Grant-Writing Consultant

Music Conservatory of Westchester(https://musicconservatory.org), a nonprofit community music school located at 216 Central Ave. in White Plains, NY, seeks an experienced, Westchester-based grant writing consultant to work with the Executive Director and other staff on the proposal development process for foundation, corporate, and government grants. The position involves approximately 10 hours per week at a competitive hourly rate ($90-$100).

 The Conservatory’s mission is to provide the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community. Through our onsite and outreach programs, we provide high quality music instruction for 2,800 students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our Scholarship Program for low income students, Music Therapy program for individuals with disabilities, and Healing Our Heroes program for military veterans ensure access for all. Our school plays a vital role in creating the musical landscape for the future, educating tomorrow’s performers, audiences and supporters of the arts.  Each year the Conservatory raises approximately $300,000 comes from institutional sources, including foundations, corporations, and arts-focused governmen agencies. Our goal for the next three years is to increase annual institutional contributions to at least $400,000.

 The Grant Writer undertakes the following responsibilities:

• Research and track new sources of grant funding for specific programs and for general operating support.
• Lead the process of strategizing and writing new grant proposals, in collaboration with the Conservatory Executive Director and with development, program and finance staff.
• Assist with maintaining and updating the grant application and reports calendar. We are looking into using AI to help manage this.
• Gain ongoing knowledge of and familiarity with the Conservatory’s programs, background, community, and goals.
• Utilize a knowledge of and interest in music and the performing arts to inform the proposal development process.

 Qualifications:

• Minimum undergraduate degree in relevant field.
• Outstanding writing skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Experience writing grants for arts organizations.
• Knowledge and/or appreciation of music and music education.
• Proven ability to track and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to research, identify and secure new funding sources.

Interested candidates should send an email to Jean Newton, Executive Director: [email protected]. Please provide resume, writing sample and two references.