Grants & Service Development Specialist I

Centerstone•Nashville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Supports the development and submission of competitive grant and contract proposals that advance Centerstone’s strategic and service priorities. Assists with and conducts research, drafting, formatting, and coordinating of proposal components. Contributes to business development, pre-proposal assessment, and proposal preparation activities. This role partners with team leadership and staff to ensure proposals are competitive, compliant, and aligned with enterprise goals. Exercises strong technical writing, analytical, and project management skills to produce proposals that meet funder specifications and internal standards for excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, communications, or a related field.
At least two years of experience in technical, grant, proposal, and/or academic writing completed in professional environments and/or as part of a bachelor’s or higher degree program.
Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to compile and present data and statistics and to utilize the internet as a research tool.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to work efficiently under deadlines.
Knowledge/understanding of program evaluation practices and familiarity with statistical methods, data collection, and research tracking methods.
Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods.

Nice To Haves

Evidence of funding success strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews funding announcements and gathers relevant information to support identification of opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Utilizes internal assessment tools to evaluate opportunity fit and prepare concise recommendations or summaries to support informed pursuit decisions.
Conducts research on funders, prior awards, and competitive landscapes to inform team decision-making.
Compiles data and reference materials from reliable sources (e.g., public databases, agency budgets, prior proposals).
Participates in pre-proposal and Initial meetings, taking notes and tracking assigned follow-up actions.
Tracks funding cycles, deadlines, and pipeline activity to support proactive planning and readiness.
Prepares assigned proposal materials, narrative sections, and supporting documents (e.g., résumés, job descriptions, charts, tables, maps) with team leadership oversight.
Maintains accountability for assignments, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with funder instructions and organizational standards.
Integrates business and stakeholder priorities into narratives while ensuring compliance, readability, and persuasiveness.
Reviews proposal materials for consistent formatting, clarity, and adherence to internal branding and writing standards.
Tracks completion of assigned tasks in project management tools and updates status reports as directed.
Participates in milestone meetings and group edit sessions, providing feedback and incorporating revisions.
Provides timely progress updates, ensuring assigned deliverables are completed according to project calendars.
Assists in final quality checks and the upload or submission of proposal materials.
Conducts research to collect accurate data, statistics, and citations for use in proposal narratives.
Organizes and presents data clearly using charts, graphs, and visuals that enhance readability and reviewer engagement.
Verifies sources for accuracy and credibility; ensures data aligns with proposal content and objectives.
Performs calculations and reasoning (e.g., percentages, ratios, projections) accurately and efficiently.
Applies writing and editing best practices to strengthen clarity, grammar, and consistency across assigned sections.
Tracks proposal status in funder systems and updates internal databases.
Assists in preparing responses to funder requests for clarifications or additional information.
Organizes and maintains post-submission files and documentation according to department standards.
Supports scheduling and preparation for debrief and award kick-off meetings.
Participates in debrief sessions following proposal outcomes to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Captures lessons learned from proposal outcomes and contributes to inform future proposal strategy.
Performs general administrative and coordination duties to support proposal development and department operations.
Schedules meetings, prepares agendas, and records key discussion points or action items.
Maintains accurate, organized digital and physical files to ensure accessibility and version control.
Uses Microsoft Office, Adobe, and related software for document preparation, data presentation, and communication.
Provides logistical and technical support to ensure proposal materials are accurate, complete, and compliant.
Supports departmental tracking of proposals, opportunities, and submission outcomes.