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.
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Grant Writer Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Epilepsy Alliance Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary RANGE: Based on experience

P Osition SCOPE:

Priorities include researching grant opportunities, developing, writing, and submitting grant proposals to third-party entities. reviewing grant budgets, reporting data on the performance of program activities funded by third-party public, private sources, foundation, corporate, and individual philanthropist prospects, and working with other staff in the maintenance of the grant proposal and research process.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree with at least two years of experience as a grant writer for a nonprofit organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Capable of balancing multiple priorities effectively. Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed to excellence. Capable of working well with a variety of personalities and leadership styles. Highly organized and professional demeanor. Resourcefulness, planning, promotions savvy, and problem-solving acumen. Must have previous grant writing, technical writing, or nonprofit industry experience. Experience submitting a major federal, state, or county level grant with many intricacies, deadlines, and deliverables helpful.

Responsibilities:

Identify new funding sources and conduct prospect research.

Write and submit grants in collaboration with the program, finance, and administrative departments.

Follow up with grant-making organizations during their review of a submitted grant application to supply additional supportive material if requested.

Maintain and implement funding calendar activities, including cultivation and reporting activities.

Work with the finance department to prepare monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports to government, foundations, and other funders as required.

In collaboration with program staff, develop and implement monitoring procedures to track grant implementation.

Ability to multitask and manage several grant submissions or reports at once while working with various levels of staff to complete grant-related items.

Maintains a working knowledge of the Epilepsy Alliance Florida's mission and its program to address them.

Participate in fundraising activities, staff, and department meetings.

Abide by all EAF and state policies, procedures, and mandates.

Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Always represent the agency in a positive manner.

Other responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Experience:
  • Microsoft Office: 1 year Location: Remote
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    Example 2

    Contract Grant Writer

    MiA - Mujeres in Action is the only organization in the Spokane region providing culturally responsive intervention services primarily to Latinx survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA), and conducting prevention efforts in Spanish.
    Since fall of 2018, MiA has been helping Latinx families find safety, stability and independence as well as forming key partnerships with other agencies to expand services to the Latinx community. To learn more about MiA, please visit [website]

    MiA is looking for a Grant Writer with a minimum of 2-5 years of recent experience writing and submitting successful grant proposals and proficiency with competitive corporate and foundation, federal and state granting. The Grant Writer identifies appropriate contract/grant opportunities and develops successful applications on behalf of MiA to secure funding.

    With the collaboration of the Executive Director and other staff, the Grant Writer targets grant research, and planning, completing letters of intent, preparing grant proposals and formal grant applications, stewarding corporate and foundation relationships. The Grant
    Writer works with internal teams to identify funding needs and to create budgets with compelling narratives to support successful grants; and acquire and maintain sound knowledge of the organization in order to accurately represent MiA when interacting with funders on MiA’s behalf.

    This position is an independent contractor (1099). Compensation will be based on an hourly rate and on experience.

    How to Apply

    Please submit your resume, track record of successful grant applications and/or awards, rates and 2 professional references.

    Job Type: Contract

    Schedule:
  • Self-determined Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 3

    Position Summary
    Responsible for all aspects of raising support from foundations, corporations, and government sources requiring researching opportunities and writing full grant proposals for both unrestricted operating revenue and restricted projects, specifically capital and endowment support. Building partnerships between Concordia University Texas and public and private organizations that share a similar commitment to education, the Director is actively engaged in researching opportunities, working to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships that will result in funding for the immediate and long-term goals of the University.
    Position Functions

  • Grant Writing: Write and coordinate full grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations and select government agencies as determined by the grants calendar and grant reporting requirements. Foster the growth and implementation of best practices for all grant-related functions, including proposal-writing, budget development, and data integrity. Research and compile pertinent institutional information for projects requiring funding. This includes meeting with or contacting various departments within the university to garner information to be incorporated into case statements, letters of intent, proposals and reports.
  • Research & Planning:Identify corporate and foundation prospects and develop effective solicitation strategies to secure funding for campus priority initiatives. Strategically link institution and programmatic initiatives with opportunities for fundraising. Lead or participate in initiatives and workgroups that might result in or impact grant funding. Make informed and well-prepared presentations on major funding decisions; lead conversation on benefits and risks of a particular grant. Perform prospect research on foundations and corporations to evaluate prospects for corporate and foundation grants. Follow relevant news and grant trends as it relates to Concordia’s needs, including federal and budget processes.
  • Goal Setting: Set annual personal goals, including: writing proposals, dollars raised, types and amounts of gifts sought; self-improvement goals; adding foundation prospects to database; planned activities with constituents.
  • Foundation Relationship Development: Understand institutional history and programs and ability to summarize into well written proposals. Develop, foster and maximize relationships with institutional and private funders. Maintain thorough knowledge of current and planned programs and priority initiatives for the purposes of accurately and persuasively communicating achievements and goals to prospective donors.
  • All other duties as assigned

    Position Requirements

  • Ability to articulate and model the Concordia University Texas mission, vision and values

  • Master’s degree preferred with a minimum of five years of experience and provable track record in successful grant research and writing
  • Working knowledge of MS Office products
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to set and communicate priorities and meet deadlines
  • Ability to monitor progress and track results
  • Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization
  • Ability to foster teamwork and supervise support staff
  • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Working knowledge of gift accounting regulations

    Physical Requirements

  • Requires non-traditional work hours including weekends and evenings

    Commitment to the Concordia Mission
    Concordia University Texas is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Concordia University Texas empowers students of all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action and courageous leadership. As a liberal arts university, Concordia develops the mind, heart, soul, and body, preparing leaders for lives of service. As a private, faith-based university, employees must be supportive of our mission. We actively seek candidates who have professional skills, experience, and willingness to strengthen campus diversity, equity, and inclusion in support of our mission as an institution and our strategic plan. To the extent allowed by law, we reserve the right to give preference in employment based upon religion. Concordia does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other basis protected by law.
    APPLY Type: Full-time
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    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:

    Ready to Hire a Grant Writer? Build a Grant Writer Job Description

    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.

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