Senior Grant Writer (Band C)
Friends of the Earth
Who We Are:
Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truths to power. It’s an approach that has worked for over five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We’re part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.
To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy and social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value people and the environment.
Position Summary:
The Senior Grant Writer will join a foundation fundraising team that is working to expand our grant portfolio to raise approximately $5M-$6M annually. This position is responsible for developing clear, persuasive, and strategic funding proposals and reports. The Senior Grant Writer will draft original content or edit contributions from program and campaign staff, applying sound judgement and a thoughtful approach to presenting Friends of the Earth’s priorities and impact.
The successful candidate will have experience managing multiple projects and deadlines, working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, and adapting to changing needs. Strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to work with a range of colleagues and partners are important for success in this role.
The annual salary range for this full-time remote position is $73,000-$83,000. This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position. The application deadline is 5:00 pm EST, Wednesday, December 3. If there is a large influx of applicants, the position may close earlier than the specified date.
Essential Functions:
- Provide thoughtful, strategic feedback on content developed by program staff to strengthen clarity, alignment, and competitiveness of funding requests and related materials.
- Draft and edit original content for proposals, letters of inquiry, reports and other written materials that support foundation fundraising efforts.
- Collaborate closely with environmental advocacy staff, the Grants Specialist, Grants Manager, Director of Philanthropy, and VP of Membership & Development to produce well-structured and persuasive funding requests.
- Balance workload to support the needs of multiple environmental advocacy program teams.
- Conduct prospect research on potential funders in partnership with the Grants Specialist.
- Draft campaign summaries and other donor-facing materials in collaboration with the Director of Philanthropy.
- Develop and manage annual training opportunities to build and support program staff’s foundation fundraising capacity, which may include identifying and hiring a consultant trainer.
- Maintain working knowledge of FoE’s history, campaigns, and organizational priorities to inform messaging and proposal development.
- Drafts additional narrative or fundraising materials as needed.
- Assists with other fundraising or development-related projects as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- 5+ years professional experience including at least 3+ years nonprofit grant writing, ideally connected to environmental or social justice work.
- Communication Skills: Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft, edit, and adapt content for different audiences and purposes within required timeframes.
- Reliable and Organized: Including the ability to follow established processes, manage deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
- Attention to Detail: Committed to producing clear, accurate, and well-structured written materials.
- Collaborative team skills: Experience working with program staff or subject matter experts to develop successful grant proposals, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
- Committed Inclusion, Equity, Justice & Anti-Racism: Respect for a range of perspectives and lived experiences, and supporting a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.
- Strategic Thinker: Understands the organization’s priorities and context and applies this knowledge to develop strong and competitive funding proposals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Grant writing experience in the environmental advocacy sector
- Experience conducting funder research
Perks and Benefits:
We’re proud to be a generous, people-first employer that invests in your growth and well-being. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally:
- 37.5-hour work week to support work-life balance
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (80% for eligible dependents)
- Disability and life insurance for added security
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off, including:
- 25 vacation days to start
- 15 paid holidays
- 20 sick days
- 3 floating holidays
- Summer Fridays (the last two Fridays in July and all Fridays in August)
- Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year’s)
- Parental leave, sabbatical options, and more
- Professional development and IT stipend
- Education reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. In compliance with federal law, all people hired will be required to verify identity and complete eligibility verification upon hire.