JOB TITLE: Associate, Communications and Grants DEPARTMENT(S): Strive Network (national) REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation Exempt EFFECTIVE DATE: 2013 REVISION NO.: 1 JOB SUMMARY The Associate, Communications and Grants will work with the Strive leadership to plan, manage and execute key tasks related to external communications and grants. The Associate, Communications and Grants supports the work of Network members and the National team throughout the building of cradle to career civic infrastructure. The ideal candidate is an innovative, creative, enterprising and self-motivated individual with excellent writing skills, project management skills, organizational skills, detail orientation, willingness to take initiative to complete tasks and a commitment to the Network mission. This is an exempt position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop communications materials for Strive including drafting Network narratives, white papers, blogs, articles and related content for a variety of audiences including Network members, partners, funders and the field. Manage requests for marketing planning & project calendar, recommending when and where key team members need to engage Manage internal and external calendar of speaking events and conferences Media-related event management, including video and press kit development Prepares grant and budget narratives for Strive’s grant reports and proposals; Communicates with funders to review progress, obtain guidance, track release of funds, and ensure the development of grant evaluation plans. Gathers data and information from Strive and KnowledgeWorks colleagues to support grants management and communications with funders Supporting Tier 1 media outreach Monitor media, distribute regular media round-up to internal team through Vocus software PR managements system Manage media system, post/distribute press releases Update Strive websites through content management system Lead Tier 2 & 3 media outreach, writing press releases, blogs, tweeting, etc. Other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS JOB TITLE: Associate, Communications and Grants DEPARTMENT(S): Strive Network (national) Exempt REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation EFFECTIVE DATE: 2013 REVISION NO.: 1 This position requires bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or experience in the field or in a related area. A minimum of one-year professional experience in media, marketing communications or nonprofit environment. Exemplary writing skills to diverse range of audiences from novice to expert Working knowledge of Associated Press Stylebook Experience managing multi-year, multi-million dollar grant investments from start to finish strongly preferred, including budget development and reporting, grant proposal development, and progress reporting Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Excellent organization and project management skills; ability to manage details, and work independently; and ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities accordingly. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and other presentation software. Demonstration of social media skills, including Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. Prior website development preferable Ability to travel approximately 20% Understanding of Strive framework and mission Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities Ability to work as a team-player Professional and pleasant personality; strong interpersonal skills Strong time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills Strong written and verbal communications skills RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS Must be able to accurately estimate the proper resources required to complete a project and minimize the consequences of interaction mistakes. They must have the job knowledge to determine the correct actions to be taken on a timely basis. Must be attentive to detail to ensure there are no inaccuracies or oversights that could cause embarrassment, irritation, confusion, or financial loss. Must have good follow-through abilities to ensure there are no mistakes that could damage the credibility of the Foundation. JOB TITLE: Associate, Communications and Grants DEPARTMENT(S): Strive Network (national) Exempt REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation EFFECTIVE DATE: 2013 REVISION NO.: 1 CONTACT WITH OTHERS Must be able to work with and around others on a regular basis. Those people include, but are not limited to, employees of all levels within the organization, school leaders and superintendents, leaders and members of other organizations, consultants, customers, and vendors. CONFIDENTIAL DATA This position will have access to sensitive and confidential information, and are trusted to maintain these files and documents properly. These documents include, but are not limited to, financial information, grantee information and other business related material. Failure to safeguard this information could result in a loss of trust and reputation internally and externally. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift = 35lbs. Average lift less than 10lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard, monitor and calculator. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Inside average office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment required. Ambient temperature between 68 and 76F. To apply, email resumes, cover letters and two writing samples to Shannon Herald at heralds@knowledgeworks.org. KnowledgeWorks is an equal opportunity employer.