Grants Manager

Hesed House•Aurora, IL

80d•$67,000 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Grants Manager is a member of Hesed House’s Development Team and is responsible for managing and growing the organization’s grants portfolio and revenue. The role oversees the full grant lifecycle, including research, cultivation, proposal writing, submission, reporting, and compliance for federal, state, and local government, foundation, corporate, and other funding sources, with a major emphasis on public and governmental grants. The Grants Manager develops persuasive proposals by translating complex programs and data into compelling cases for support, coordinates proposal and contract development with program and operations staff, and stewards relationships with current and prospective funders. The role maintains grant calendars and funder records, tracks funding trends and opportunities, and collaborates with colleagues on fundraising plans and initiatives, including the signature Derby event. This position is based at Hesed House’s Aurora, Illinois campus. It requires a professional, business-casual appearance and a welcoming demeanor when representing the organization. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed for funder meetings and events. Candidates must pass DCFS and criminal background checks, comfortably and consistently navigate stairs, and move donations and materials as needed.

Requirements

At least five years of grant writing or professional writing experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
Proven track record researching, writing, and securing federal, state, local government, foundation, and corporate grants.
Strong research skills, including identifying and evaluating funders and opportunities aligned with organizational needs.
Project management experience, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Experience working with donor CRM databases.
Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to communicate complex projects persuasively.
Strong verbal communication skills and confidence representing the organization with funders and partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and engage with diverse individuals and organizations.
Ability to work effectively within a faith-based organization and with secular partners and funders.
Collaborative approach, self-motivation, and ability to work independently.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines, applications, and reporting requirements while maintaining attention to detail.
Positive, adaptable attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks.
Must be able to comfortably and consistently navigate stairs.
Must be able to move donations and materials as needed.
Writing sample required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT.
Familiarity with grant management platforms such as Instrumentl or Grant Assist.
Nonprofit grant writing or professional writing experience.
Curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset, including openness to appropriate tools such as AI.

Responsibilities

Research, prepare, write, and submit public and private grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and related correspondence.
Lead development of grant proposals and contracts, coordinating input from program and operations staff.
Translate complex programs and data into compelling and persuasive cases for support.
Maintain a current writing sample and an internal portfolio of successful proposals.
Manage private funder reporting and compliance, coordinating with internal program and operations partners.
Partner with colleagues on reporting and compliance for government grants.
Maintain a calendar of applications, reports, and other deadlines to ensure timely completion and submission.
Update and maintain a database of external funders and prospects.
Attend meetings with project teams, funders, prospective funders, and partnering organizations; prepare team members for external funder meetings.
Assist with managing and cultivating relationships with existing and prospective funders.
Identify and research public, governmental, corporate, foundation, and other funding opportunities.
Expand the pool of public and governmental grant prospects and maintain awareness of relevant philanthropic communities and funding trends.
Participate in short- and long-term fundraising planning.
Support major fundraising initiatives, including the signature Derby event.
Work collaboratively and bring a solutions-focused approach to projects and team interactions.