Grant Writer

Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization. For 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures.

The Grant Writer will research new public, private, and corporate funding sources, develop proposals, write project descriptions, compile other information required by grant makers and submit grant applications. The Grant Writer will support in creating post-project reports required by the funder, tracking the progress of grants that have been received.

Essential Functions

• Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of the organization’s mission, programs, target populations and strategic vision to optimize prospecting and proposal development
• Coordinate with all relevant staff (e.g., program, finance, performance measures) to develop narrative language, budget materials, and any other required application documents to submit grant proposals
• Systematically and comprehensively research and identify potential grant opportunities, especially targeting funding gaps and expansion priorities
• Support Sr. Grant Writer in managing agency-wide pre-award grants calendar for public and private grant and contract proposals
• Upon award notification, work with program lead and contract manager to review proposal scope of work against contract
• Support Impact Officer to ensure compliance with reporting requirements of assigned portfolio of funding organizations
• Administer grants project management software (GrantHub)
• Represent the agency at bidder’s conferences and RFP workshops
• Monitor assigned portfolio of grant funders and serve as proposal writer, contact for correspondence, coordinator of site visits, and other related activities
• Support management of and participate in regular cross-departmental “Funders Forum” meetings with agency leadership
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships throughout the agency
• Promote and maintain agency culture, standards, and systems
• Participate in the CIS team approach to service delivery and problem solving
• Other duties assigned by Senior Grant Writer or Chief Development Officer

Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in grants research, writing, reporting, and grants management; additional work experience may substitute for education
• Excellent writing skills and demonstrated ability to compose clear and compelling proposals
• Knowledge of laws and regulations about public, private and corporate grants, contract administration and basic grant budgeting processes
• Technical proficiency with web-based research tools
• Technical proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
• Excellent communication, time management and organization skills
• Ability to collaborate with diverse people, communities, and cultures
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs or related field is preferred

Reporting structure: The Grant Writer is supervised by the Sr. Grant Writer.

What You Bring : First and foremost, we are looking for amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission, and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education. We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You will be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, and the people around you to the next level. We encourage those with the following identities to apply: Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Pacific Islander, Indigenous people, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people, veterans, people living with disabilities, and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities.

What We Offer: CIS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The starting salary range for this position is $3,750/mo. to $3,875/mo. determined by qualifications and relevant experience. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal equity. We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, paying 100% of the employee premium for the base medical insurance plan and we provide subsidy to support coverage for spouse/domestic partner and children. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, professional development, and a 403(b) plan with an employer match. We also offer an inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work every day

DEI Commitment: Diversity is a vital resource and an integral part of who we are as an organization. Even if you do not check all of the boxes or meet all of the requirements, we encourage you to still apply. Please tell us more about yourself in your cover letter and why you are interested in employment at CIS.

Online applications will be accepted until position is filled.