Grant Writer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Grant Writer, or Grantmaker, is responsible for finding funding opportunities for an organization and writing polished proposals to earn grant money. Their duties include researching deadlines, drafting grant requests and submitting reports for approval.

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Grant Writer Duties and Responsibilities

An effective Grant Writer should have excellent research and communication skills. They should be able to clearly communicate in both written and verbal communication, especially in grant proposals, as this is their primary duty. Include any special duties that you expect the successful candidate to perform.

Examples of Grant Writer duties and responsibilities include the following:

  • Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization.
  • Research grant opportunities from government and non-government agencies.
  • Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization.
  • Submit proposals to grant coordinators for approval.
  • Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals.
  • Maintain positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities.

Grant Writer Job Description Examples:

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Grant Writer

Summary Under minimal direct supervision the Health Care Development Council (HCDC) grant writer works with HCDC members to seek and secure grant funding that supports the delivery of health care and health care education in line with the HCDC purpose and prioritized target areas. Duties and Responsibilities This job description shall include, but is not limited to, the following duties. Understands and commits to the purpose of the HCDC and the prioritized target areas Acquires and maintains sound knowledge and understanding of the HCDC member organizations and uses that knowledge and understanding to better comprehend all projects and programs for which grant funding is sought Maintains strong working relationships with both CSI and St. Luke’s Continually researches, identifies, presents, and maintains sources of public and private grant opportunities that align with HCDC prioritized target areas Gathers subject matter experts together for discussion and assembly of information pertinent to grant applications Informs the HCDC of all relevant requirements, laws, and regulations (eligibility, timeline, type and amount of match, allowable expenditures, etc.) Contacts and follows up leads with granting organizations and agencies As directed/approved by the HCDC, develops proposals, writes grants, gathers supporting documentation, and submits them to granting agency in a timely manner, meeting all agency guidelines/requirements, and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures Ensures quality, accuracy, and completeness of all submitted grant proposals (well researched, well-written, well-documented, with a well-developed budget) Meets established benchmarks for submission and successful applications [website] dollars brought in). Solves problems effectively, efficiently, and creatively Utilizes sound judgment and maintains strict confidentiality Assists with the continuous improvement of services, programs, activities, materials, policies, and procedures Maintains working knowledge and understanding of and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures Responsibilities include idea generation, proposal development, grant submission and award, but do not include management of grants after they are awarded. Develops and maintains a master file of pending, existing, and past grants and contracts; utilizes digitization system Coordinates and regularly attends HCDC meetings Keeps HCDC members up to date concerning the status of each application Provides orientation for new HCDC representatives May perform other duties assigned. These duties may be modified at any time. Required Qualifications/Skills Bachelor’s degree, from a regionally accredited higher education institution, in related field. Demonstrated experience in identifying, applying for, and receiving grants from public and private sources. Knowledge, understanding, and ability to perform all aspects of the job Excellent written and oral communication skills Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills Excellent computer skills Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision Preferred Knowledge of higher education and/or the healthcare industry Required Skills Required Experience
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Grant Writer

Blue Ridge Health is currently seeking a Grant Writer to be part of our Administrative Team. The Grant Writer is responsible for coordinating efforts to secure and maintain funding sources for Blue Ridge Health (BRH). About Blue Ridge Health Blue Ridge Health (BRH) is a nonprofit system of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that works closely with communities to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs of Western North Carolina with accessible, high-quality, comprehensive primary care services. With 28 healthcare practices throughout the region and additional programs within schools, BRH offers primary care, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nutrition services that prioritize an exceptional patient care experience. For more than 55 years, BRH has served as the leader in community-focused healthcare, providing services to communities in Henderson, Rutherford, Polk, Buncombe, Transylvania, Jackson, Swain and Haywood counties. Responsibilities: Organizational Grant Writing and Reporting Researching and identifying potential funding sources- foundations, corporations, government et al Preparing, writing, and submitting identified applications for funding Reporting for all funding sources, including requesting necessary data from BRH departments Developing a grants management plan Assists with public relations and marketing Assists Outreach as directed. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein. Description of Primary Attributes: Multi-tasker Strong organizational skills Extremely detail oriented Possesses excellent written communication abilities. Ability to work in partnership with other team members as well as work independently Professional and Technical Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree required 3 years related experience preferred Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge management software strongly preferred Demonstrated successful grant writing and grants management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access and Power Point) required Experience building and maintaining productive professional relationships with co-workers, service providers, and funders Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to frequent computer work. Light to moderate lifting is required up to 50lbs. Moderate noise level typical to an office environment. Employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Regular, predictable attendance is required as this position supports daily operations of all staff. Blue Ridge Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.
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Grant Writer

