Story Factory's logo

Grants Manager

Story Factory

About the Story Factory:

Story Factory is a not-for-profit that runs creative writing and storytelling programs for young people aged 7 to
 17 in under-resourced communities. Supported by our community of expert storytellers and volunteer tutors, young people are empowered to create stories of all kinds, which we publish and celebrate. Young people develop the skills and confidence to find their voice and shape the future.

Working with Story Factory:

Story Factory opened in Redfern in July 2012 and since then we have grown significantly. We now have 29 staff; around 400 volunteer tutors; and in 2018 we opened a second creative writing centre in Parramatta. Last year, we took nearly 6,000 enrolments from young people, with 15% Indigenous and nearly 50% with English as an additional language.

Story Factory’s stellar growth and proven impact has made us an award-winning organisation. In 2014, founding Chair Michael Gonski was Philanthropy Australia’s Inaugural Emerging Philanthropy Leader, and in 2016 Executive Director and Co-founder Dr Cath Keenan was named Australian of the Year Local Hero. In 2019 she was also made a Member of the Order of Australia.

While 2020 has been a challenging year, prudent management and the dedication of our staff and board mean that we in a stable financial position. We offer flexible working conditions, the opportunity to work with an exceptionally supportive and talented team, and a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of some fantastic young people.

About the role:

The Grants Manager will expand our fundraising capacity by becoming a pivotal part of our development team, which currently comprises:

  • Lachlan Snow, Development Manager. Lachlan recently started in this role and leads our fundraising efforts. He oversees grant applications and acquittals, but focusses on building philanthropic and corporate support, and individual giving.
  • Amy Goodhew, Communications Manager. Responsible for marketing and comms across the organisation; assist in particular with donor communications.
  • Catherine Keenan, Co-founder and Executive Director. Developing and maintaining relationships particularly with high-net worth supporters and philanthropic partners.

Story Factory currently enjoys an impressively high success rate with grant applications, and our Grants Manager will sustain and ideally improve on this success. They will be responsible for effectively planning and managing our calendar of grant applications to trusts, foundations, government bodies, clubs and others. They will write and submit each application, keep accurate documentation of all applications in Google Drive, and actively seek out new grants for which we might apply. They will also be responsible for managing the schedule of acquittals, and writing and submitting acquittals as required. Developing and maintaining strong relationships with granting bodies is essential.

At Story Factory, fundraising staff work closely with our teaching staff to ensure the funding we receive supports our work in the most effective ways. This means that fundraising staff can see the outcomes of their work and the impact programs have on the young people we work with.

We offer a creative, supportive, and reflective culture that values the contribution of each staff member. We are a tight knit and positive team, with a low staff turnover rate.

The role is 4 days per week based at Story Factory Redfern, but flexible working conditions are possible. A full-time role may be possible.

Key Position Priorities and Duties:

  • Effectively planning and managing our calendar of grant applications to trusts, foundations, government bodies, clubs and others, and actively seeking out new grants for which we might apply.
  • Writing all Story Factory grants in a strong and persuasive manner, and submitting them on time, with all required supporting information.
  • Managing relationships with staff and trustees at trusts, foundations and other granting bodies to ensure all applications are within the grantor’s guidelines and have a good chance of success.
  • Accurately managing and keeping records of all grants applied for.
  • Effectively planning and managing our calendar of acquittals, and writing and submitting these in a persuasive, accurate and timely fashion.
  • Work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure that programs are being delivered according to funders’ specification.
  • Regularly reporting to the Development Manager about how our grant applications are tracking.
  • Ensuring compliance with organisational polices and practices.
  • Participating in and attending relevant meetings as required.
  • Participating in staff development and training activities as required.
  • Like all staff at Story Factory, welcoming the public and the local community into our centre, explaining what we do, and forging links into the community

Selection Criteria:

Candidates are asked to reply to each of the following criteria outlining their relevant experience.

Essential

  1. Exceptional writing skills, particularly the ability to succinctly and efficiently respond to a brief in an engaging and persuasive manner.
  2. Significant experience successfully writing and applying for grants
  3. Strong organisational skills, particularly the ability to effectively manage and plan a schedule of grants.
  4. Attention to detail and accuracy
  5. A passion for writing and storytelling and a desire to improve outcomes for young people in under-resourced communities.

The successful applicant must undertake a Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement. The role reports to the Development Manager. Start date to be negotiated but ideally in January/February 2021.

If interested, please apply as soon as possible. We'd love to find the right person before Christmas! 

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily