Grants & Innovation Manager

Literacy Mid-South • Memphis, TN

9d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has been dedicated to improving lives through literacy for over 50 years. Initially founded in 1974 to assist adults in improving their reading skills, LMS has grown to serve individuals of all ages throughout the Mid-South region. Our mission is to equip individuals and families with the necessary literacy skills to succeed academically, economically, and personally. By offering direct programs and fostering regional collaboration, LMS strives to break the cycle of limited literacy and create lasting opportunities for future generations. At LMS, literacy is viewed not just as an educational achievement, but as a catalyst for empowerment and profound community transformation. We are a dedicated group of educators, advocates, partners, volunteers, and community leaders united by a common goal: to build a future where everyone can access the abundant opportunities that literacy provides.

We are searching for a forward-thinking and results-driven professional who possesses strong grant-writing capabilities, strategic acumen, and excellent relationship-building skills. The ideal candidate will be an innovative problem-solver adept at identifying opportunities, managing intricate projects, articulating compelling impact stories, and fostering effective collaboration among teams and community partners. This individual should thrive in a mission-focused environment, enjoy translating concepts into tangible actions, and be passionate about developing sustainable solutions that broaden educational access and enhance communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, education, communications, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Experience developing reports, proposals, budgets, and outcome-focused narratives.
• Experience working with data, evaluation, and performance measurement.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends, as required.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs and sit or stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in literacy, education, youth development, workforce development, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, innovation initiatives, or organizational growth efforts.
• Grant writing and fund development expertise
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Project management and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Data analysis and impact measurement
• Relationship building and partnership management
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Continuous improvement mindset and adaptability

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead the development, writing, submission, and management of grant proposals and reports.
• Maintain grant calendars and ensure compliance with funder requirements and deadlines.
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop narratives, budgets, outcomes, and evaluation plans.
• Monitor grant performance and support departments in meeting reporting and deliverable requirements.
• Assess existing programs to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and areas for growth.
• Develop recommendations using data, stakeholder feedback, research, and best practices.
• Partner with staff and stakeholders to design new initiatives, pilot programs, and service expansion opportunities.
• Create project frameworks, implementation plans, logic models, and sustainability strategies.
• Ensure new initiatives align with organizational goals, community needs, and strategic priorities.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting across programs.
• Strengthen systems that improve data quality, consistency, and accessibility.
• Collaborate with leadership to enhance outcome measurement and impact reporting.
• Use data insights to inform funding proposals, strategic planning, and program improvements.
• Develop compelling narratives that communicate LMS's mission, impact, and outcomes.
• Gather success stories, testimonials, and performance data for funders and stakeholders.
• Support consistent messaging across grant proposals, reports, presentations, and external communications.
• Help strengthen LMS's organizational story and value proposition.
• Develop and manage partnership agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
• Support strategic partnerships that advance literacy outcomes and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Monitor trends in literacy, education, philanthropy, workforce development, and nonprofit innovation.
• Research emerging funding opportunities and evidence-based practices.
• Facilitate strategic conversations and innovation planning efforts.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational information.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Competitive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being

What This Job Offers

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