Job Overview:
The Tampa Museum of Art (TMA) is seeking a detail-oriented Grant Writer and Foundation Relations Specialist to help support the mission of the museum by researching and finding funding to underwrite the costs of educational and outreach programming, exhibitions, and capital campaigns.
In addition to maintaining existing and annual funding relationships, the Grant Writer and Foundation Relations Specialist will prospect new grant opportunities and draft and finalize proposals, letters of interest, and any required supporting materials. This team member can expect to write and successfully submit an average of one grant each week to local and national institutions, foundations, and government agencies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Explore, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with new and existing corporate, foundation, and government funders to maximize funding from local, state, and federal agencies.
- Lead research and identify grant opportunities with the support of the Director of Development. Provide analyses and timelines for new grants while measuring the funder’s mission to project the possibility of success in securing funding.
- Prepare drafts and finalize all written materials, including proposals, letters of inquiry, letters of intent, and abstracts.
- Work closely with various TMA departments to tell compelling stories about the TMA and our outreach and service to families, the Tampa community, the State of Florida, and the Southeast region.
- Create strong and manageable deliverables in line with grant requests, the production of budgets and financial reports with the support of Curatorial and Finance teams.
- Coordinate with the Finance Department for accurate accounting and reconciliation of commitments.
- Work with the Development Assistant to utilize the Raiser’s Edge database to maintain thorough records for prospects and record grant-making initiatives.
- Manage a grants calendar to ensure strict adherence to grant submission deadlines and accurate, timely reporting.
- Prepare consistent and accurate materials to present a unified voice for the Museum as we grow and grants become a larger portion of the financial portfolio.
- Ensure relevant staff members are aware of grant deliverables and funding levels to both execute designated programming and provide measurables.
- Maintain effective communication with funders throughout the year, ensuring they are cognizant and involved.
- Provide senior management with regular progress reports.
Desirable Skills:
- High organizational skills and attention to detail, with excellent follow-up skills.
- Knowledge of fundraising ethical standards and best practices.
- A minimum of 2–4 years of experience in grant writing is required. Experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields is a plus.
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Demonstrated success in writing and being awarded grants.
- Familiar with donor databases and database management, ideally with experience in Raiser’s Edge.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities in English are required. Additional verbal and written communication abilities in Spanish are a plus.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of people and cultures.
- A thoughtful communicator possessing excellent reading and comprehension skills who is able to build connections and engage reviewers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience with WordPress, Constant Contact, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop is beneficial. Technically savvy and able to learn new software programs as needed.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to occasionally perform light lifting, thirty (30) pounds or less, of printed materials and office supplies.
What’s in it for you?
As a full-time employee of TMA, you will enjoy:
- A flexible schedule with hybrid work options depending on the institution’s needs.
- Paid time off plus 13 paid staff holidays.
- Monthly stipend for parking.
- Substantial coverage of medical insurance costs.
- Access to dental and vision insurance, and health savings accounts.
- Fully paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
- Optional Long-Term Disability Insurance.
- A 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to a 4% company match.
- Access to an employee wellness package.
- Access to museums across North America with TMA staff membership.
To Apply
Join us at TMA and play a pivotal role in making art accessible and enjoyable for our community. Apply now to become a part of our vibrant museum family! Upload your cover letter and resume below addressed to Raelene Pullen, Director of Development at Raelene.Pullen@TampaMuseum.org.