FUNDING AND PROJECT MANAGER

Erie, PA; Erie, Northern (Erie County, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of Erie County is seeking a Funding and Project Manager to advance the Community School Model in Erie County by coordinating grant-funded projects and supporting implementation across UWEC Community Schools.

Under the Vice President of Community Schools, you will lead collaborative planning, grant writing, and reporting efforts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion and alignment with funding requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or five years of equivalent field experience required.
• Experience with project management and grant writing preferred.
• Experience with Community Schools preferred.
• Knowledge of K–12 public education systems preferred.
• Understanding of systemic barriers facing low-income and diverse communities preferred.
• Understanding of Pennsylvania tax credit programs (EITC, Neighborhood Assistance Program) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead project manager for grant-funded and other Community School-related projects.
• Identify funding, project, and operational needs, including researching funding sources and eligibility requirements.
• Lead collaborative grant writing and grant reporting efforts for the organization.
• Manage organizational grants and grant-funded project activities that support implementation across Community Schools.
• Gather information, timelines, data, and partner input to support grant writing, reporting, project planning, and Community School-based initiatives.
• Develop high-quality written materials, including project plans, grant narratives, and reports.
• Monitor progress, maintain organized records, track deadlines, and communicate updates to internal and external stakeholders to ensure work is completed on time and in alignment with funding requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve future grant and project cycles.
• Support implementation of current and new United Way Community Schools.
• Attend designated Community School Leadership Team meetings as the Community School Department liaison, as needed.
• Provide administrative support and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Diversity & empathy

Independence & teamwork

Discretion

Facilitation

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 5 years equivalent field experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Funding and Project Manager advances the Community School Model in Erie County by identifying funding needs, coordinating grant-funded and Community School-related projects, and supporting implementation across UWEC Community Schools. Under the direction of the Vice President of Community Schools, this position leads collaborative planning, project coordination, and grant-related activities in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as lead project manager for grant-funded and other Community School-related projects.
• Identify funding, project, and operational needs, including researching funding sources and eligibility requirements, in collaboration with the Vice President of Community Schools and other internal stakeholders.
• Lead collaborative grant writing and grant reporting efforts for the organization.
• Manage organizational grants and grant-funded project activities that support implementation across Community Schools.
• Gather information, timelines, data, and partner input to support grant writing, reporting, project planning, and Community School-based initiatives.
• Develop high-quality written materials, including project plans, grant narratives, and reports.
• Monitor progress, maintain organized records, track deadlines, and communicate updates to internal and external stakeholders to ensure work is completed on time and in alignment with funding requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve future grant and project cycles.
• Support implementation of current and new United Way Community Schools.
• Attend designated Community School Leadership Team meetings as the Community School Department liaison, as needed.
• Provide administrative support and perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of equivalent field experience required.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience with project management and grant writing preferred.
• Experience with Community Schools preferred.
• Knowledge of K–12 public education systems preferred.
• Understanding of systemic barriers facing low-income and diverse communities preferred.
• Understanding of and/or experience with Pennsylvania tax credit programs, such as the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Sound interpersonal, conflict resolution, and professional judgment skills.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong project management, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Results-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and facilitation skills.
• Empathy and commitment to serving diverse communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant technology platforms.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Positions self to use office equipment.
• Access to reliable transportation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office setting.
• May require travel to offsite locations to conduct business.

Cover Letter

In your required cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• What about UW’s mission makes you want to join our team?
• What is your experience working with diverse populations?
• How do your experiences align with this position?

*Employment offers are subject to a background check.