U.S. Government Grant Writer Consultant

Job Description

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) seeks to contract a U.S. Government Grant Writer as a consultant to support our Development team as needed. The core responsibility will be to write certain ICFJ proposals as needed to secure U.S. government funding. The consultant should have a proven track record securing government grants with in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), U.S. Embassies and other government agencies. The Consultant will work with ICFJ staff and local partners leading the proposal development process from the idea stage to the submission. The consultant must be able to write grant proposal narratives, meticulously manage all of the attachments, from the budget to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plans, and have vast experience working with international partners.

ICFJ enables a global network of journalists to provide the trustworthy news essential to free and strong societies. Their vital work strengthens democratic ideals and spurs change. ICFJ serves more than 177,000 journalists around the world, helping them cover the most critical issues of today, innovate to deeply connect with communities, and build news organizations that thrive. ICFJ, which runs about 70 programs each year, is a fast-paced, global organization that has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and submit competitive grant proposals with all required appendices
• Lead ICFJ’s proposal development for U.S. government agencies on specific proposals on an as-needed basis working alongside ICFJ staff
• Coordinate and communicate with local partners regarding program design and developing activities that will garner impact
• Draft and submit monitoring and evaluation plans with grant proposal
• Draft budgets and budget narratives for U.S. government proposals

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in business management, communications, or marketing and 10+ years of experience working in journalism and/or nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrated experience in preparing proposals for U.S. government and private foundations
• Experience developing and implementing program budgets
• Strong writing skills with an ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences
• Significant copy editing experience
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines for complex projects
• An understanding of journalism and the journalism ecosystem
• Budget management – excellent grasp of budgeting for successful proposals

Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with contact information.

ICFJ is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We intentionally reflect this commitment in our policies, our actions, and our work serving a global community of journalists.

ICFJ is a nonprofit classified as a 501(c)(3) and as such receives funding from public and private grant funds and donations. Our funders are listed at the end of our annual report.

About the Organization

At ICFJ, we know “it takes a journalist.” That’s why we support journalists everywhere as they face immense challenges: online and physical attacks, disinformation, an erosion of trust, an ever-changing media landscape, and threats to their freedom and their lives.

We equip news media to address these challenges, building skills and fostering connections among our vibrant, global network. ICFJ programs include a mix of training, mentorship, fellowships and financial support. We focus our efforts on three strategic areas vital to the future health of journalism and those it informs:

• We SERVE reporters and editors, giving them the tools and knowledge to cover the most critical issues of today.
• We help journalists INNOVATE, using new tools and techniques to build trust and engage with communities.
• We help independent newsrooms THRIVE financially, adopting effective business models to ensure they can serve their purpose well into the future.