Funding Strategist Department: Landscape Architecture + PlanningEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Des Moines, IACompensation: $70,000 - $95,000 / yearDescription ISG is a multi-disciplinary, employee-owned firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services to communities across the nation. Founded in 1973, ISG is guided by our mission: simplify solutions and passionately design the future; we partner with clients to turn complex challenges into meaningful, lasting impact.ISG employee owners are motivated by a shared goal to stretch the limits of great design and positively influence each other, our clients, and the communities we serve. If you're passionate about strategic planning, funding alignment, and community-driven outcomes, we invite you to explore a career within ISG's Planning team.We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Funding Strategist to support planning, architecture, and engineering projects through strategic funding development. In this role, you will play a critical part in advancing community-focused initiatives by identifying, securing, and managing public funding opportunities, from grants to loans, throughout the full project lifecycle. This position is ideal for someone with a background in planning, public finance, economic development, or grant administration who enjoys connecting funding strategy to real-world projects. You'll collaborate closely with planners, engineers, architects, and clients to align funding sources with project goals, translating complex program requirements into compelling, well-supported applications.Key Impact of the Role Identify and evaluate funding opportunities that support community planning and infrastructure initiativesPrepare, submit, and manage grant and loan applications from initiation through closeoutDevelop clear, persuasive narratives supported by accurate data and compliance requirementsSupport communities in bringing visionary planning and development projects to lifeSuccessfully manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven funding environmentYour strong writing, organizational, and data management skills, combined with your ability to work efficiently under funding deadlines, will directly enable ISG and our clients to move meaningful projects forward.We've listed a compensation range that reflects our expectations for this role, including both direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of this range. If you feel you're a strong fit but your compensation needs differ, we're open to a conversation—let's talk.Essential Duties Identify and evaluate local, state, federal, and private funding opportunities that align with the firm's project objectives and client needs. Funding opportunities may include SRF and other state agencies, CDBG, USDA, EPA, DOT, COGs, to name a fewStay updated on industry trends, changes in funding criteria, and deadlines for applicationsComplete grant applications that span a great variety of geographies, business units, and granting entities, requiring the ability to learn new tasks and processes effectively and efficientlyGather, analyze, and compile necessary information and documentation required for loan and grant applicationsCollaborate with internal teams, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to develop persuasive narratives and ensure technical accuracyPrepare application schedules, and supporting materials tailored to specific funding requirementsSubmit complete and timely applications in accordance with funding agency guidelinesAnalyze multiple funding opportunities and identify where alignment exists, creating a complete funding package for projects that may consist of multiple applications or funding sourcesAccountable to manage each application and ensure that they are progressing on applications in a timely manner to meet deadlines. This will be a lot of independent work, requiring a self-directed individualMonitor the progress of submitted applications and communicate updates to internal and external stakeholdersServe as the primary point of contact between the firm and client or organizations applying for the grant. Coordinate communication and meetings with funding agencies as neededProvide oversight of federal funding compliance requirements for loan and grant packagesAnalyze success rates and provide insights for continuous improvement of application strategiesBe an accountable, eager, and creative employee owner! Maintain a growth mindset with the potential to develop, build and lead a teamSkills, Knowledge and Expertise 3+ years of experience in grant writing, loan application preparation, or a related fieldBachelor's degree in Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field, preferred, but not requiredA background in architecture, engineering, or construction management is a plusStrong knowledge of public and private funding programs relevant to architecture, engineering, and construction projectsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling proposalsProficiency in budgeting, data analysis, and project management toolsDetail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple applications simultaneouslyFamiliarity with compliance requirements and regulations of common funding agenciesPreexisting relationships at state and/or federal funding entities are preferred, but not requiredISG Employee Owner Benefits Medical, dental, and visionPaid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start datePaid holidays and paid volunteer timePaid parental leaveBi-annual profit sharingEmployee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)401K retirement planLife insuranceHSA and FSA optionsBereavement leaveSupplemental voluntary benefitsShort term and long-term disabilityParking reimbursement, varies on office location#J-18808-Ljbffr