Public affairs specialist Jobs in Syracuse, NY

Grant Writing Specialist

The Grant Writing Specialist is part of the team that resources leaders and local churches for growing missional impact in the communities we serve. The Grant Writing Specialist discovers grant opportunities to fund the work of resourcing the strategic adaptive initiatives of the Annual Conference, and to be a direct resource for local congregations applying for grants.

Key Functions

In collaboration with the Missional Excellence Leadership Team (MET):

Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with conference priorities

Write compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports meeting funder requirements and deadlines

Maintain a grants calendar tracking application, reporting, and renewal deadlines

Coordinate with conference communications staff to highlight funded ministries and celebrate grant-supported initiatives.

Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including documentation, reporting, and record retention standards.

Collaborate with program staff to gather data, outcomes, and supporting documentation

Steward funder relationships through acknowledgment letters and interim communications

Maintain organized records of submitted proposals, awards, and correspondence

Develop and deliver grant writing training for local church volunteers, equipping congregations to identify funding opportunities and prepare competitive applications for local ministry initiatives

Provide support and training to staff members as needed

Resource District Superintendents in response to discerned needs for districts and regions through identifying grant funding sources.

Other Organizational Responsibilities

Participation in UNY Conference Staff gatherings, events, and trainings.

Provide support for critical events in the life of the Annual Conference per the UNY Strategic Missional Path Forward.

Develop a working relationship with equivalent offices, by participating in their national and jurisdictional networks.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Missional Excellence.

Core Competencies

Christ-centered and Christ-like

Committed to continuously growing in intercultural competence.

Build and maintain relationships rooted in honesty, integrity, and honor confidentiality.

Work collaboratively to produce innovative solutions.

Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and verbally, with unifying messages that motivate action.

Demonstrate ability to leverage emerging technologies, including AI-assisted writing and research tools, to improve the quality and efficiency of grant development work, while exercising sound judgment about accuracy, funder expectations, and ethical use.

Inspire and influence people to achieve challenging goals and positive results.

Set clear and measurable goals, in collaboration with team members.

Understand complex systems and organizations and lead people through change, disruption, and difference.

Attend to details and deadlines.

Willingness and ability to support the vision, mission, and core values of the United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Annual Conference

Extensive knowledge of the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church

Requirements

Experience and Background:

Demonstrated ability as a grant writer with evidence of 5 or more grants secured and over $100,00 secured.

Bachelor's Degree required (English, Creative Writing, Business); Masters preferred (MPA, MSL).

Experience in leading and managing change.

Experience in curriculum development.

Knowledge of The United Methodist Church, or willingness to learn.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Moderate/advanced knowledge of MS Office 365 Suite

Travel: A valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation is required. The position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, extensive travel within UNY, and some travel outside the region. The position is hybrid with regular presence and the UNY Conference Center as determined in conversation with the Director of Missional Excellence.