Summary

This position is part of an expanding team that carries out the Foundation’s grant-making program, which includes ascertaining community needs, working with community organizations capable of developing and operating programs and initiatives to meet those needs, and participating in the development, administration and monitoring of grant applications as well as the evaluation of funded programs and projects.

Description

The Alberta Law Foundation (the Foundation) is an independent non-profit grant-making foundation that supports programs and projects that enhance the justice system and individuals’ access to legal services. For fifty years the Foundation has pursued its vision of “Accessible justice for all Albertans” by providing funding to non-profit organizations engaged in legal research and law reform, public legal education and information, and the provision of legal advice, representation and support to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. 

The Alberta Law Foundation seeks a full time Grants Coordinator that shares the Foundation’s values of:

  • Integrity, excellence and accountability
  • Priority for organizations assisting vulnerable populations
  • Collaboration, outcome-based evaluation and accountability across the justice sector
  • Evidence-based solutions providing the best value and impact
  • Responsive to well-identified justice sector needs while recognizing the scope and responsibilities of the government and private sector
  • Fiscal transparency and prudence

This position is part of an expanding team that carries out the Foundation’s grant-making program, which includes ascertaining community needs, working with community organizations capable of developing and operating programs and initiatives to meet those needs, and participating in the development, administration and monitoring of grant applications as well as the evaluation of funded programs and projects. The Grants Coordinator promotes the Foundation’s mission by liaising with external stakeholders, including grant applicants and recipients, non-profit service providers and other funders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responds to inquiries about the availability of funding.  Assesses the eligibility of funding proposals and refers inquirers to other funding sources if appropriate.  
  • Under the guidance of the Program Director, assumes responsibility for a portfolio of grants –  assisting applicants in developing and writing new grant applications, or renewal applications.  
  • Reviews and assesses grant applications in an effective and timely manner.  
  • Prepares summary reports and recommendations for the Board of Directors regarding the merits of grant proposals and any other materials necessary to support the Board’s decision-making process.  
  • Monitors funded programs and projects for compliance with Foundation policies regarding reporting and accountability.  
  • Prepares correspondence, analyses, briefing materials and file notes as required.  
  • Updates the Grants Portal as required, and contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the grants software.  
  • Maintains effective relationships with current and potential grant recipients, government officials and other funders and stakeholders.  
  • Works with grantees to build capacity in particular areas such as program design and evaluation, data collection and analysis, governance and financial accountability, where appropriate.  
  • With the Foundation’s objects in mind, makes every attempt to be aware and informed of current issues or events that may impact grantees, the legal services sector and/or influence future funding proposals.  
  • Contributes to the implementation of an effective program of communication, participating in the preparation of the Annual Report, newsletters, articles and website information.  
  • Provides staff support and assistance to the Board of Directors and committees as required.  
  • Works collaboratively with other Foundation staff on a range of program and administrative issues and special projects, as required.

Education, Training and Experience

This position requires relevant post-secondary education and a minimum of 5 years of experience working in the non-profit, human services, education, law or justice sector in a position requiring critical thinking and analysis.  It requires a good working knowledge in the preparation of funding applications including the review of budgets and financial information, as well as an understanding of non-profit program design, delivery and evaluation. Experience in one or more areas of the Foundation’s grant objectives, working with Indigenous communities, community needs analysis, program evaluation, database management, and/or formal legal education would be considered assets.

Skills and Attributes

  • Embodies the Foundation’s values and aligned with its vision and mission
  • Has sound business judgment and strong project management skills.
  • Has excellent time management skills – able to work within a tight schedule and meet deadlines.
  • High level of initiative and self-motivation – results oriented.
  • Able to critically analyze budgets and organization financial statements.
  • Familiar with program design/development and with program evaluation principles and processes.
  • Skilled in utilizing databases to capture and analyze data.
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to write clear, concise and complete reports and correspondence.
  • Portrays a positive and professional presence with very good communication and interpersonal skills; easily able to establish a rapport and credibility with diverse stakeholders.
  • Presents a consultative and supportive style, able to work in a team and independently.
  • Empathetic to the situation of vulnerable individuals.
  • Able to handle and resolve sensitive issues.
  • Able to travel occasionally in the province.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel, Power BI and Adobe Acrobat as well as usage of cloud platforms.
  • Experience with databases and/or a granting software such as Fluxx would be an asset.

The Foundation values diversity of all kinds including ethnicity, gender, experience, background and skill. We seek a team that reflects the diversity of our province and the communities we serve.

Reporting to the Program Director, this is a full-time position located in Calgary, Alberta, with a targeted start date of early December 2023. The Alberta Law Foundation is prepared to offer a competitive total compensation package based on the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. Further information about the Foundation can be found at www.albertalawfoundation.org.

TO APPLY:

E-mail a resume and cover letter to edalf@albertalawfoundation.org by November 10th, 2023 indicating “Grants Coordinator” in the subject line. We thank all those expressing interest in the Foundation, however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.