Department: Advancement

Reports To:  Partnerships Manager

Direct Reports:  None

Classification: Full-time, Salaried/Exempt, Monday - Friday

Mission & Vision: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. 

Position Overview: The Foundation Giving Specialist supports Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s mission by researching, preparing and submitting grant proposals and reports to public, private, family and corporate foundations for both unrestricted operating revenue and restricted projects. 

The ideal candidate is a skilled fundraiser, relationship builder and project manager who understands the importance of collaborative partnerships and can effectively engage foundation and community leaders in support of Milwaukee Habitat’s mission. Through strategic outreach, compelling proposal development, and thoughtful stewardship, the Foundation Giving Specialist will help drive sustainable revenue growth and expand the organization’s ability to serve the community.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• Write and submit letters of intent, proposals, and applications for public, corporate, and foundation grants, including private and family foundations. 

• Research, evaluate and prioritize qualified prospects for short and long-term growth.

• Maintain the organization’s annual grants calendar. Manage internal systems to track grant status and submit required reports.

• In tandem with the Partnerships Manager and departments within the organization, particularly Construction and Family Services, complete necessary diligence to ensure all funding opportunities align with the organization’s programs, projects and strategic goals.

• Develop relationships with institutional funders by meeting with program officers and other key staff. Steward these relationships with funders before, during and after applications.

• Serve as a key liaison with internal teams and public grant agencies at municipal and state levels. 

• Support the Compliance Manager with public grant due diligence and the Grant Accountant with public grant expense forecasting and reimbursement processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, and 5 years of successful grant awards, renewals or relevant fund development experience in private and public grant proposal research, writing and reporting. 

• Ability to inspire support for Milwaukee Habitat's mission and to articulate organizational priorities to donors and prospects, community partners, and stakeholders.

• Proven success managing a portfolio of major foundation and institutional donors, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation gifts of $25,000 to $100,000 or more.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, including prioritization, process improvement, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong relationship-building skills to identify and leverage connections among foundation grant program managers, elected officials and public sector employees, and community leaders.

• Superior writing and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize qualitative and quantifiable information to communicate impact and results.

• Collaborative leadership style with experience engaging, motivating, and working effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support donor cultivation and organizational events.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of government, foundation and corporate grant-making processes, research techniques, grant agreements/contracts, and reporting/compliance.

• Experience using constituent relationship management (CRM) databases and grant management software.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and grant program budgeting.

• Computer literacy with experience in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Strong personal and written communication skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and initiative.

• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining positive regard for others.

• Ability to articulate Milwaukee Habitat’s mission and the critical need for safe, decent and affordable housing in Milwaukee to donors, prospects, volunteers and other stakeholders.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

About Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit housing organization. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity helps families invest in the stability and equity of homeownership.  

Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity affirms its social and legal commitment to promote an atmosphere and environment that recognizes the principle and practice of equal employment opportunity. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, status with regards to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission or citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.