Description
About AISES:
AISES (Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
To this end, AISES provides scholarships and internships, workforce development and career resources, national and regional conferences, leadership development, and other STEM focused programming to Indigenous students and professionals.
What Kind of People We Hire:
AISES is a fast-growing organization where we work hard, are passionate about the mission of AISES, and accomplish our goals with a lean staff. The successful candidate will be willing and able to take initiative and be willing to work on a variety of tasks – including those which may not necessarily be listed in the job description. AISES is an extraordinary place to work where our staff respect one another and have fun! To join our incredible team, you must be positive, hardworking, and willing to go the extra mile for the organization every day.
Position Summary:
The Strategic Impact Senior Officer serves as a key member of the Strategic Impact Department, focusing on program development and grant writing to advance AISES' mission of increasing representation of indigenous peoples in STEM fields. This position works collaboratively across departments to identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities that align with organizational strategic priorities and evaluation frameworks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Grant Development & Management
- Research, identify, and track federal, foundation, and corporate grant opportunities aligned with AISES strategic plan
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive grant calendar with submission deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal dates
- Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and concept papers that articulate program goals, outcomes, and impact
- Coordinate grant submission processes, ensuring all components meet funder requirements and deadlines
- Work with grants compliance team to complete post-award grant compliance including reporting, documentation, and communication with funders
- Create and maintain tools to evaluate funding opportunity alignment with organizational capacity and strategic priorities
Program Development & Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Collaborate with departments across AISES to develop program initiatives that address identified needs and opportunities
- Integrate evaluation frameworks and research findings into program design and grant proposals
- Work with program staff to ensure proposed initiatives are feasible, sustainable, and aligned with organizational capacity
- Facilitate cross-departmental planning sessions to develop comprehensive, multi-faceted program proposals
- Support the development of logic models, outcomes frameworks, and evaluation plans for new and existing programs
- Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to develop compelling narratives and materials for funding proposals
Strategic Planning & Impact Measurement
- Utilize AISES strategic plan to guide funding priorities and program development
- Work with evaluation staff to incorporate data-driven insights into grant proposals and program design
- Track and analyze funding trends in STEM education and Indigenous education sectors
- Contribute to the development of organizational impact reports and success stories
- Support the integration of evaluation findings into continuous program improvement
Database & Systems Management
- Maintain accurate records of grant submissions, awards, and reporting in Salesforce
- Develop and update tracking systems for grant opportunities and organizational funding portfolio
- Generate reports on grant activity, success rates, and funding trends
- Ensure data quality and consistency across grant management systems
Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 3-5 years of experience in grant writing, with demonstrated success securing funding
- Experience working in or on behalf of Indigenous communities, with cultural competency and understanding of Indigenous perspectives
- Knowledge of STEM education landscape, programs, and funding opportunities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives
- Proficiency with Salesforce
- Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
- Creative problem-solver with ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
- Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across diverse teams and departments
- Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
- Candidates are required to pass a criminal background check
- May include travel and extended working hours to meet deadlines
Preferred:
- Master's degree in relevant field
- Experience with federal grant applications (NSF, DOE, ED, etc.)
- Knowledge of program evaluation methodologies and logic model development
- Experience with nonprofit strategic planning processes
- Familiarity with Indigenous education initiatives and tribal consultation processes
- Experience developing partnerships between foundation, tribal, academic, and corporate entities
Key Competencies:
- Strategic thinking with attention to detail
- Creative and innovative approach to problem-solving
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, persuasive proposals
- Cultural sensitivity and commitment to Indigenous advancement
- Flexibility and adaptability in fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships
- Self-motivated with strong organizational skills
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Environment and Conditions:
This position is remote. Occasional travel may be required for funder meetings, site visits, or organizational events. The position requires regular use of computer technology and ability to meet frequent deadlines. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be necessary to meet grant submission deadlines.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AISES is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with particular encouragement for Indigenous candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
No online applications or phone calls, please. Interested candidates must send cover letter, resume and three professional references via email to employment@aises.org.
Position will close on 1/16/26. If your application moves forward AISES will begin scheduling interviews the week of 1/19/26.
To view this job announcement on the AISES website, go to: http://www.aises.org/careers
