GRANTS COORDINATOR
Karam Foundation seeks a Grants Coordinator to work within the Philanthropy department to facilitate the organization’s grant research and writing operations. The Grants Coordinator will be responsible for finding opportunities for Karam and writing polished proposals to earn grant money while maintaining and assisting the department in grants management and compliance elements.
ABOUT YOU
You have strong verbal communication and are customer service oriented.
You are a strong writer with the ability to tailor applications to the funder in the Karam tone.
You get excited by our accomplishments but are always looking at ways to expand our successes. Whether that means building new tactics or tools, or investing in the team you are working with — you have a growth mindset.
You are a data-driven writer and storyteller who thrives with spreadsheets and understands data analysis; a passionate researcher with a knack for international grant collaboration; collaborative in nature; and a go-getter.
You have a basic financial knowledge and ability to easily understand and edit budgets and collaborate on financial reports.
You have solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines without close supervision.
You have computer/software skills including Google Workspace and ability to quickly learn online tools and platforms.
ABOUT US
Karam means generosity in Arabic. We are a Syrian-led organization founded in 2007 in Chicago. We have been supporting Syrian and refugee communities in Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and the US since 2011. We've developed various innovative education projects including community innovation hubs (Karam Houses) for refugee teenagers in Turkey, and a higher education scholarship program for refugee youth, as well as sustainable development projects to address the evolving obstacles that Syrian refugees face.
We have built two Karam Houses, community spaces for Syrian refugee teens, in Istanbul and Reyhanli, Turkey. At Karam Houses, hundreds of Syrian refugee teens learn through access to technology (maker spaces, internet, computers), expert mentorship (Syrian refugee architects and engineers), and a sophisticated design-based curriculum (developed by MIT grads) that teaches youth how to build their ideas and their community. In addition to learning, Karam Houses are community spaces that are open for everyone to come together to connect, learn, and feel at home. Our team in Turkey also holds different awareness workshops for Syrian refugee families on various topics that support the families in their integration process, as well as workshops for students who desire to get a higher education.
We think about refugees and humanitarian aid differently and so we do things differently. We believe in investing deeply in communities affected by conflict. We are on a mission to build 10,000 Leaders for the Future of Syria by 2028 - guiding Syrian refugees on a path to leadership. We do this by creating safe spaces to connect, learn, and develop a supportive ecosystem for them —and their families — to thrive.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: THE ESSENTIALS
2-3 years experience in grant writing, including research and reporting with noted ROI
Up to date with the funding cycles and therefore opportunities of both domestic and international funders
Experience developing relationships with organizational partners and building it out as a revenue stream
Excellent writing skills
Adept at communicating and maintaining relationships with key individuals and funders
Able to maintain records, submit reports, and track data related to grant opportunities and funding
Able to adapt to the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of Karam Foundation
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: STRONGLY PREFERRED
Understanding of international grant landscape and its obstacles
Experience working on Syria and/or humanitarian crises
Passion for working with donors to change stigmatized narratives around communities
Willingness to take risks and try new approaches
Familiarity/proficiency with donor databases (Salesforce, Double the Donation, and Classy ideal)
Experience working on education and/or innovative causes
Understanding of data tracking and collection processes
Willingness to learn and keep an open mind
RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Research and Acquisition
Perform routine research for funding opportunities, understand and track the current and evolving research, and collaborate with colleagues in the Philanthropy team on reporting with the goal aiming to grow grant revenue into 25-30% of total philanthropic revenue.
Perform internal reviews of Karam’s needs and assess the feasibility of obtaining external funding for project and program proposals.
Draft grant applications and work with the Programs team to draft narratives, research or provide general background information, and compile attachments as needed, often working across teams coordinating between the philanthropy, program, and/or finance departments.
Perform special projects and other related duties such as information gathering and supporting events as assigned.
Grants Management and Compliance
Assist in report tracking and ensure relevant reporting templates are available and understood by program leads.
Facilitate and schedule periodic program budget and meetings to ensure compliance with grants, and support successful project implementation.
Develop and maintain a grant management system for funded grants that includes report due dates, budget adherence, impact of grants, and any other grant requirements.
Perform a variety of administrative support activities to ensure that grants’ requirements are met in a timely manner.
Support accurate grant record keeping.
Other duties as requested: Along with the projects you take the lead on, you will provide support in all other areas of fundraising and communications, including partnerships and events, campaigns, and individual giving.
LOCATION
Seeking remote candidates who are excellent.
Potential US travel once COVID allows, along with possible travel to Turkey to observe programs.
REPORTS TO
Director of Philanthropy
HOURS AND COMPENSATION
Full-time: 40 hours per week.
Salary range: $55,000-$60,000
Benefits: health insurance (premiums 50% paid by Karam); 15 days vacation, plus 8 team-wide set Mental Health Days; 5 sick days; 401(k) with 2% matching (after 6 months employment with Karam); flexible work environment; and capacity building stipend.