Grants Officer

Unison at Kerby Centre is a non-profit organization located in the west end of downtown Calgary. Dedicated to enhancing life for older Calgarians, Kerby Centre offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful community development and build a career in the charitable sector.

• Position: Grants Officer
• Terms of Employment: Full-time, Permanent
• Salary range: $70,000 per year
• Location: Calgary Kerby Centre

Job purpose
The Grants Officer is responsible for researching, writing and managing grant applications to foundations, corporations, government agencies, clubs and associations. This position plays a key role in securing funding to support Unison’s programs and strategic priorities.

By aligning Unison’s funding needs with funders’ priorities, the Grants manager will help strengthen community impact and organizational sustainability.

Duties and responsibilities
AREAS of RESPONSIBILITY

Research and Prospecting:

• Identify, research and evaluate grant opportunities from diverse funding sources, including foundations, corporations, government programs, clubs and associations.
• Conduct prospect research to understand potential funders’ priorities, their past giving patterns and what are they passionate about to tailor funding requests accordingly.
  
  

Proposal Development:

• Write persuasive and well-structured grant proposals, applications and supporting materials tailored to each funding opportunity.
• Work collaboratively with program managers and other departments to gather relevant information about programs, projects and funding opportunities.

Relationship Management and Communication:

• Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective funders, fostering long-term partnerships based on trust and shared values.
• Collaborate closely with other Unison teams to understand organizational priorities and upcoming funding needs.
• Communicate transparently and regularly with the Manager of Fund Development providing bi-weekly updates on grant activities and progress.
• Represent Unison with professionalism in all interactions with funders and partners.

Grant Management and Reporting

• Manage the full grant lifecycle, from research and proposal submission to interim and final reporting.
• Maintain accurate tracking of all grant related activities using Unison’s grant tracking template and input data into Raiser’s Edge.
• Adhere to strict confidentiality standards at all times.

Continuous Learning and Improvement:

• Stay current on trends in grant funding, philanthropy and non for profit management to strengthen Unison’s fundraising strategies.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance grant writing research and relationship-building skills.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative culture within Unison by demonstrating professionalism and alignment with the organization’s mission and values.

Qualifications
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field or two-year diploma with at least two-year relevant experience.
• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising, preferably in a nonprofit or academic setting.

KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with grant management software or databases (experience in Raiser’s Edge is an asset).
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations, philanthropy, and fundraising best practices.

OTHER SKILLS

• Excellent writing and storytelling skills with the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and engaging proposals for diverse audiences.

• Strong research skills and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling narratives.

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain strong relationships with funders and colleagues.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization with professionalism and integrity in all aspects of work.

• Maintain confidentiality in client and Unison business.

Working conditions
This is a full-time position. Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Work is primarily on-site at Kerby Centre.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@unisonalberta.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.