Grants & Strategic Projects Specialist
About The Position
The Grants and 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 Specialist researches funding opportunities, develops compliant proposals and budgets, tracks applications and awards, analyzes program data, and supports strategic initiatives. The position also helps ensure grant-management practices comply with FO and State of California policies and keeps the Executive Director informed about grant progress, risks, and issues.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 3 to 5 years of experience as a successful grant writer, preferably with a social service, healthcare, or criminal justice focus.
- Proven history of securing new funding opportunities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of research and ability to distinguish and identify opportunities for FO generally and for specific programs.
- Project management experience.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent writing and verbal skills.
- Highly organized, with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
- Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data.
- Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel, and database management skills.
- Motivated self-starter able 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.
- Proven record of securing major grants with certifiable references.
- Knowledge of the grant application process, scoring criteria, and funding cycles.
- Previous federal grant application, submission, approval, and management of funds.
Responsibilities
- Research and identify government, corporate, foundation, and private funding opportunities aligned with FO’s priorities.
- Stay informed of emerging funding trends, regulations, and opportunities, and maintain a pipeline of prospective funding sources.
- Develop grant proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documentation, ensuring submissions are timely and comply with FO policies and funder requirements.
- 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 and follow up on the status of submitted applications.
- Monitor and update 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, and ensure budgets align with program needs and funder requirements.
- Guide staff regarding allowable expenses under specific grants.
- Collect, analyze, and report on program performance related to grant-funded activities; support data-driven program and funding decisions and prepare reports for funders and leadership.
- Collaborate with leadership and program teams to identify and support strategic initiatives and align funding opportunities with organizational goals.
- Meet regularly with staff to assess current and emerging funding needs.
- Ensure adherence to FO and State of California policies related to grant management.
- Keep the Executive Director informed of grant progress, risks, and issues.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational and client information.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
