Grant & Partnership Specialist

The Grants & Partnerships Specialist will play a key role in advancing partnerships that support Meharry Medical College's strategic priorities. This position will focus on identifying and researching corporations and foundations with the capacity to invest in Meharry's mission, while maintaining accurate records of cultivation activities in the Advancement database. The Grants & Partnerships Specialist will support the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in developing proposals, briefings, and presentations, as well as assist with donor engagement and stewardship efforts, including reports, events, and recognition activities. Additionally, this role will contribute to marketing materials, impact reporting, and metrics tracking to showcase the outcomes C & F partnerships.

Daily Operations

• Proposal Development, Grant Writing & Database Management
  The Grants & Partnerships Specialist will play a key role in supporting Meharry's fundraising priorities through grant writing and proposal development. This includes drafting, editing, and preparing proposals, letters of inquiry, and briefings tailored to corporate and foundation funders. The Grants & Partnerships Specialist will compile supporting documentation to ensure compliance with submission requirements, maintain accurate records of funder activity in the Advancement database, generate reports for the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and manage a grants calendar to track deadlines and reporting obligations. The role will also help manage inquiries, monitor awards, and provide timely materials for faculty and advancement staff engaging with funders.
• Corporate & Foundation Research Support
  In partnership with the prospect research team, the Grants & Partnerships Specialist will support efforts to identify and qualify corporate and foundation donors through targeted research and review of published funder guidelines. This role will help disseminate information on funding opportunities, ensure updates are captured in the Advancement database, and serve as an initial resource for faculty seeking guidance on potential C & F funding that aligns with their research or community engagement priorities.
• Collaboration and Teamwork
  The Grants & Partnerships Specialist will work closely with campus partners to share funding opportunities and coordinate proposal development. In this support role, the Grants & Partnerships Manager will contribute to expanding corporate and foundation partnerships, advancing research funding, and strengthening Meharry Medical College's mission-driven initiatives.

Required Skills

• Grant Writing and Proposal Development: Strong ability to draft, edit, and prepare compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials that align with corporate and foundation funding priorities.
• Research and Analysis: Knowledge of prospect research methods and the ability to analyze funder guidelines, identify opportunities, and assess alignment with Meharry's mission and programs.
• Database Management: Experience using advancement, CRM, or grants management systems to track activity, maintain accurate records, generate reports, and manage calendars of proposal and reporting deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, persuasive language for diverse audiences.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, advancement staff, and institutional partners to advance shared fundraising goals.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Fundraising Knowledge: Familiarity with corporate and foundation fundraising practices, donor stewardship, and philanthropic trends, particularly within higher education or healthcare settings.
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to the mission of Meharry Medical College and an understanding of the role of philanthropy in advancing education, research, and service to underserved communities.
• Strategic Fundraising Insight: Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure corporate or foundation gifts and cultivating long-term institutional partnerships.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to engage and steward high-level corporate, foundation, and community leaders to strengthen institutional relationships.
• Program Development Understanding: Familiarity with academic, clinical, and research environments and the ability to translate complex initiatives into fundable concepts.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Skill in using data analytics and metrics to evaluate fundraising performance, track donor engagement, and inform strategic priorities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working across academic, advancement, and executive leadership teams to align fundraising strategies with institutional goals.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through philanthropy and an understanding of culturally responsive donor engagement.
• Presentation and Public Speaking: Ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations and written materials for internal and external audiences.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, and contribute to the department's long-term growth.

• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar CRM systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Professionalism and Discretion: Ability to manage confidential information with integrity, judgment, and a high degree of professionalism.

Required Education and Experience

• · Bachelor's degree in communications, English, business, public administration, or a related field.

  · Two to three years of professional experience in grant writing, fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, or a related area.

  · Demonstrated experience drafting and editing written materials such as proposals, reports, and donor communications.

  Education and Experience Preferred:

  Preferred:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit fundraising environments.
• Familiarity with advancement databases, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or grants management software.
• Proven success in securing funding from corporate and/or foundation partners.

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