Job Summary SEEC’s Grant and Communications Writer plays a critical role on the SEEC Communications and Development team. This position will support securing government and foundation grant funding, as well as provide key organizational writing that supports fundraising, communications, and marketing. We are looking for a very strong writer and communicator who can provide a consistent voice in presenting SEEC’s programs and accomplishments. General Draft and/or review grant proposals and reports, tailoring each to fit specific focus areas and interests of foundation, corporate or government funders Gather, edit, and create content and collateral that supplement proposal narratives, focusing on SEEC’s program impact, innovation, and strategic operations Submit grants proposals and/or reports with strict adherence to each funder’s unique requirements, including deadlines, proposal and budget formats and all mandatory attachments Share grant award documentation with accounting and, when needed, with relevant staff assigned to lead the funded project. Conduct ongoing prospect research on potential funders in new and existing markets and evaluate grant opportunities identified by the development and program teams. Assist with communications and marketing materials, including but not limited to website content, supporter emails, internal and external newsletters, and fundraising direct-mail letters; and Write annual report and other organization marketing collateral materials to provide a consistent voice for the organization. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in English, Writing, Journalism, or related field. Minimum of 5 years of grant writing, prospect search and reporting experience. Excellent writing and editing skills, and experience and/or interest in learning marketing writing. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Excel. Experience using SALSA or a similar data management system. Familiarity with online grant research and other nonprofit management tools [website] GrantWatch, PND, the Foundation Center, etc.) Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to details. Excellent analytical and time management skills. About SEEC SEEC is a progressive nonprofit agency providing a wide range of community supports to help people with developmental disabilities live the lives they choose. Supports are provided solely in the community and are directed by the interests, needs, and aspirations of each person. Interested? Apply today. SEEC is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce in an inclusive culture environment. SEEC does not discriminate based on disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.

What Does a Grant Writer Do?

Grant Writers generally work for nonprofit organizations as part of the development department to raise money for the organization’s mission. They search for available grants and research their requirements to find opportunities that align with their organization’s mission. Before applying for a grant, Grant Writers communicate with company leadership to confirm that they are interested in collaborating with the foundation or company offering the grant. After the research phase, Grant Writers prepare several drafts using persuasive language and facts about their organization to explain why they should receive funding and how they would use the money.

Grant Writer Skills and Qualifications

A Grant Writer candidate should have various skills and qualifications in order to be successful in their job. Outline the educational qualifications and certifications your organization requires for the position. You may also include non-technical skills and specific personality traits you desire to have in a successful candidate.

Here are some examples of Grant Writer skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, creative writing or a related area (master’s degree preferred)
  • A minimum of two years experience in grant writing
  • Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process
  • Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization
  • Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources
  • Multitasking, organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity
  • Working knowledge of computers

Grant Writer Salary Expectations

A Grant Writer receives an average salary of $42,961 per year. Indeed has estimated this figure based on the salary information of several hundred Grant Writers and job advertisements published on Indeed during the past three years. Typically, a Grant Writer works for an average tenure of less than a year.

Grant Writer Education and Training Requirements

A Grant Writer should at least have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in areas such as communications, journalism, creative writing, marketing, etc. Some organizations look for a master’s degree, especially if the position involves writing proposals for large donors and international organizations. Some educational institutions also offer certifications, programs and workshops in grant writing, but most of the Grant Writers develop their skills through online resources, practice and on-the-job training.

Grant Writer Experience Requirements

An entry-level Grant Writer position may not require any experience, but it is always helpful to hire candidates with one or two years of experience in grant writing. For a senior level position, you may want to hire candidates with a higher level of experience. Other than specific experience in grant writing, candidates with a background in areas such as fundraising, mass communications and public relations tend to excel in this position. Many experienced Grant Writers prefer to telecommute or work on a contractual basis.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If a Grant Writer job description is not exactly what you are looking for, here are some other job description templates for closely related positions:

Frequently asked questions about Grant Writers

 

What is the difference between a Grant Writer and a Technical Writer?

Grant Writers are specifically dedicated to writing proposals for business funding, while Technical Writers can write on a range of subjects. Technical Writers focus on describing details about a specific subject area, usually to instruct and inform. Grant Writers aim to persuade their audience and supplement their argument with details about the company and its proposed ideas. Both roles involve a large amount of research, but Grant Writers can be more creative in their writing style as they try to attract the interest of donors and tell a story about their company’s goals.

 

What are the qualities of a good Grant Writer?

An effective Grant Writer is highly motivated and takes initiative to seek out new funding leads. They are confident when making suggestions and pursuing all possible avenues for securing grants for their department or organization. They should be a natural storyteller and  Successful Grant Writers supplement their creativity with data-driven research, sharing information about their goals that appeals to each grant provider’s unique mission and shows them that they will be good stewards of the grant money. They enjoy taking a systematic approach to writing and are perfectionists when preparing a final product.

 

Who does a Grant Writer report to?

Grant Writers generally report to the head of a non-profit’s development department such as the Director of Development or a Development Manager. They may also report to other department heads when writing grants for specific projects. Some larger organizations have a Grant Manager that acts as an intermediary between the Director of Development and the Grant Writers, managing their assignments and delegating research and writing tasks to multiple Grant Writers on their team.

 

What should you look for on a Grant Writer's resume?

When hiring for a Grant Writer, you should look for someone with a strong writing portfolio and a polished resume. Top candidates have experience with fundraising, giving them an inside knowledge of how non-profits operate and how they should approach finding grants and applying for funding. Experience in Copywriting can also transfer to a Grant Writing position because of the persuasive nature of their writing. Strong Grant Writer resumes feature research skills and may cite publications or other research projects.

Job Description Examples

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