YMCA Proposal and Grant Writer

YMCA Metro Washington • Bethesda, MD

1d

About The Position

YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is seeking a Proposal and Grant Writer to lead proposal and grant development across government, foundation, corporate, and other institutional funding opportunities and help build a strong, sustainable funding pipeline. The role works directly with the Executive Director and YFS program leadership to learn about programs in youth development, family services, behavioral health, school-based programs, and community services, then translate their expertise and impact into compelling opportunities for investment.

The position involves researching aligned funding opportunities, maintaining a forward-looking pipeline of requests for proposals, grants, and renewals, and helping leadership assess competitiveness and potential impact. The writer leads proposals from opportunity identification through submission, working with program, finance, and leadership teams to develop persuasive narratives supported by credible budgets, staffing plans, outcomes, and commitments. The role also supports renewals, reporting, and funder communications to demonstrate impact and responsible stewardship and strengthen lasting funding-partner relationships.

The position offers a salary of $95,000. The YMCA describes the work as an opportunity to help expand services for young people, families, and communities and to collaborate with leaders and funding partners to strengthen, sustain, and expand community work.

Requirements

• At least 5 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, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and 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 aligned with YFS programs and priorities.
• Build and maintain a forward-looking pipeline of RFPs, grants, and renewals.
• Help leadership evaluate where YFS can be competitive and have the greatest impact.
• Lead proposals from opportunity identification through submission.
• Translate complex programs, community needs, partnerships, and outcomes into clear, persuasive narratives.
• Partner with program, finance, and leadership teams to align proposal budgets, staffing, outcomes, and commitments.
• Support renewals, reporting, and funder communications.
• Demonstrate impact and responsible stewardship to funders and help build lasting funding-partner relationships.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 10% YMCA retirement contribution.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Complimentary YMCA family membership.
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of members and communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level