Position Summary

The Senior Grant Writer/Foundation Relations Manager is responsible for developing complex proposals and project overviews primarily for private funders but occasionally for government funders to maximize support for priority projects identified by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF). This position reports to the Director of Development and Marketing. Based on the selected candidate’s experience, the position title will be either Senior Grant Writer or Foundation Relations Manager. See Preferred Background and Skills below for more details.

Primary Responsibilities

• Generate revenue through developing, preparing, and submitting compelling, high-quality grant and gift proposals
• Collaborate with subject matter experts within TPWD and TPWF to inform proposal development process and ensure compliance with all funder requirements, including submission of all reports
• Develop content, prepare, and submit reports for funded projects according to funders’ guidelines, interests, and restrictions
• Maintain communication with TPWD and TPWF subject matter experts on progress of funded programs and projects to aid in development of reports
• Identify, research, and analyze existing donors and prospects to match funders’ interests and grant opportunities with priority funding needs and recommend cultivation/solicitation strategy and ask amount
• Coordinate development of required proposal and report attachments such as budgets, financial statements, and past funder lists
• Monitor proposal progress, ensuring receipt by funders and tracking funding award decisions
• Manage portfolio of sophisticated, complex proposals
• Engage with funders as appropriate to customize proposals to increase award potential and gather constructive feedback regarding non-funded proposals
• Provide skilled editorial assistance, editing, and proofreading on a variety of written communications as needed

Secondary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with philanthropy team members to provide timely, accurate, and analytical information to aid in the development of prospect strategies and plans
• Enter and maintain relevant data in database
• Manage and adhere to a comprehensive proposal calendar that tracks submissions, upcoming deadlines, reporting requirements, and donor actions
• Prepare accurate donor/prospect bios and overviews as needed
• Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of the mission, values, strategic goals, and programs of TPWD and TPWF
• Maintain constituent confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Preferred Background and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree
• Senior Grant Writer: Two to three years’ development experience with a focus on grant writing
• Foundation Relations Manager: Three to five years’ development experience with a focus on grant writing and stewarding relationships with institutional donors
• Advanced skills in proofreading, editing, and grammar
• Experience working in conservation a plus
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, including Power Point, Word, and Excel
• Experience using a constituent relationship management software such as Raiser’s Edge a plus
• Ability to handle an extensive and diverse workload while maintaining a positive perspective
• A strong work ethic, sense of urgency, attention to detail, and ability to think independently
• Ability to interface with individuals at every level of an organization, both internally and externally
• Ability to adapt quickly to, plan for, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, integrity, and sense of humor

About Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas. Founded in 1991, TPWF raises private funds to advance Texas’ proud outdoor traditions and conserve our state’s wildlife, habitat, and natural resources. Our vision is for all Texans to have access to the wild things and wild places in our state, both now and for generations to come. TPWF is governed by a 21-member Board of Trustees.

TPWF unites communities, individuals, foundations, and corporations with TPWD through diverse priority projects designed to conserve Texas’ incredible wildlife, land, water, and cultural resources. Since its inception, TPWF has raised over $220 million, conserving Texas treasures like Powderhorn Ranch and the Devils River and creating facilities like the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the Texas Game Warden Training Center.

To Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and one or more writing samples to Kate Potts, info@tpwf.org