Grant Writer - Capital Projects and School-Based Grants Specialist

Benton-Harbor-Area-Schools; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Benton Harbor Area Schools is seeking a Grant Writer specialized in capital projects and school-based grants to secure funding for building rehabilitation, demolition, and educational initiatives. The role requires strong writing, funding knowledge, and the ability to align donor priorities with district goals.

The successful candidate will craft compelling proposals, manage grant calendars, coordinate with program and finance staff, and contribute to post-award reporting and impact evaluation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Accounting, Communications, Public Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years grant writing experience for capital projects and education initiatives.
• Proven track record of securing funding through grant proposals.
• Strong understanding of grant processes, funder expectations, and compliance.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite; accounting knowledge.
• Knowledge of budgeting and reporting for grants.

Responsibilities

• Grant Research: identify funding sources for capital projects, building rehab, demolition, and school-based initiatives.
• Proposal Development: write clear, persuasive grant proposals tailored to funders.
• Grant Management: track deadlines and ensure timely submission and compliance.
• Reporting and Evaluation: produce progress reports and outcomes per guidelines.
• Networking and Relationship Building: engage with funders and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Finance/Facility Directors on master plan implementation.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal writing

Research skills

Verbal communication

Editing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE

Grant Writer – Capital Projects and School-Based Grants Specialist

SUPERVISOR

Director of Finance

LOCATION

Benton Harbor Area Schools

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grant Writer specializing in capital projects and school-based grants plays a pivotal role in securing funding necessary for building rehabilitation, demolition projects, and educational initiatives. This position requires exceptional writing skills, a deep understanding of funding processes, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that align with donor priorities and organizational goals. The ideal candidate will be passionate about education and community development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Grant Research:
   • Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources for capital projects, including building rehab and demolition, as well as school-based initiatives.
   • Stay informed about trends and changes in grant funding relevant to the education sector and community development.
2. Proposal Development:
   • Write clear, persuasive, and well-organized grant proposals tailored to each funding opportunity.
   • Collaborate with program directors and project managers to gather information, develop project descriptions, and create budgets that align with grant requirements.
3. Grant Management:
   • Maintain a calendar of upcoming grant deadlines and ensure timely submission of proposals.
   • Coordinate with finance and program staff to gather necessary documentation and data for proposals, reports and compliance.
4. Reporting and Evaluation:
   • Develop and submit required reports for funded grants, detailing project progress and outcomes in accordance with grant guidelines.
   • Assist in establishing metrics for evaluating project success and impact, including post-award reporting.
5. Networking and Relationship Building:
   • Cultivate and maintain relationships with funding organizations and stakeholders, representing the organization in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
   • Attend workshops, networking events, and conferences related to grant funding and education to build connections and identify new opportunities.

7. Work in conjunction with the Finance and Facility Directors on the implementation of the District Building Master Plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Accounting, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in grant writing, specifically for capital projects and education-based initiatives.
• Proven track record of successful grant proposals leading to secured funding.
• Strong understanding of grant processes, funder expectations, and compliance issues.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong command of business software to include Microsoft Office and/or Google Suites
• Must understand accounting principles and practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with construction projects, building codes, and education funding sources.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations or educational institutions.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local funding sources relevant to capital projects and educational grants.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Benton Harbor Area Schools is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds that meet the stated requirements.