Grant Writer

Greater Chicago Food Depository•Chicago, IL

47d

About The Position

The Grant Writer supports institutional fundraising and is a part of the Corporations, Foundations and Organizations (CFO) team. This person is responsible for writing various grant materials assigned by the Sr. Manager of Grants and Director of Foundation Relations and Grants including grant eligibility assessments, letters of intent, summary briefs, proposals, and reports. The Grant Writer collaborates frequently with front-line fundraisers and program colleagues across the organization to maintain updated knowledge of the Food Depository's current and emerging work. The successful candidate will be familiar with Chicago's philanthropic landscape and possess strong relationship-building, project management, and strategic writing and thinking skills.

Requirements

5+ years of successful grant writing experience and project management skills
Prior experience working with nonprofit development team(s)
Prior experience interviewing/collaborating with subject matter experts
Proven ability to craft content aligning to funding priorities to organizational strategies.
Proven ability to manage various grant assignments while ensuring deadlines and administrative responsibilities are met.
Working knowledge of the systemic causes and consequences of poverty and hunger, particularly as they affect communities across Cook County, with an ability to write strategically on these issues.
Adaptable, solutions-oriented collaborator who thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and demonstrates resilience and clarity in shifting landscapes.
Strategic, self-motivated professional who takes initiative, prioritizes effectively, and manages a diverse writing portfolio with strong attention to detail and accountability for results.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex programmatic work and data into compelling grant materials.
Technologically proficient, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience using CRM systems such as StratusLIVE or Raiser's Edge, and an openness to exploring the role of emerging technologies-such as AI-in enhancing fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and operational efficiency
Writing sample required
Cover letter required for consideration

Nice To Haves

Grant writing certificate or evidence of other formal grants training preferred
Familiarity with government grants

Responsibilities

Serve as an active collaborator and thought partner to Sr. Manager of Grants and CFO team - navigating various intra- and inter-departmental collaboration, strategic lens to writing and workflow optimization - in pursuit of overarching revenue goals
Oversee a dynamic portfolio of institutional writing opportunities, managing 60% of the workflow as assigned by the Sr. Manager of Grants, coordinating with various colleagues, including relationship managers and program staff to secure revenue and comply with funder requirements
Contribute to annual fundraising goals by preparing compelling, competitive grant content collaborating across departments to align funder interests with organizational priorities
Apply industry best practices in grant writing to deepen grant makers' understanding of the scope of the Food Depository's work, ultimately enhancing relationship longevity
Leverage asset-based messaging centering neighbors and ending hunger
Utilize CRM database to record grant deadlines, activities, relationship contacts, correspondence notes, and other details pertaining to grants and individual workflow
Attend funder-led information sessions about upcoming grant opportunities as appropriate
Explore funder giving priorities and parameters to inform writing process and timely submission, expressing financial and cross-departmental needs with Sr. Manager of Grants
Engage in proactive and strategic partnership with front-line fundraisers - discussing grant opportunities and collaborating on writing approach
Attend funder conversations as needed and requested by front-line fundraisers