Advancement Grants Coordinator

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois • Des Plaines, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.
LSSI is hiring a full-time Advancement Grants Coordinator, 2 days of the week, Wednesday and your choice of day. The Grant Coordinator plays a key role in securing institutional funding that sustains and expands LSSI’s programs. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, prospect researching, writing compelling grant proposals, managing reporting requirements, and collaborating closely with internal teams to tell the story of our work and outcomes.

Requirements

• BA degree in communications, public relations, non-profit management, history, or a related field required.
• Background check clearance required.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing required.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in grant writing or a related field preferred.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge software preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in setting priorities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Write clear, compelling grant proposals and letters of inquiry to foundations and corporations.
• Manage a portfolio of institutional donors, including proposal deadlines, reporting requirements, and relationship stewardship.
• Allocate approximately 25% of time to prospect identification, research, and pipeline development in collaboration with gift officers and Advancement leadership.
• Create supporting materials for grants and donors.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather information, evaluate outcomes, and develop strong funding proposals.
• Maintain accurate donor and grant records using Raiser's Edge NXT or a similar fundraising database.
• Support cultivation and stewardship activities, including meetings, events, and donor communications.
• Track proposal submissions, reporting deadlines, and follow-up activities to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Benefits

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level