Grant Writer (part-time, freelance contract)

High Country News seeks an energetic, articulate and highly organized grant writer to support a growing foundations program. This position works closely with our Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, and maintains strong working relationships across the organization. Candidates should have sharp verbal and written communication skills, and a passion for independent journalism. 

Contract Deliverables include:

Grant Writing

• Works with a range of staff to gather all relevant information for grant proposals
• Drafts grant proposals that are concise, compelling, and aligned with organizational priorities
• Provides staff members with time to review proposals and reports and offer feedback before submission
• Coordinates with copy editor to ensure that reports and proposals are up to HCN’s standards
• Files grant proposals and progress reports ahead of deadline
• Ensures that all grant documents are up-to-date, accurate and filed appropriately
• Meets regularly with editorial and fundraising staff to stay abreast of HCN’s work and aspirations

Foundations Tracking

• Tracks deadlines and maintains calendar for grant applications and progress reports
• Maintains grant records in Salesforce
• Informs and updates staff members of upcoming deadlines and obligations
• Works with editorial and other staff to track grant deliverables
• Works with fundraising team on grant data entry

Foundation Prospecting

• Identifies new foundation prospects and assesses their fit to HCN’s programs and priorities

High Country News is part of a growing number of newsrooms addressing a historic lack of representation, inclusion and equity in journalism and is committed to finding effective solutions. We welcome freelance contractors from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, people with disabilities, two spirit and non-binary people.

Skills and experience:

We’re most interested in hearing how your own skills, broader experience and qualifications would benefit HCN and the communities we serve and hope to serve across the West. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about the mission and values of HCN, and driven to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism.  

The contract holder has a background as a grant writer, a foundations program manager, or other relevant role and is able to demonstrate strong organizational, project management and communication skills. They are able to produce crisp, compelling copy that is aligned with HCN’s evolving priorities and impacts.

The contract requires solid written communication skills, with the ability to ‘make things happen’. The contract holder is a highly collaborative individual, able to build trust and effective relationships with HCN staff. A proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace applications and donor database systems is an advantage.

Terms of Contract:

This is an independent contract position to run through 09.30.2024 (with potential for renewal). HCN will pay a rate of $50 to $60 per hour, depending on skills and experience of the contractor. The expected time commitment is 10 hours a week with flexibility required from time to time to meet workloads and deadlines. 

This is not an employed position and does not include employee benefits such as healthcare, paid sick leave, vacation or employer contributions to taxes and insurance. Freelance contractors provide their own equipment and insurance as most of the work is expected to be carried out in their own home/studio. This position is remote and open to freelance workers authorized to conduct business in the United States; proof of independent contractor status is required. 

To apply, please send a summary of work, cover letter, and one writing sample (*see instructions below) to careers@hcn.org with "Grant Writer" in the subject line. Your cover letter should include personal experience or qualifications you have, and how you’d bring diversity to bear on the work. Closing date for applications is September 22, 2023. In your email, please let us know how you heard about this contract opportunity.

*We’ve found that it’s helpful to look at actual work samples to get a better sense of your written communication skills and style. Please share a piece of your writing that might help to give us that sense. It doesn’t need to be directly relevant to the grant writer role you’re applying for, though if you’d like to share an LOI, application or report that you’ve written in the past, you are welcome to. We’ll keep anything that you share with us confidential. If you choose to share actual grant pieces from other organizations, please redact names or other details to keep that information private.

High Country News is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, freelance contractors, and partners. HCN is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Background:

High Country News is the nation's leading source of thoughtful, in-depth reporting on the Western United States. Established in 1970, HCN produces an award-winning monthly magazine and a popular website. From Alaska and the Northern Rockies to the Desert Southwest, from the Great Plains to the West Coast, HCN is a beloved and essential resource for those who care about this region. High Country News is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West's diverse natural and human communities.