Grant Writer

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley•San Jose, CA

77d•$83,481 - $98,213•Hybrid

About The Position

The Grant Writer will be an equal partner of the Foundation/Grants Team and responsible for assisting the Foundation Philanthropy Manager to raise an annual revenue goal of nearly $7M in FY26. In this role, you will be a valued member of a flexible, supportive work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Everyone on the team is passionate about the mission of the organization and doing work that is personally meaningful. As a local nonprofit, Second Harvest has the flexibility to offer a nimble work culture that allows every team member to contribute their skills outside of their specific job function when appropriate and helpful to the overall goals. This job might be for you if you: Have experience managing all aspects of the funding cycle for grant makers; including identifying and qualifying prospective grant makers; strategizing and executing on a plan for engagement and cultivation; soliciting each grant maker appropriately; and providing meaningful stewardship and follow-up. Enjoy researching prospective gran markers and evaluating their alignment with key food bank initiatives and cultivating new prospects to help Second Harvest achieve its revenue goals. Have managed the development and writing of grant proposals, Letters of Inquiry, and other grant application materials for foundations and corporations, working with appropriate staff across the organization to complete these tasks. Are skilled at writing, editing, and finalizing grant proposals and reports as well as other donor solicitation and engagement materials, as needed. Ensure that all funder grant submission guidelines are met, and all required attachments are included. Are adept at collaborating cross-departmentally to understand the current priorities of the organization, establish achievable grant outcomes and recognize funder impact. This will include assisting with facilitating quarterly Grants Management meetings with cross-departmental team members to discuss requests for proposals; recommending programs and grant deliverables that align with funder priorities and parameters; and constructively evaluating unsuccessful grant applications. Can handle challenging relationships with the utmost diplomacy, whether dealing with external or internal stakeholders. Can multi-task in a high-paced environment, determining how to juggle competing priorities and manage all funder expectations. Enjoy building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with current grant makers. Listen to each funder's evolving goals for impacting the community and develop grant proposals that are responsive to these desired outcomes. Cultivate relationships throughout the year (e.g. Zoom meetings to get funder buy-ins/in-person warehouse tours, quarterly e-newsletter mailings), beyond simply submitting a grant proposal and required reports. Will represent Second Harvest at informational grant meetings hosted by foundations and other events as appropriate. Are committed to maintaining the integrity of funder records in the donor database (Salesforce) - this will include saving all information on grant proposals, reports, and funder follow-ups (emails, phone calls, meetings, etc.). Will maintain an organized filing system of all grant materials (includes grants calendar, shared drive folders, Smartsheets). Can steward sensitive information and data with integrity and confidentiality.

Requirements

2-3 years of work experience and successful track record in grants management
Experience managing internal and external relationships
Ability to juggle multiple projects with superb accuracy
Proficient in computer applications e.g., Microsoft Office suite of software, internet research capabilities, and willingness to learn new computer applications/technology
Genuine interest in the mission and activities of a food bank
Ability to travel locally to meet funders as needed
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be directly responsible for sustaining and growing Second Harvest's grants revenue by independently managing an assigned portfolio of funders and prospects.
You will develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation and corporate grant makers.
You will foster cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that grants to Second Harvest align with the priorities of the organization's current initiatives.
You will possess impeccable written and verbal communication skills along with a proven track record of developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with both funders and internal stakeholders.
You will have strong project management skills. The ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and careful attention to detail are essential.
This position reports to the Foundation Philanthropy Manager who will support you in researching new grant opportunities, administrative functions, drafting compelling proposals and letters of intent, data analyses, and completing grant reports.