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Fundraising and Grant Development Contractor

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Organization: National Center for Employee Ownership

Position Title: Fundraising and Grant Development Contractor

Location: Remote

Supervisor: Director of Finance and Operations

This is a contracted/1099 position

Application Open Date: January 2026

 

 

About the National Center for Employee Ownership

The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) is the nation's leading organization for resources and information about employee ownership. Our work includes publications, conferences, surveys and research, seminars, webinars, training, outreach, and more. We have about 3,000 members, primarily consisting of employee-owned businesses, companies considering employee ownership, and service providers.

Staff members have considerable control over their own projects, working both independently and in teams. Unlike most nonprofits, we are primarily funded by membership dues and other revenue-generating activities. We operate with a high degree of transparency and expect all staff to be actively engaged in the organization. The environment is one of high expectations, entrepreneurship, and individual autonomy.

Position Summary

The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) seeks an experienced Fundraising and Grant Development Contractor to strengthen and expand the organization’s fundraising capacity. This contractor will support both existing and emerging programs by developing and implementing fundraising strategies, identifying and pursuing grant and foundation opportunities, and helping position NCEO for long-term philanthropic support aligned with its mission and strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond.

The contractor will work closely with NCEO’s leadership team to research prospective funders, prepare compelling proposals, and manage the grant application process from concept through submission.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Program Support

  • Support and enhance fundraising efforts for existing and emerging NCEO programs.
  • Strengthen cases for support, including framing program impact, outcomes, and funding needs.
  • Assist with structuring sponsorships, grants, and donor agreements, as appropriate.
  • Support relationship-building and stewardship efforts to ensure ongoing funder engagement and sustainability.
  • Expand outreach to new potential funders aligned with NCEO’s mission.

Current & anticipated programs include:

  • NCEO Registry Certification Program
  • NCEOX Inclusivity Fund (including the Amy Brakeman Legacy Fund)
  • Research Fund
  • NCEO Advisory Work Group Fund
  • Ron Ludwig Fund
  • Potential employee ownership sales function

Funding Research & Prospect Development

  • Identify and assess grant, foundation, and other funding opportunities aligned with NCEO’s programmatic priorities.
  • Maintain a funder prospect list or database, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and contact information.
  • Monitor trends and emerging opportunities in philanthropy related to employee ownership, economic development, education, and social impact.

Proposal Development & Grant Writing

  • Draft, edit, and tailor grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests.
  • Develop clear, data-informed narratives that effectively communicate NCEO’s mission, programs, and measurable outcomes.
  • Coordinate with NCEO staff to collect budgets, supporting documentation, and required materials.

Grant Management & Reporting Support

  • Manage timelines and requirements for grant submissions, renewals, and reports.
  • Maintain a grants calendar with key deadlines.
  • Assist with funder communications, including acknowledgments, progress updates, and required reports.
  • Identify opportunities for renewed or multi-year funding from existing funders.

Deliverables & Qualifications

Deliverables

  • Support the development and implementation of fundraising strategies for existing programs.
  • Develop a curated list of at least 15–20 qualified grant and foundation prospects.
  • Complete and submit grant applications, prioritized in collaboration with NCEO leadership.
  • Give regular progress updates (monthly or biweekly).
  • Present a year-end summary report outlining fundraising activities, outcomes, and recommendations for future strategy.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant writing, including foundation and institutional giving.
  • Proven track record of securing competitive grant or foundation funding, with the ability to cite specific examples and outcomes.
  • Exceptional writing skills, with experience producing clear, persuasive, and funder-aligned proposals.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines and submissions simultaneously.
  • Solid understanding of the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape, particularly in economic development, education, workforce development, or social impact.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining proactive, regular communication with NCEO leadership.
  • Experience working as an independent contractor or consultant is strongly preferred.

Contract Details

  • Contract Term: Twelve months beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with potential for renewal
  • Compensation: Negotiable, based on experience and scope of work
  • Reports To: NCEO Director of Finance and Operations (DFO)
  • Work Arrangement: Remote, with periodic virtual meetings

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter describing relevant background and proven fundraising and grant-writing successes

Applications should be emailed to mcronin@nceo.org.