Grant Writer

CESC Inc. - The Kearney Center; Tallahassee (FL); Hybrid; USD 34,440 - 61,992; Part time

Job summary

The Kearney Center is seeking a part-time Grant Writer to research funding opportunities and create compelling grant proposals. The role involves writing, editing, and submitting applications, gathering program outcomes and budgets, and ensuring timely reporting and grant calendar management.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled writer with nonprofit funding experience, able to tell powerful stories with data and manage multiple deadlines while collaborating with leadership and program staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of grant writing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated history of successful grant awards strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with government and foundation grant applications is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation grant opportunities.
• Write, edit, and submit high‑quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with leadership and program staff to gather program outcomes, budgets, and supporting information.
• Develop compelling narratives that accurately communicate the impact of Kearney Center programs.
• Maintain a grant calendar, ensuring all deadlines and reporting requirements are met.
• Prepare and submit grant reports and required follow‑up documentation.
• Track grant submissions, awards, and funding opportunities.
• Assist in developing annual grant strategies and funding priorities.
• Maintain organized grant files and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on funding trends and emerging grant opportunities.

Skills

Grant writing

Editing

Research

Storytelling

Deadline management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in English/Communications/Nonprofit Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Part-Time Grant Writer

Position Summary

The Kearney Center is seeking a detail‑oriented and mission‑driven Part‑Time Grant Writer to help secure funding that advances our mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, writing and submitting competitive grant proposals, and supporting grant reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer who understands nonprofit funding, enjoys telling compelling stories through data, and can manage multiple deadlines while collaborating with leadership and program staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation grant opportunities.
• Write, edit, and submit high‑quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with leadership and program staff to gather program outcomes, budgets, and supporting information.
• Develop compelling narratives that accurately communicate the impact of Kearney Center programs.
• Maintain a grant calendar, ensuring all deadlines and reporting requirements are met.
• Prepare and submit grant reports and required follow‑up documentation.
• Track grant submissions, awards, and funding opportunities.
• Assist in developing annual grant strategies and funding priorities.
• Maintain organized grant files and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on funding trends and emerging grant opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of grant writing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated history of successful grant awards strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with government and foundation grant applications is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Is passionate about serving vulnerable populations.
• Can translate complex programs into compelling funding narratives.
• Thinks strategically about long‑term funding opportunities.
• Works independently while collaborating effectively with leadership.
• Is highly organized and deadline‑driven.
• Values integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Schedule

• Part‑Time
• Flexible schedule (approximately 15–25 hours per week)
• Some on‑site meetings required; hybrid work may be available.

Compensation

Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

About the Kearney Center

The Kearney Center provides emergency shelter, housing navigation, case management, outreach, and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Big Bend region. Every day, our team works to connect people with second chances by providing compassionate care and pathways toward stable housing and self‑sufficiency.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional grant writing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success securing grants from foundations, corporations, local, state, or federal funding sources strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical abilities with the ability to identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Experience developing grant narratives, budgets, work plans, and supporting documentation.
• Ability to interpret grant guidelines and ensure proposals meet all submission requirements.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• High attention to detail with excellent proofreading and editing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, finance, and program staff.
• Experience with nonprofit organizations, human services, housing, behavioral health, or community development is preferred.
• Familiarity with grant management software and online grant portals is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive organizational information.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Kearney Center and a passion for serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Grant Writer (GPC) or Grant Professional Certification preferred but not required.
• Experience managing post‑award grant reporting and compliance.
• Knowledge of federal funding opportunities such as HUD, SAMHSA, DOJ, DCF, ESG, CoC, or other public funding sources.
• Experience collaborating with finance teams to prepare grant budgets and financial reports.
• Track record of securing six‑figure grant awards is highly desirable.