CURRENT OPENINGS:

Director of Research and Grant Writing

CU Strategic Planning is the premier CDFI consulting firm serving credit unions. The company’s core competencies are: CDFI certification, TA/FA/NACA/HFFI application writing, community development program creation and implementation, and the invention of capacity building tools for Emerging CDFIs.

Staff members are endearingly called, “Miracle Makers.” An innovative and passionate team is motivated by the belief that not-for-profit financial cooperatives (owned by the community/Target Market) are ideally positioned to reduce vulnerability and create solutions for the underbanked in their communities. The results are certification of worthy CDFIs whose grant and certification applications were previously denied, and a significant increase in credit union CDFI awards since the firm’s inception. CU Strategic Planning's team of employees and contractors has doubled in size annually since it was founded in 2008. It is poised for significant future growth with respected partners, including the National Cooperative Business Association.

The Director of Research and Grant Writing will report to the President. S/he will be the chief staff member responsible for directing and coordinating the research and writing of a team of 10 employees and numerous contractors. S/he ensures that the narratives convey the compelling and feasible nature of each Comprehensive Business Plan (CBP) submitted to the CDFI Fund. This is a position responsible for work on the company’s most critical product/service line. As such the candidate will be a member of the management team.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of community development experience in the private or public sector, including but not limited to working in municipal economic/community development departments, or in grant writing or making at the SBA, USDA, CDFIs or CBOs or related trade associations;
• At least 2 years of management experience, ideally including some experience with a CDFI;
• Proven track record of CDFI application writing in any program type: TA/FA/NACA/HFFI/BEA/CDCI/NMTC, or equivalent experience and results;
• Uniquely skilled at making a claim supported by evidentiary research;
• Degree in community or economic development, communications and grant writing, public or non-profit administration or an equivalent is preferred;
• Inspired to have a career that makes a difference for underbanked consumers and distressed communities;
• Experience with, knowledgeable about or open to embracing the cooperative values of credit unions;
• Successful grant writers from the loan fund industry encouraged to apply.
• Self-driven, highly productive individual that is also comfortable working with teams.
• Sense of humor and fun is essential to match organizational culture.

Compensation:

CU Strategic Planning offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive and flexible benefits package including health/dental insurance, vacation and personal days and ongoing investment into employee development. Compensation for this position will be commensurate with experience. The ideal candidate must be willing to move to the company’s headquarters in Tacoma, WA. Limited financial support for relocation is available during negotiation with the right candidate. The position will remain unfilled until the right match is identified. A trial period of working by contract may be extended to assure the right candidate that the relocation is a stable move for their long-term stability.

To apply submit the following materials by mail or email:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Grant writing sample(s)

ATTN: Hiring Manager
CU Strategic Planning
4534 S. Park Ave.
Tacoma, Wa 98418
Jamie@creditunionstrategicplanning.com

Are you Interested in CU Strategic Planning, but not a fit for this position? If you are inspired and inspiring, work in the CDFI field, and are respected by your peers for your expertise and ability to achieve, please submit your resume and cover letter. CU Strategic Planning creates jobs for the right people.

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