Description

Philanthropic Partnerships Specialist

Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Development
Date: June 2026

Each day at Volunteers of America, we strive to exemplify our foundational pillar of Servant Leadership and Cultural Values of Communication, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.

At VOA, we are committed to providing opportunities that help staff grow and enhance their skill sets. As part of this commitment, we invest in on-the-job training to prepare employees for their new positions, offer professional development opportunities, coaching, and career pathways to promote our culture of helping staff advance their careers throughout the organization.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Summary/Objective

The Philanthropic Partnerships Specialist plays a key role in advancing VOA Northern Rockies’ philanthropic partnerships by managing foundation grant activities and supporting corporate partner engagement. This position is responsible for identifying funding opportunities, coordinating proposal development, writing persuasive and accurate grant materials, managing deadlines and reporting requirements, and maintaining effective relationships with internal contributors and external funding partners. This role requires strong ownership of the grant process, excellent written communication, sound project management, attention to detail, and the ability to translate program needs and outcomes into compelling funder-aligned narratives.

Essential Functions

Coordinate and support VOA Northern Rockies’ foundation grant activities, including researching funding opportunities, tracking grantmaking requirements, and assisting with proposal and reporting processes.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Finance, Vice Presidents, and Directors, to gather proposal content, program information, budgets, documentation, and approvals needed to develop high-quality grant deliverables that meet funder expectations.

Prepare, submit, and manage a consistent, year-round pipeline of LOIs, proposals, presentations, briefings, and progress/impact reports to funding sources.

Maintain accurate and detailed records of applications, proposals, and funding requirements.

Write and edit clear, accurate, and professional contract applications, including letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, reports, and grant applications tailored to each funder's mission, specifications, and deadlines.

Work with the Director of Development to track and complete related documentation, communication, reporting requirements, and follow-up action items.

Cultivate, steward, and maintain consistent communication with corporate sponsors, business partners, funders, and external stakeholders to support long-term partnerships, fundraising success, and the grantmaking process.
Ensure proposals, reports, and related submissions comply with funder guidelines, requirements, deadlines, and organizational approval processes.

Competencies:

Excellent written communication skills to shape ideas and concepts into successful foundation proposals
Effective communicator with exceptional oral and interpersonal ability
Solutions-focused and resourceful, able to navigate challenges, adjust plans quickly, and remain calm under pressure.
Capacity to be attentive to detail
The ability to execute complex writing projects with a diverse schedule of deliverables simultaneously, often under demanding deadlines
Ability to collaborate, to have work peer reviewed
Ability to work with a range of individuals from diverse backgrounds and respect diversity
Exhibit professional conduct aligned with our posture of servant leadership and our cultural values
Familiarity with publishing and page layout software preferred (Illustrator or InDesign).
Strong prospect research skills, including the ability to use databases, public resources, and electronic tools to identify potential foundation and private funding sources.

Ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely.
Ability to adapt writing style as appropriate to VOANR's specific relationship with funders.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Excellent research skills, preferably with experience in researching foundations and corporate donors.
Proficiency in basic software applications is required.
Strong storytelling ability, with experience in sharing outcomes in a compelling manner.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the organization.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptops, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. This job's specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This would require lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing on a stool, as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Occasional travel is expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience, or Eligibility Qualifications

Associate degree and two years of work experience in development, grant writing, marketing, relationship management, prospect research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of grant writing practices, proposal development, funder requirements, reporting expectations, and standard procedures related to foundation, corporate, or private funding opportunities.
Experience supporting professional communication with donors, funders, sponsors, corporate partners, or other external stakeholders.
Experience preparing written materials for external audiences, such as proposals, reports, donor communications, marketing materials, or professional correspondence

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related area and three or more years of work experience in development, grant writing, prospect research, marketing, or equivalent education and experience.
Grant writing certifications.

EEO Statement

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics. Volunteers of America Northern Rockies will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 307.672.0475.

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies

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