Associate Director of Grants - Continuum of Care (CoC)

United Way of South Central Michigan•Kalamazoo, MI

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Grants leads the CoC grant portfolio, including planning, applications, budgets, compliance, reporting, and process improvement. This role supports homeless services and housing programs across Kalamazoo County by coordinating partners, strengthening grant systems, and aligning funding with CoC priorities. In this role, you will work with UWSCMI departments, CoC member organizations, service providers, government agencies, and community partners to build strong relationships, support collaborative funding efforts, and advance equitable solutions to homelessness. This position plays a key role in translating the strategic direction of the CoC into actionable grant strategies, processes, and priorities. This is a grant-funded, hybrid position based in the Kalamazoo office. The role requires at least three days per week in the office and occasional travel within UWSCMI's service area: Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, and Kalamazoo counties.

Requirements

Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and ability to apply anti- oppressive and anti-racist principles in the workplace.
Experience in grant writing, management, and administration.
A bachelor's degree in a related field and/or grant writing certification may supplement relevant experience.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, multiple priorities, and deadlines.
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency with databases and Microsoft 365 applications.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Experience with homelessness, housing, social services, or the Continuum of Care model preferred.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant requirements related to housing and homelessness preferred.

Responsibilities

Contributes to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organizational culture that centers people in every solution, process, and function.
Lead grant processes and funding strategies that center equity, accessibility, and the needs and experiences of people impacted by homelessness.
Identify opportunities to improve equitable access to funding and strengthen systems that address disparities within the homeless response system.
Lead the strategy, planning, and management of a complex portfolio of CoC grants and funding opportunities in partnership with the CoC Director.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities that support CoC and community priorities.
Oversee the grant process from application through implementation, reporting, and closeout.
Lead major funding initiatives, including state and federal grant processes.
Improve grant processes and systems to support efficiency, compliance, and strong outcomes.
Use funding trends and community needs to help guide grant priorities and strategy.
Support the development and management of grant and program budgets in partnership with the Director of Continuum of Care, Finance and Accounting, program leaders, and community partners.
Monitor grant expenditures and financial performance and identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure grant-funded activities align with approved budgets, funding requirements, and organizational priorities.
Provide guidance and support to partners and stakeholders regarding grant budgets, allowable costs, and financial requirements.
Lead processes that ensure grants meet applicable funding and compliance requirements.
Partner with internal teams and stakeholders to monitor grant performance, spending, and outcomes.
Lead grant monitoring activities, including reviews, site visits, and evaluations.
Identify risks and opportunities for improvement and implement solutions.
Maintain effective systems for documentation, reporting, and accountability.
Use data and feedback to improve grant-funded programs and processes.
Turn CoC and UWSCMI priorities into clear grant strategies and action plans.
Lead projects and initiatives involving UWSCMI teams, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Build strong relationships with CoC members, funders, service providers, and community partners.
Influence decisions and drive progress across teams and organizations without direct authority.
Partner with internal teams to ensure grant work aligns with organizational priorities and processes.
Represent the CoC and UWSCMI in community meetings, partnerships, and professional networks.
Stay informed about emerging trends, policies, funding opportunities, and best practices related to homelessness, housing systems, and grant funding.
Conduct research and analysis to identify innovative approaches, evidence-based practices, and funding strategies that advance CoC priorities.
Lead continuous improvement efforts that strengthen grant processes and the effectiveness of grant-funded programs.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage with an employer contribution of 85% towards single coverage and 70% towards dependent coverage
Dental and vision with a 90% employer contribution towards single and dependent coverage
Life insurance with an employer-paid benefit of 2 times annual salary
Short-term disability
Long-term disability effective with the date of hire
10% employer contribution into the 403(b) retirement plan each year with full vesting after 3 years of service
20 days Paid Time Off
13 days Paid Sick Time
5 Paid Volunteer Days
3 Floating Holidays
11 Paid Holidays each year