Temporary Senior Grant Writer

About KIND 

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.    Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

Position Summary

KIND seeks a Temporary Senior Grant Writer to prepare persuasive fundraising and institutional development materials for a wide range of audiences, including foundations, governments, and corporations. The incumbent will collaborate with KIND’s program departments to clearly and compellingly convey the urgent work KIND is doing to protect unaccompanied children in their search for safety through grant proposals, donor reports, talking points, and briefs. The Temporary Senior Grant Writer is fluent in a variety of styles, ranging from narrative storytelling to highly technical writing, and can navigate a complex workload while moving from project to project with ease. This position requires strategic thinking, excellent project management skills, and deep knowledge of KIND’s mission, values, and goals. The incumbent is a key member of the development team and reports to the director of institutional development.

This a headquarters position based remotely from any location in the U.S.

Essential Functions

• Learns and maintains a deep working knowledge of KIND and its mission, values, strategic goals, and programs.
• Proactively gathers information related to multiple varied and complex programs, and conveys this information succinctly and compellingly, tailored to different audiences.
• Partners with program departments to write, edit, and format grant proposals, reports, cover letters, donor communications, and related materials.
• Collaborates with development colleagues to prepare concise and compelling talking points and briefs to support donor solicitations.
• Ensures all materials are professionally formatted, visually compelling, and adhere to KIND brand guidelines.
• Edits and proofreads drafts of proposals, reports, presentations, and other materials, as requested.
• Assists the director of institutional giving with activities related to organizational grants, writing tasks, and institutional funder stewardship.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in grant writing, journalism, or programmatic research/writing, preferably for advocacy or mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of success securing six-, seven-, and eight-figure grants from foundations, governments, and corporate funders.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with superior research and editing skills.
• Graphic design experience and/or proficiency with Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or similar design software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles
• Commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
• Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment.