Potomac Conservancy is in search of an individual to serve as a Grant Manager. This is a part time position, averaging 20 hours per week.  

Potomac Conservancy is the region’s leading clean water advocate. Founded in 1993, we believe the foundation of healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities starts with clean water. We shape the broader effort for water protection in the Potomac River watershed, from the highlands of Virginia and West Virginia to Maryland and DC to ensure the Potomac boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. Foundation, corporate, and government funding is a significant and growing income source for Potomac Conservancy and the Grant Manager is a key part of our fundraising team.  

Working closely with our Director of Institutional Giving, the Grant Manager will craft proposals and reports to foundation, corporate, and government funders in support of our land conservation, advocacy, and community conservation work. The person in this position will be responsible for interfacing with program staff to gather updates on program plans and goals. The role entails writing and editing proposals and reports with a focus on clear, meaningful content and concrete metrics. 

The person in this role will have the opportunity to learn about dynamic and impactful land conservation, advocacy, and community conservation programs, and will become well-versed in the challenges and opportunities involved in water conservation in the region. 

This is a part-time position. The individual in this role will be expected to set consistent working hours week to week to facilitate regular meetings, with flexibility as needed, averaging 20 hours per week across the year. 

Specific Duties 

• Write proposals and reports for thirty to forty foundation, corporate, and government grants per year, with award size ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
• Write fresh and compelling language about Potomac Conservancy programs and results.
• Learn from program staff about challenges, strategies, and successes through personal updates, program team updates, databases, and field visits.
• Edit the work of others, asking questions to add detail and increase clarity and accessibility.
• Manage the proposal and report writing process, including gathering program information, outlining and drafting proposals, soliciting feedback and edits, and submitting documents.
• Collaborate with others, sharing your perspective, knowledge, and skills to enrich the whole organization.

Qualifications*

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to craft clear, concise, and engaging language around water conservation issues.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or three or more years of experience writing fundraising proposals, including documented success with grant proposals to foundations.  
• Attention to detail in editing for grammar and content as well as application requirements.  
• Strong research skills.
• Experience and comfort using Microsoft Office for drafting and editing documents. 
• Ability to work independently and manage time to meet overlapping deadlines.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn and create solutions within a team environment.

*This position uses a wide variety of skills. We encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.  

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Topic-oriented experience including knowledge of and experience writing about environmental conservation, water conservation, impacts of climate change, land protection, advocacy, and community-based projects.
• Fundraising experience in the DC metro region.
• Passion for the environment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate of $30 per hour.
• Largely remote work with occasional in-office meetings in our Silver Spring, MD office and occasional local travel.
• Travel reimbursement for work-related trips.
• Working with bright, fun coworkers who are passionate about the environment.
• As a part-time employee or contractor this position does not include health benefits or paid time off.