Grants & Strategic Projects Specialist

Friends Outside • Stockton, CA

1d

About The Position

The Grants & Strategic Projects Specialist identifies, defines, and develops funding sources for existing and planned program activities. The role leads the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies and reports directly to the Executive Director.

The position researches funding opportunities, develops compelling and compliant applications, manages grant tracking and records, coordinates proposal budgets with the Finance Director, analyzes and reports on program performance, and supports strategic initiatives. It also monitors grant compliance, communicates progress and risks to the Executive Director, and maintains the confidentiality of sensitive organizational and client information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three to five years of experience as a successful grant writer, preferably focused on social services, healthcare, or criminal justice.
• Proven history of securing new funding opportunities, comprehensive research knowledge, and the ability to identify opportunities for the organization and its programs.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization skills, including the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
• Proficiency in researching, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel, and database management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Previous grant budget development and management experience.
• A proven record of securing major grants, with certifiable references.
• Knowledge of grant application processes, scoring criteria, and funding cycles.
• Previous experience with federal grant applications, submissions, approvals, and fund management.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify government, corporate, foundation, and private funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Stay informed about emerging funding trends, regulations, and opportunities, and maintain a pipeline of prospective funding sources.
• Develop grant proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documentation, ensuring submissions comply with organizational policies and funder requirements.
• Generate revenue through timely, accurate, and compelling grant submissions.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather proposal content and supporting materials.
• Maintain grant calendars, deadlines, tracking systems, and organized records of pending, awarded, and declined grants and contracts.
• Coordinate follow-up on submitted applications and monitor application status.
• Maintain the Grants Manual to reflect current best practices and compliance requirements.
• Partner with the Finance Director to develop proposal budgets, including projected expenditures and revenue.
• Ensure budgets align with program needs and funder requirements, and guide staff on allowable grant expenses.
• Collect, analyze, and report program performance data related to grant-funded activities.
• Support data-driven decision-making for program and funding strategies.
• Assist with reports required by funders and leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to identify and support strategic initiatives.
• Participate in planning to align funding opportunities with organizational goals.
• Meet regularly with staff to assess current and emerging funding needs.
• Ensure adherence to organizational and State of California grant management policies.
• Keep the Executive Director informed about grant progress, risks, and issues.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational and client information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time