Grants Intern, Reach Out and Read, Boston, MA

Posted March 10, 2017

Reach Out and Read is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student to support a successful grants program. The Grants Intern will be an integral part of a small and dynamic fundraising team, making important contributions to our work. We are looking for an individual who is ready to proactively dive into new projects and independently solve problems, and is also comfortable asking questions and working collaboratively as needed.

This position is part time with a flexible schedule. The intern will be expected to work 20 hours per week during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) over the summer, with the option to continue at 10-15 hours per week during the academic year. The intern is required to work these hours at the Reach Out and Read Office: 89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111. The position is paid, at an hourly rate commensurate with experience. The ideal intern will stay in the position from May 2017 through May 2018.

Specific responsibilities include:

Research (50%)

• Conduct research on corporate and foundation funders and create research memos with recommended next steps, using Foundation Directory Online and other tools.

Administrative Work (35%)

• Edit grants and other documents, such as grant reports and funder correspondence.
• Do administrative work to support the development team, such as collating documents, data entry in Salesforce CRM, and assisting with donor mailings.
• Assist with the planning of events, including the annual fundraising department retreat.

Writing (15%)

• Write corporate and/or foundation grants, with training and supervision from the Senior Grants and Development Associate. The typical intern will write 1-3 relatively short grants, depending on the length of the internship.
• Write other materials requested by funders, as needed, including potentially grant reports or update emails.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent research, writing, and copyediting skills.
• Very organized, with strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter, with willingness to take initiative and try new things.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nonprofit experience and/or interest in the nonprofit sector.
• Interest in early literacy or education issues.
• Experience with fundraising or interest in learning more.
• Database experience in Salesforce CRM or a similar platform.

Note: these are not requirements, but are helpful areas to highlight in your cover letter if applicable.

Successful interns will:

• Gain concrete skills including institutional prospect research and grant writing, as well as an understanding of the various elements of nonprofit fundraising.
• Understand the process of grant seeking, from research, to grant writing, to grant reporting and relationship management.
• Become proficient in the use of Salesforce and Foundation Directory Online.
• Learn about early literacy in the pediatric healthcare setting and how it benefits children. The intern will have the opportunity to visit a program site as well as connect with the Programs Department to learn about program operations.
• Receive nonprofit career development and networking opportunities. We are committed to supporting our interns in furthering their careers.

Application Details:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Brenna DeCotis ([email protected]) and specify the name of the position in the subject line.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with the opportunity to begin work in May or June. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible.