: The next step involves choosing the most creative solution for presenting the grant proposal. Perhaps the writer can use a visual image, such as a potential ad about the project, with the grant-making company’s logo at the bottom of the page

* Problem Solving: Creative problem solving is another talent that characterizes the best grant writers. The grant writer must have excellent Oral and Interpersonal Skills: In many cases, the grant writer job description will include face to face or telephone conversation with the grant-making organization. This requires, charm, charisma and a dynamic personality.

* Cost Consciousness: The grant writer must be frugal, and have the ability to work within the proposed budget.

·         iPRAXIS values diversity, and is an equal opportunity employer.  Interested candidates should send their cover letter, resume, grant writing samples, and reference list to cpost@ipraxis.org