The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                           Grants Associate

JOB CLASS/GRADE:            Specialist 2/Grade 7

WAGE:                                   Starting at $52,488 per year based on experience 

FLSA; EEO; WC:                   Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                        IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St Portland OR 97220,

                                               Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:          1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT:                            www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                      Fundraising & Grants

SECTOR/DIVISION:             Advancement / Administration

REQUIREMENTS:                Fluency in English, bilingual preferred 

Program/Department Summary
The Advancement Team works together to secure resources and support for IRCO’s programs and communities and includes Community Giving/Fundraising, Grants, Communications, and Volunteer teams as well as Board Support.

Position Summary
This position is part of IRCO Grants Team, which is broadly tasked with researching, writing, and submitting proposals to fund our programs and services as well as a wide variety of necessary administrative support for Grants Team projects and activities such as conducting donor and systems research, project planning and communications, writing, budgeting, and planning, and conducting, and/or assisting with meetings and events. The work is both creative and technical. Grants Associates work closely with and report to the Grants Team’s Assistant Manager who provides regular input and support and reports directly to the Deputy Director of Advancement. The Associate will have multiple focus areas for their work necessitating a strong understanding of these IRCO programming sectors and Divisions yet may be asked to support any area of IRCO’s work as a part of the Grants Team. 

Essential Functions

• Gather information on funders, donors, systems and other topics to develop programming and other projects in line with IRCO’s mission and vision. 
• Respond to time sensitive research to support team members tasked with managing a portfolio of donors/funders.
• Conduct regular research (internally and externally) on assigned sectors/divisions of IRCO programming to set goals and develop funding for this work. Document key documents, meetings, tasks, and decisions in shared file systems and virtual workspaces.
• Conduct analysis on opportunities for funding in line with organization decision making/approval processes, team procedures, and IRCO Program Standards.
• Maintain complete and timely records of contact information, contacts, deadlines, and other interactions with donors, funders, and other constituents in the Donor Perfect database. 
• When assigned and approved, carry out proposal and project planning in line with team and IRCO procedures. This includes developing and communicating templates, workplans and timelines, and providing reminders and check-ins with team members to ensure assigned projects and proposals are progressing within established deadlines.
• Research, prepare, draft, and edit proposals for funding and submission of materials (including but not limited to narratives, budgets, and attachments) for review by Management and/or Grants Specialists.
• Play a key role in planning, drafting, and/or securing all required proposal attachments including letters of commitment/memoranda of understanding, work plans, organizational charts, logic models, and job descriptions.
• Review assigned proposals to carry out needed content and/or clerical edits and to ensure they are accurate, aligned with funders requested scope of work, and are correctly formatted.
• Prepare and submit completed proposals on deadlines and follow all guidelines and submission requirements.
• Support agency partnerships by following up on/routing communications and drafting letters of support, letters of commitment, or memoranda of understanding. These are often time-sensitive projects. Update Assistant Manager of these important requests and develop internal timeline/deadlines and approval steps.
• Take initiative to provide regular updates to Assistant Manager on task assignments and progress including task requests, issues, or delays. Strategize task prioritization, collaboration, and issue of escalation (e.g. to Deputy Director of Development or other leadership) to accurately complete all assignments within established timeframes.
• Compose and type reports, forms, spreadsheets, and related materials, analysis and statistical support for focus areas and for special projects as assigned
• Regularly read, copy, scan, email, compile, and document a variety of professional correspondence; material is often confidential and should be treated as such.
• Support the development, improvement, and implementation of internal grant tracking, data collection, and organizational systems. This includes proactive updates to the team's Donor Perfect system and necessitates a strong understanding of this database.

Secondary Functions

• Support organization for data collection and evaluation initiatives as assigned (e.g., assisting with development related data collection, support planning and implementation of data systems and reporting, etc.).
• Support Grants Team and other Advancement colleagues and teams with other projects and meetings as assigned. This includes occasional backups for other duties/team members.
• Support and participate in Advancement and other IRCO meetings, trainings, committees, and other projects as assigned to support program development as well as other IRCO goals and objectives.

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree + 3-4 years required (One year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education).
• Remote work will be conducted using a computer from your own remote site, so must have the ability to sit and carry out complex tasks in this environment. Many tasks can be carried out remotely with some required onsite activities and in-person meetings.
• Requires a consistent schedule during standard office hours Mon – Fri, 8:30am– 5:00pm PST, with flexibility needed to accommodate occasional after-hours team projects and meetings.
• When working remotely, must have consistent access to high-speed internet to accommodate working online for long periods of time—in virtual (video and audio) meetings and using software/online collaboration tools. Must have the ability to be reached by phone and by email/chat during and occasionally after standard office hours. Office space is available, and on-site activities/meetings will occasionally be required.
• A writing sample of approximately 100-500 words will be requested from candidates prior to interview (e.g., portion of grant narrative, press release, or related material).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant professional-level work experience preferably carried out working at IRCO and/or in a similar organization/environment that is multicultural, multilingual, and/or multiethnic
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, (e.g., Teams chat or Teams video)
• Strong communication skills within a multilingual, multi-background team and organization
• Ability to develop and analyze budgets 
• Strong and detailed oriented writer that responds positively and creatively under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and project management skills including setting, tracking, and meeting multiple, sometimes shifting deadlines and the ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to communicate about and solve problems with transparency, positivity, and initiative
• Must complete many short- and long-term tasks and projects on different timelines simultaneously and with quickly shifting priorities
• Ability to listen and clearly communicate on task progress, project needs, and about one’s schedule to accommodate team needs
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to regularly access IRCO sites in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area including IRCO Main office site where the administrative offices are located. 
• Experience in grant writing is preferred
• Collaborate with and within an established team and with people outside of the organization, which includes staff and leadership working in many different roles and levels of the organization

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements 

• Hybrid setting job
• Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks.
• Mental: There is an occasional need to assess risks as well as to make determinations about tasks and deadlines. 
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
• Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending accounts

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application.

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.