YMCA Proposal and Grant Writer

YMCA Metro Washington•Bethesda, MD

About The Position

The YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is seeking an exceptional writer, strategic thinker, and relationship-builder to join their team as a Proposal & Grant Writer. This role involves working directly with the Executive Director and YFS program leadership to understand the work across various service areas (youth development, family services, behavioral health, school-based programs, and community services) and translate this expertise and impact into compelling investment opportunities. The writer will lead proposal and grant development for government, foundation, corporate, and other institutional funding sources, contributing to a strong and sustainable funding pipeline for YFS.

Requirements

5 or more years of relevant experience in grant writing, proposal development, institutional fundraising, government contracting, or a related field.
Demonstrated success developing competitive grant proposals, government RFP responses, or other complex funding requests.
Exceptional writing, editing, research, and analytical skills.
Ability to understand budgets and financial information and connect them to strong program narratives.
Excellent organization and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with program experts, finance teams, senior leaders, community partners, and funders.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

Research and identify funding opportunities that align with YFS programs and priorities.
Build a forward-looking pipeline of RFPs, grants, and renewals.
Help leadership evaluate where YFS can be most competitive and have the greatest impact.
Lead proposals from opportunity through submission, translating complex programs, community needs, partnerships, and outcomes into clear, persuasive narratives.
Partner with program, finance, and leadership teams to ensure budgets, staffing, outcomes, and commitments are integrated into strong and credible proposals.
Support renewals, reporting, and funder communications that demonstrate impact and responsible stewardship.
Help YFS build lasting relationships with funding partners.