Job Description

Founded in 1921, Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research. The Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. 

The Society is most well-known for the award-winning journalism of Science News Media Group and world-class STEM research competitions: Regeneron Science Talent Search, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. For the past nine years, the Society has focused more than $4 million annually on a suite of Outreach and Equity programs aimed at expanding access to authentic and high-quality STEM experiences for students from underrepresented demographics and low-income communities. Our efforts in this area are already impacting millions of students at thousands of schools and education programs in all 50 states and throughout the world.

About Science News Media Group

Founded in 1921 by Edward W. Scripps, a renowned journalist, and William Emerson Ritter, a California zoologist, Science News is a vibrant and trusted source of concise, comprehensive science journalism. For over a century, our mission has remained unwavering: to empower people to evaluate the news and the world around them. By raising awareness of cutting-edge discoveries in clear and probing ways, we advance public understanding and appreciation of science and its vital role in human advancement.

The magazine reports on advances and trends in science, technology, engineering, and math in a succinct, compelling style geared to the wider public. Our goal is to keep people up to date on the news, focusing on discoveries and inventions that are both fascinating in their own right and have broader implications for science and society. The editorial staff boasts a long history of pulling together a variety of stories that are deep enough for experts to enjoy yet written in a style that draws in a wide range of readers seeking a high-level understanding of trends and issues in many areas of science.

Science News is one of the few newsrooms left with a team of beat science reporters, many of them with Ph.Ds., dedicated to identifying and reporting on the latest and most important discoveries across all fields of science. Science News Media Group offers readers award-winning editorial content, informative imagery, educational products, and access to archives dating back to 1921.

Science News Audience and Reach

SNMG’s reporting reaches a substantial and diverse audience base that cuts across generational and geographic divides—from young students to retirees, rural small towns to dense urban communities. Our flagship publication Science News has over 130,000 print subscribers and 5 million Twitter followers. The website attracts 17 million visitors and 34 million unique pageviews annually.

Science News Explores, designed to make science accessible for ages 9 and up, has 5 million annual visitors and a growing subscriber base of 10,000. Students and teachers also connect with our journalism through Science News Learning, which reaches 18,000 teachers and approximately 5.8 million students at 5,860 schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.

Position Overview

The Society for Science is seeking an experienced Grant Writer to support efforts to identify and build new institutional funding partnerships, with an emphasis on achieving the editorial vision of Science News Media Group.

The ideal Grant Writer candidate will have experience researching and writing compelling, high-quality grant proposals/reports for a variety of institutional funders, including private foundations, and corporate foundations. Additional responsibilities will include proactively researching and analyzing grant opportunities for feasibility and alignment with Science News Media Group priorities, collaborating with leaders and team members to develop relationships with key stakeholders, and tracking opportunities in the donor database. This position requires strong writing, data analysis, and project management skills, with an emphasis on clear writing and outcome measurement.

The Grant Writer will report directly to the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships in the Advancement Department, a highly-collaborative, fast-paced office of seasoned development professionals, advancing an organization that excels in cutting-edge science journalism, STEM education, and STEM research competition experiences for middle and high school students around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Develop effective outreach communications, letters of inquiry, proposals, case statements, conceptual plans, and other grant materials.
2. Create compelling progress reports that fully capture programmatic success; assemble all necessary supporting materials and documents including budget reports, outcome measurements, success stories.
3. Work with Advancement Operations team to maintain grant compliance and reporting, including funder reporting schedules and requirements.
4. Assist Advancement Engagement team and other internal colleagues in drafting compelling targeted program updates (e.g. newsletter content, blog posts, press releases, social media posts).
5. Prepare materials for internal and external meetings.
6. Maintain proficient knowledge of the organization’s history and programs.
7. Research potential new institutional giving funders based on the Society’s needs.
8. Track opportunity data in the fundraising database, including contacts, action items, prospect information, appeal and solicitation coding, and gift agreements.
9. Provide in-person support for events related to Institutional Giving, particularly during the International Science and Engineering Fair.
10. Other responsibilities as developed over time.

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High level of professionalism and time management capacities.
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to multi-task, and to be a self-starter.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources.
• Ability to work independently and under tight timelines. 
• Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process.
• Flexible, collaborative and collegial work style.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher.
• Familiarity with prospect research tools (Foundation Directory, Candid/Guidestar, iWave, Research Point or similar systems).
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Dynamics or comparable donor management software a plus. 
• Understanding of and affinity for the core values of the Society.

Required Education and Experience

• 3 to 5 years of experience in grant writing, development/fundraising or related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Salary

• $61,405 – $69,080; salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. Light travel for some of the organization’s events is necessary in this position. 

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. Society for Science is operating on a hybrid work schedule, which includes two days in the office per week. This position is based in the DC metropolitan area.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Additional Information

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

Submit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Please apply through Applicant Pro: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/3634123-560497

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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