Grant Strategist & Writer (Independent Contractor)

HR Anew • Alexandria, VA

23d • $30 - $40 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grant Strategist and Writer advances Creating Healthier Communities’ mission by identifying, developing, and pursuing institutional funding opportunities that support strategic priorities, community impact initiatives, and long-term organizational sustainability. The role leads grant research, development, and submission of competitive proposals ranging from $50,000 to $8 million across federal and state agencies, foundations, nonprofit funding organizations, corporate and enterprise partners, and other mission-aligned funding sources. It maintains a strategic grant pipeline, develops compelling proposals, and translates organizational priorities into fundable opportunities.

The role collaborates closely with executive leadership, program teams, finance staff, the nonprofit partnership team, and other internal and external stakeholders. It also identifies collaborative and consortium-based funding opportunities to strengthen competitiveness for major grants and expand CHC’s partnerships across the health and community impact ecosystem. Success requires strong grant research and proposal-development capability, strategic funding insight, exceptional writing and editing skills, and an understanding of healthcare, public health, health equity, food security, mental health, longevity and aging, and other issues affecting human health and community well-being.

This is an independent contractor role based in Alexandria, Virginia, or the DMV area, with an estimated three days onsite. Travel may be required up to 25% for conferences, meetings, and partner engagement. The role may mentor or support others. The posting notes potential to transition to full-time employment, with benefits listed for that potential full-time arrangement.

Requirements

• 5 to 10 years of grant writing and institutional fundraising experience.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure grants.
• Experience with federal, foundation, and corporate funding proposals.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with tools such as Grants.gov, Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, Submittable, Fluxx, Foundant, Salesforce, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data/document management systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in healthcare, public health, nonprofit, or social impact sectors.
• Experience supporting leadership discussions related to funding strategy.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Preferred fields of study include public health, nonprofit management, public administration, communications, health policy, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and pursue federal, state, foundation, corporate, and other institutional funding opportunities aligned with CHC’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Develop and submit competitive grant proposals ranging from $50,000 to $8 million, clearly communicating program objectives, community impact, and measurable outcomes.
• Build and maintain a strategic 12- to 24-month grant pipeline, tracking funding opportunities, proposal deadlines, submissions, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, program teams, finance, and external partners to develop funding strategies and coordinate successful grant submissions.
• Identify and cultivate collaborative and consortium-based funding opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand organizational impact.
• Manage grant-related documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements throughout the grant lifecycle in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Monitor funding trends and provide strategic recommendations to leadership regarding high-value opportunities, funding priorities, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Mentor or support others, as needed.

Benefits

• Potential full-time transition benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; sick and vacation leave; a 403(b); and a potential bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level