Grant Writer

About the Vasconcellos Legacy Project
The Vasconcellos Legacy Project (VLP) was founded by former State Senator John Vasconcellos who represented Silicon Valley in the state legislature for 38-years. In anticipation of his retirement in 2004, he began to plan for his next adventure resulting in the Legacy Project and a model for a new politics called the Politics of Trust.

Our roots are linked to many of the values taught in humanistic psychology. Therefore, our work is grounded in the belief that human beings are innately inclined toward becoming life-affirming, constructive, responsible and trustworthy. We believe that from this faithful view of our essential human nature, a whole new series of policies, programs, and political processes can emerge that truly serve to inspire and benefit the growth and healing potential of every citizen in our community.

Politics today is filled with cynicism and divisiveness. Our model is based on inclusive collaboration and open-minded governance. The Politics of Trust puts the needs of individuals and their communities before the needs of political parties or special interests.

Position Overview
The board of directors recently adopted a set of programs for 2013. Although we have funding to launch some of the programs, we require the assistance of a professional grant writer to research and submit grant proposal to support the remaining programs.

The grant writer is primarily responsible for researching, writing, and preparing government, foundation and corporate grant proposals and reports that align with VLP programmatic goals. This is a contract position reporting to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with our founder, executive committee, and experts identified in each program areas. Broadly, our programs focus on transformational leadership development for emerging leaders, civic engagement and empowerment with the use of technology, coalition building and convening of analogous organizations to identify effective and sustaining solutions that begin to cure our political paralysis.

Responsibilities
• Research, write, and submit timely, well-written, and persuasive letters of inquiry and grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and governmental funding sources to secure general operating revenue and/or programmatic revenue for program and operational expenses as determined by organization's operating budget, strategic priorities, and programming initiatives.

• Conduct prospect research on foundations, corporations and government RFPs and RFQs to identify and evaluate prospects for new grants.

• Conduct detailed interviews with subject experts identified by the ED as well as online research to identify the state of the art and appropriate objectives and methodology in each area, as well as data and information required for grant proposals.

• Work with the executive director and/or board members as needed to develop project descriptions, timelines, evaluation plans, and budgets for the grant proposals.

• Help maintain grant proposal and reporting calendar for the agency to ensure deadlines are met and that an aggressive grant proposal submission program is maintained.

• Attend meetings related to grants and fund development.

Experience/Skills
• Minimum 7 years experience in grant proposal writing and a provable track record in writing successful foundation and corporate grant proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, proven ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
• Communication and exceptional grant proposal writing skills. Proven ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive proposals and reports. Excellent editing and proofreading skills. Strong oral communication and interviewing skills. Attention to detail and follow-through.
• Formulating interview questions on the identified subject matter.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgment, analyze and resolve problems.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), foundation directory online, internet research, and database applications.
• Highly motivated self-starter, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects, take initiative, work independently and as a team-member.
• Conversant with foundation funding processes. Knowledge of non-profit funding practices and procedures.
• Background in or familiarity with and appreciation for the tents of humanistic psychology is a major plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and commitment to professional ethics.
• Commitment to the agency's mission and values.

Compensation
We are anticipating a 5 to 6 month contract with the potential to renew. We are estimating 25-30 hours per month at an hourly rate to be negotiated. The grant writer will have the option to work from our office. We are located at the Sobrato Center for Non-Profits in Milpitas CA.

Submission
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jose@politicsoftrust.net by February 11, 2013. All finalists will be asked to provide a minimum of three professional references.