GRANTS WRITER (Manager of Grant Portfolios)

Description

Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!

Title: Grants Writer (Manager of Grant Portfolios)

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $55,000 -$60,000 per year

Classification: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director of Development

Supervisor Responsibilities: No

Location: CYC Wabash Headquarters at 218 S. Wabash Ave (Chicago, IL)

Work Environment & Schedule: This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring a combination of remote work, in-office presence, and community-based engagement (CYC school-based and center locations). The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; however, hours may vary based on program and operational needs.

The role requires regular on-site presence (approximately 2 days per week), with the remaining days worked remotely, in addition to occasional time spent in the community to support CYC program-related activities and events.

Purpose: The Grants Writer (Manager of Grant Portfolios) is responsible for supporting CYC’s mission and helping us reach our fundraising goals by strategically managing institutional relationships, researching new funding opportunities, and developing compelling proposals and reports for private, corporate, and government funders whose focus areas align with CYC’s mission and organizational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for writing, proofing, editing, and submitting well-written letters of inquiry and proposals to private, corporate, and government funders; able to connect the dots to answer grant application questions strategically
• Responsible for meeting with funders to discuss proposals before submission to ensure success
• Maintain a comprehensive annual calendar for more than 60 funders, tracking grant opportunities, LOIs, proposals, and reporting deadlines to ensure timely and accurate submissions
• Coordinate with program and finance teams to develop program plans and corresponding grant budgets, including shaping new program concepts when aligned with funding opportunities
• Adhere to LOI and grant application guidelines and industry best practices
• Partner with the Continuous Quality Improvement team to access and interpret program data and outcomes for use in grant applications and reports
• Manage portfolio of private, corporate, and government grantors and prospects; maintain donor records in database, track proposals, touchpoints, and follow-up actions
• Oversee all communication with grantors and collaborate with CYC leadership to strategically manage relationships through timely acknowledgments, stewardship, and cultivation
• Responsible for using CYC donor database, wealth screening software, and other resources to proactively research, identify, and evaluate new private, corporate, and government funding opportunities that align with CYC’s mission and organizational and programmatic needs.
• Lead a monthly grants strategy meeting with development, program, and finance teams to review pipeline, align on priorities, and drive accountability
• Regularly visit CYC community centers to stay connected to program delivery, build relationships with site staff, and develop a strong understanding of programs and participant impact to inform compelling proposals
• Manage grant software, Instrumentl, including cross-team training as necessary and staying up-to-date with ongoing technology enhancements to maximize value
• Performs other duties as needed to support the success of grant initiatives and overall program objectives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 2-3 years of non-profit work experience, including at least 1–2 years in grant writing and management
• Comfortable with a hybrid work environment that is remote, in-office, and in-community, and the ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours as needed
• Strong attention to detail, hyper-organized, proactive planner, ability to manage multiple projects and complete tasks promptly
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, collaborative mindset, diplomatic, strong verbal and written communicator
• Deadline-driven, self-motivated, and enthusiastic approach to one’s work
• Knowledge of Chicago institutional funders, research tools, and tactics
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Able to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• A passion for youth development and a desire to help Chicago Youth Centers grow; experience working with diverse populations.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 403B, AFLAC (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurances), Pet Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance

Chicago Youth Centers is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Chicago Youth Centers will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.