Description

Job Title: Director of Donor Relations & Grants
Department: Development & Communications
Reports To: Managing Director of Development and Communications
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time

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Position Summary:

The Director of Donor Relations & Grants is responsible for researching, identifying, stewarding, and soliciting funding opportunities through individual donor cultivation and strategic grant writing. This role plays a critical part in sustaining and growing VNA’s philanthropic support, effectively communicating the organization’s mission to a wide range of funders and ensuring compliance with all grant-related requirements. The Director provides leadership for VNA’s annual giving strategy and collaborates across departments to ensure the success of fundraising, stewardship, marketing, and communications initiatives.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Grants Management & Proposal Development (45%)
   • Prepares, submits, and manages compelling grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities.
   • Oversees the full grant lifecycle, including research, proposal writing, submission, compliance, and reporting.
   • Manages timelines and coordinates internal reviews and approvals to ensure accuracy and alignment with organizational goals and budgets.
   • Ensures government funds are spent according to agreements and oversees compliance reporting for all local, state, and federal grants.
2. Fundraising Strategy & Donor Relations (15%)
   • Collaborates with the Managing Director of Development and Communications to guide the overall fundraising strategy, including annual budgets.
   • Leads the annual giving strategy through effective moves management and stewardship.
   • Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations to deepen engagement and long-term support.
   • Organizes site visits, presentations, and speaking opportunities to build trust and highlight the impact of VNA’s work.
3. Communications & Marketing Support (10%)
   • Assists in the development and editing of donor and public communications including collateral, newsletters, web content, and fundraising materials.
   • Collaborate with the Hospice marketing department to create effective outreach and referral communications.
   • Writes and reviews compelling content that reflects VNA’s mission and enhances donor and community engagement.
4. Research & Reporting (10%)
   • Conducts ongoing research to identify new grant opportunities and trends.
   • Maintains an internal grants calendar to track deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements.
   • Provides regular updates to funders and stakeholders, including outcome and financial reporting.
5. Leadership & Team Collaboration (10%)
   • Supervises and mentors the Development Specialist and supports other development team activities.
   • Contributes to planning and execution of special events and donor recognition efforts.
   • Works with cross-functional teams, including hospital and healthcare program staff, to support partnership development and stewardship.
6. Donor Recognition & Compliance (10%)
   • Manages timely and accurate acknowledgments of gifts and grant awards.
   • Coordinates recognition of funders through PR/media efforts and ensures proper visibility for grants and donations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in grant writing, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success managing grants and securing funding from a variety of sources.
• Experience using fundraising software; Blackbaud Raiser's Edge preferred.
• Strong communication, editing, and storytelling skills; highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively across departments.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and proof of automobile liability insurance required.       
• Salary commensurate with experience

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Technical & Physical Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Capable of extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working at a computer.

• Must be able to visit donor and partner sites, including those without disability access.

• Writing sample will be required

• Grammar test will be required

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Working Conditions:

• Office-based with occasional travel within a 50+ mile radius.
• Attend conferences and advocacy events.
• Occasional visits to client homes or healthcare settings.
• Minimal exposure to hazardous materials; standard office environment.

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Continuing Education Requirement:

• Completion of annual VNA training (e.g., via Relias or approved alternatives).

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If interested, please apply via our website.