Grant Writer

City-of-St.-Joseph; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St. Joseph is seeking a Grant Writer to identify, research, develop, write, submit, and monitor grant opportunities that support municipal priorities, capital projects, public safety initiatives, infrastructure, parks and recreation, and community development.

This role collaborates with department directors and staff to secure external funding while ensuring compliance throughout the grant lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of grant research methods and funding sources.
• Understanding of federal and state grant regulations.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations.
• Strong written communication and editing skills.
• Experience with project management and budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience with grant management software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with City priorities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar.
• Coordinate grant development meetings with City departments.
• Prepare grant proposals, narratives, budgets, and supporting docs.
• Gather data and performance measures for applications.
• Collaborate with staff to develop competitive submissions.
• Monitor deadlines and ensure timely submissions.
• Maintain records of grant activities and outcomes.
• Assist with post-award administration, reporting, and compliance.
• Coordinate reimbursement requests and required docs.
• Review grant agreements and funding requirements.
• Track expenditures with Finance.
• Monitor changes in grant funding regulations.
• Prepare grant activity reports for leadership.
• Develop standard templates and procedures for grants.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies and grant administrators.

Skills

Grant research methods

Federal/state grant regulations

Municipal government operations

Technical writing

Project management

Microsoft Office

Grant management software

Public administration principles

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grant management software

Job description

Job Summary/Scope

The Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, researching, developing, writing, submitting, and monitoring grant opportunities that support the City’s strategic priorities, capital improvement projects, public safety initiatives, infrastructure, parks and recreation, community development, and other municipal programs. This position works collaboratively with department directors and staff to secure external funding while ensuring compliance with grant requirements throughout the grant lifecycle. This position performs professional-level research, writing, project coordination, and grant administration duties and does not exercise supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and identify federal, state, local, and private grant opportunities aligned with City priorities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar.
• Coordinate grant development meetings with City departments.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals, applications, narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Gather statistical data, financial information, and program performance measures needed for grant applications.
• Collaborate with department directors, project managers, finance staff, and subject matter experts to develop competitive grant submissions.
• Monitor grant deadlines and ensure timely submission of applications.
• Maintain records of all grant applications, awards, reporting requirements, and funding outcomes.
• Assist departments with post-award grant administration, including reporting and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate grant reimbursement requests and required documentation.
• Review grant agreements and funding requirements.
• Track grant expenditures in coordination with Finance.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting grant funding.
• Prepare reports regarding grant activity for City leadership and governing bodies.
• Develop standardized grant writing templates and procedures.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies and grant administrators.
• Attend workshops, webinars, and training related to grant funding opportunities.
• Assist with special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Grant research methods and funding sources
• Federal and state grant regulations
• Municipal government operations
• Technical and persuasive writing
• Project management principles
• Microsoft Office
• Grant management software (preferred)
• Public administration principles

Skill in

• Professional writing and editing
• Research and analysis
• Budget preparation
• Building collaborative working relationships
• Public speaking and presenting information
• Problem solving and critical thinking

Ability to

• Write persuasive, accurate grant applications.
• Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Analyze data and present findings clearly.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively across multiple City departments.

Employee Behavior and Conduct

City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest and respectful.

Material and Equipment Directly Used

• Primarily sedentary office work.
• Frequent use of computer and telephone.
• Ability to occasionally attend meetings, site visits, and community events.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

• Occasional evening meetings.
• Occasional local and regional travel.
• Moderate interruptions requiring flexibility and prioritization.

Education

• Three (3) years of professional grant writing, grant administration, fundraising, public administration, project management, or closely related experience.
• Preferred
• Experience managing federal grants
• Successful history of securing grant funding
• Experience with FEMA, DOT, DOJ, FHWA, FTA, FAA, FRA, USDA, EPA, CDBG, ARPA, or state funding programs

All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.

Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.

City of St. Joseph | 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO, 64501 | (816)-271-5300