Job title: Grants Administrator, Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation
Location: Jamestown, VA
Division/Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development
Position Summary
The Grants Administrator plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the Jamestown
Rediscovery Foundation by securing philanthropic support for its archaeological, preservation, conservation, curatorial, and educational initiatives. Serving as both a strategic writer and relationship builder, the Grants Administrator researches funding opportunities, develops compelling grant proposals and reports, and cultivates productive relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community partners.
In addition to managing the Foundation’s grants program, the Grants Administrator collaborates with the Development team to create engaging fundraising and stewardship communications that inspire support for Jamestown’s ongoing discoveries and educational impact. This position requires exceptional writing, organizational, and project management skills, along with the ability to translate complex historical, archaeological, and educational work into persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
Essential Functions
1. Identifies and researches funding opportunities and projects to support Jamestown
Rediscovery’s archaeological, curatorial, conservation, and education
work. In collaboration with Development team and cross-departmental staff,
identifies funding priorities, plans work flow, and sets internal deadlines for
preparation of grant proposal materials.
2. Plans, authors, and submits well-written, thoroughly researched, competitive grant
proposals and funding requests for corporations, foundations, governmental agencies,
and individuals. Meets all deadlines and requirements, and performs appropriate grant
reporting.
3. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards corporate and foundation prospects, including
personal outreach in support of grant funding efforts.
4. Cultivates and maintains relationships with community partners in support of grant-funded community outreach projects and efforts.
5. Assists the development writer with gift stewardship reports that demonstrate the outcomes of donor investments and the effectiveness of funded projects.
6. Proofreads and edits additional forms of organization-related marketing
communications as needed, including press releases, emails, social media posts,
newsletters, and brochures to encourage new and returning visitation to Jamestown.
7. With the Development team, drafts persuasive fundraising communications that
accurately convey the organization’s mission and maintains relationships with
donors. Assists with the preparation of mailings to meet fundraising goals, from
editing and proofreading all copy to assembling outgoing appeals and campaigns.
8. Assists with press and donor visits and events as needed, participating in the overall
success of the Development department.
Job Requirements and Qualifications
Minimum of a four-year degree (B.A in English, History, Archaeology, or other related field).
Excellent written and oral grammar and communication skills. Background in database administration, audience management, and proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel are essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational and project
management skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organization is critical.
· Experience securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
· Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor stewardship.
· Experience working in museums, historic sites, cultural institutions, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
· Knowledge of archaeology, history, preservation, or public history.
· Experience with Raiser’s Edge or comparable donor management systems.
(Travel required, physical requirements, on-call schedules, equipment needed to perform job, professional membership/development, and so on):
· Some travel may be required for donor cultivation.
· Must be able to adapt to changing work priorities and be willing to work non-standard hours, including weekends and evenings, as needed.
· Must have a polished and professional demeanor when representing the Foundation and/or interacting with donors and be comfortable on camera.
· May supervise and assign duties to departmental interns and volunteers as needed.
Other responsibilities or duties that are part of this position and done regularly
Stays informed and up-to-date on latest developments and activities at the organization, not limited to but including: press and donor visits; major archaeological discoveries; exhibition openings; in-person educational programming and tours; publications; seasonal events; and grants and awards. Provides communications assistance, proofreading, and editing for other departments, as needed.
Metrics of performance:
The Grants Administrator works as a member of the specialized Development team to raise money to support Jamestown Rediscovery activities and operating budget. To help meet and exceed set fundraising goals, the holder of this position prepares and submits funding proposal requests to a wide variety of grant-making institutions, including six-figure requests from federal agencies.
Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to
[email protected]. For full consideration, apply by August 24, 2026.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
