Development Department 

About Friends of the Children–New York: Friends of the Children–New York is committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. We focus on selecting children facing multiple systemic obstacles from Harlem and the South Bronx, committing to each child from kindergarten through graduation—12+ years, no matter what. Our approach addresses the systemic and socioeconomic barriers that lead to school incompletion, teenage pregnancy, and involvement in the criminal justice and foster care systems. By intentionally selecting youth aged 4-6 from high-poverty schools and foster care, and pairing them with a salaried, professional mentor—referred to as a Friend—we ensure dedicated, full-time support to each child, aiming to alter their life trajectory through consistent, positive guidance. 

Our Development Department plays a crucial role in ensuring our mission and vision are realized through strategic initiatives, community engagement, and effective fundraising.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Grant Writer to join our Development team, who will be instrumental in securing funding to support our mission. This role involves identifying grant opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, and managing the lifecycle of awarded grants. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of writing successful grant applications, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the communities we serve, and a passion for making a long-term impact on the lives of children and families we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

●     Ongoing Prospecting: Conduct continuous research to identify new grant opportunities that align with our mission of breaking the cycle of generational poverty through professional mentoring.

●     Writing LOIs and RFPs: Prepare persuasive Letters of Intent (LOIs) and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), articulating the unique value and impact of our mentoring program..

●     Managing Existing Grants: Oversee all aspects of grant administration, ensuring compliance with grantor guidelines, and coordinating with the internal program team to fulfill grant obligations.

●     Reporting Outcomes: In collaboration with the Program Team, compile and submit detailed outcome reports to grantors, demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of funded initiatives on our youth and their families.

Qualifications:

●     Proven experience in grant writing, with a successful track record of securing grants from various sources.

●     Exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas compellingly.

●     Strong research and analytical skills, with a keen eye for identifying funding opportunities.

●     Excellent organizational and project management skills.

●     Deep commitment to the mission of Friends of the Children–New York and a passion for social change.

Why Join Us?

By joining Friends of the Children–New York, you become part of a dedicated team that is making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in NYC. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to a transformative program that is changing the narrative of generational poverty through relentless support and mentoring.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the Grant Writer position, and two writing samples (preferably grant proposals) Your application should reflect your understanding of our mission and your commitment to our cause.

Join us in our mission to create generational change—one child at a time. Apply today!

EOE Statement:

A Friend is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce and embrace the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals.

We believe that diversity enriches our organization and enhances our ability to effectively serve the youth and communities we support. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to every aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

By fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, we can better fulfill our mission to positively impact the lives of youth and families. We are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for positions with our organization and join us in our commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents.