Grant Writer

Second Harvest Food Bank; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Purpose-driven work

Top Workplace recognition

Job summary

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is seeking a Grant Writer to develop and steward compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, and impact reports. You will work with philanthropy, corporate engagement, program, finance, marketing, and leadership to shape fundable opportunities and communicate outcomes.

The role focuses on building relationships with funders across corporate foundations, civic programs, and government sources to advance hunger relief initiatives in Middle and West

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; fields in Business, Communications, or related areas preferred.
• 2+ years of related experience and/or training.
• Exceptional written communication with strong storytelling for donors.

Responsibilities

• Write, submit, and steward grant proposals and inquiries.
• Draft reports and impact updates for funders with required documentation.
• Maintain understanding of hunger-related issues in the region and organization programs.
• Identify and research new funding opportunities across corporate, foundations, government.
• Collaborate with internal teams to translate program priorities into fundable proposals.
• Review grant proposals and sponsor materials for accuracy and quality.
• Engage funders to build relationships and respond to requests promptly.
• Organize records of grants prospects, proposals, and deadlines.
• Attend philanthropy and donor networking events to stay informed on giving trends.
• Manage multiple grant deadlines with cross-functional coordination.
• Support grants calendar maintenance and compliance across opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Written communication

Feedback incorporation

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Grant management platforms

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget analysis

AI tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Instrumentl

Raiser’s Edge/NXT

Salesforce

Job description

Ready to Make an Impact with Your Career?

When you work for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, you’re doing more than a job. You’re building a career while making a real difference for neighbors in your community. From truck driving to communications, we offer a wide range of opportunities for inspired individuals to help fight hunger in Middle and West Tennessee.

Our core beliefs are a crucial part of who we are as an organization, and they are reflected in our work and our relationships every day. At Second Harvest, we believe:

• that access to food is a human right
• in meeting neighbors where they are, with compassion
• in the power of connection; and that it is our role to connect resources with those who need them

Our Values

We are dedicated to living out these values in everything we do:

We explore and adjust to new conditions, and we have the courage to be versatile, adapting to the needs of our neighbors, partners and peers.

Co-creation

We move beyond collaboration to proactively develop innovative and neighbor-centric initiatives with our community.

Equity

We act with intention to remove barriers, include all voices, and meet people where they are.

We are change agents unafraid to challenge the status quo. We boldly envision and implement new ways to meet needs.

Radical Hospitality

We authentically and intentionally create a culture of care and belonging for all.

Empathy & Compassion

We actively listen and hold space for our neighbors, partners, and one another so everyone can share their unique journeys.

"This is very different from a normal truck driving job, where you just bump a dock, sign a paper, and never really know what you are hauling. At Second Harvest, it’s totally different. We build relationships with the Partner Agencies we deliver food to. In my experience, it has led to lifelong friendships."

"The actual size and scope of what Second Harvest Food Bank does is initially overwhelming, and I was not prepared for the volume of food moving in and out of our facilities. The number of lives and families touched by what we are able to do, with the support of our community, is staggering and humbling!"

"This is very different from a normal truck driving job, where you just bump a dock, sign a paper, and never really know what you are hauling. At Second Harvest, it’s totally different. We build relationships with the Partner Agencies we deliver food to. In my experience, it has led to lifelong friendships."

"The actual size and scope of what Second Harvest Food Bank does is initially overwhelming, and I was not prepared for the volume of food moving in and out of our facilities. The number of lives and families touched by what we are able to do, with the support of our community, is staggering and humbling!"

"This is very different from a normal truck driving job, where you just bump a dock, sign a paper, and never really know what you are hauling. At Second Harvest, it’s totally different. We build relationships with the Partner Agencies we deliver food to. In my experience, it has led to lifelong friendships."

"The actual size and scope of what Second Harvest Food Bank does is initially overwhelming, and I was not prepared for the volume of food moving in and out of our facilities. The number of lives and families touched by what we are able to do, with the support of our community, is staggering and humbling!"

Ranked One of the ‘Top Work Places’ in Tennessee

Working with Second Harvest is both challenging and rewarding. When you join our team, you’ll work with a group of dedicated and diverse individuals bringing equitable access to food and resources to people in need across Middle and West Tennessee.

Second Harvest is honored to have been selected as a Top Work Place in Tennessee by the Tennessean eleven times – a recognition based solely on employee surveys and feedback.

We are hiring for a full-time Grant Writer to join the External Affairs Department at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Who we are : For nearly 50 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has dedicated itself to nourishing and empowering their neighbors so they can thrive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Second Harvest implements sustainable solutions to food insecurity through a strategically selected network of more than 600 partners across 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, congregate meal sites, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, its mission, and programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.

What you’ll do: The Grant Writer is responsible for developing, submitting, and stewarding compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, impact updates, and progress reports that align funder priorities with the organization’s mission and program needs. The role includes work with a range of funding opportunities, including corporate, foundation, civic, government, and other institutional funders, with particular attention to corporate philanthropy opportunities as they arise. The Grant Writer works closely with philanthropy, corporate engagement, program, finance, marketing, and leadership staff to shape fundable opportunities, communicate measurable impact, support funder relationships, and contribute to the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write, submit, and steward grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and related funding requests in accordance with funder guidelines, incorporating input from program, finance, corporate engagement, and leadership staff.
• Draft and submit timely reports, stewardship updates, and impact summaries for corporate and non-corporate funders, ensuring accuracy and inclusion of all required supporting documentation.
• Maintain a strong understanding of hunger-related issues in Middle and West Tennessee and remain well-informed on the organization’s programs and services.
• Identify, qualify, and research new funding opportunities, including corporate foundations, community investment programs, private and family foundations, civic organizations, government sources, and other institutional funders.
• Partner with internal teams to translate program priorities, measurable outcomes, volunteer engagement opportunities, and community impact into compelling funding opportunities and proposals.
• Review and provide feedback on grant proposals, sponsorship narratives, and funder-facing materials developed by other team members.
• Engage with funders, including corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility contacts, to build, sustain, and expand positive relationships and respond promptly to information requests.
• Organize and maintain detailed records of grant prospects, proposals, reports, communications, relationship notes, deadlines, and funding history using the organization’s grant management system.
• Attend relevant philanthropy, community engagement, chamber, and funder networking opportunities to stay informed on giving trends and best practices, including those related to corporate giving.
• Manage multiple grant deadlines while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure complete, accurate, and timely submissions.
• Support the ongoing maintenance and optimization of the grants calendar, including prospect tracking, application timelines, reporting deadlines, stewardship touchpoints, and compliance requirements across corporate and non-corporate opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Reports to: Director, Development Operations

When & Where:

SCHEDULE

• Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM
• Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to meet deadlines, attend donor events, or respond to urgent organizational needs.

TRAVEL

• Occasional daytime travel required, up to 5% of work week within the local service area, and to and from the Main Distribution Center in Nashville, Tennessee as needed. Current driver’s license with copy of current auto insurance and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) results required.

WORKFLEX

As a social services organization, we strive to be available to our neighbors, donors, and fellow staff members to work toward our mission of providing food that nourishes and empowers people so they can thrive. WorkFlex may be considered a benefit for eligible positions. In instances of a federal, state, or locally declared emergency, Second Harvest is typically considered an essential
business service and emergency responder. All employees may be required to perform regular or emergent duties on-site. Employee safety will be balanced with business and community necessity. Some positions are more likely to require on-site work than others. This position is eligible for consideration for the Remote and Telecommuting portion of WorkFlex.

Is this you?

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred fields include Business, Sales, Fundraising, Communications or
Marketing

Experience: 2+ years of related experience and/or training. At the organization's discretion, a combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered in lieu of the stated requirements.

Skills & Capabilities:

• Exceptional written communication skills with an emphasis on clarity, technical accuracy, and persuasive storytelling.
• Ability to give and use constructive feedback from peer-editing to improve the final product.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to incorporate feedback effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong data analysis skills.
• Experience working with grant management platforms such as Instrumentl, Raiser’s Edge/NXT, and Salesforce.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and develop budgets and analyze statistical data.
• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with diverse teams.
• Proficiency with AI tools is a plus.

What Second Harvest has to offer:

• Work with a purpose: As one of Middle Tennessee’s largest nonprofits, our local hunger relief work is uniquely rewarding, hands on and solutions oriented. Our mission is to nourish and empower people so they can thrive. A career with Second Harvest ensures that you not only earn a paycheck but also help your local community through meaningful work.
• Award winning workplace: We are a best-in-class workplace because we are passionate and people focused, so that our community can count on us for our critical work. We are among The Tennessean’s Top Workplaces based solely on employee feedback.
• Compensation & Benefits: Second Harvest is proud to offer rich and affordable total compensation packages. Total compensation for full-time employment includes many benefits, in addition to base pay. The paid days off policies include 34+ accrued time off. Benefits offered include medical, dental and vision (employee-only coverage paid 100% by employer). Additional available benefits include a 403(b)-retirement plan (up to 3% match, 5% base), disability insurance (short and long-term), life insurance as well as pet insurance.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We believe that inclusion and belonging strengthen our team, drive innovation, and enhance our ability to serve our community.

Thanks for your interest in working for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee - we love it here and think you will too!