Grants & Donor Engagement Lead

Ymcachicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Crown Family YMCA in Chicago is seeking a Grants Manager to drive proactive grant funding, write compelling proposals, and steward donors through the full grant cycle. This role collaborates across the Association to ensure timely submissions and strong reporting to partners and funders.

You will coordinate with hubs, program and finance teams, manage multiple proposals, and maintain grants calendars while ensuring compliance with internal processes and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communications, Social Science, or related field with 3+ years grant writing.
• Strong writing and editing abilities without generative AI.
• Experience soliciting government and foundation grants; fast-paced, deadline-driven.

Responsibilities

• Research prospective funders locally and nationally and align opportunities with the Association’s programs.
• Develop, craft, and submit proposals, grant applications, and reports to donors.
• Proactively manage the grants calendar and donor records.
• Collaborate across staff to support grant reports, stewardship, and moves management.

Skills

Grant writing

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in English, Communications, Social Science, or related field

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The Crown Family YMCA in Chicago is seeking a Grants Manager to drive proactive grant funding, write compelling proposals, and steward donors through the full grant cycle. This role collaborates across the Association to ensure timely submissions and strong reporting to partners and funders.

You will coordinate with hubs, program and finance teams, manage multiple proposals, and maintain grants calendars while ensuring compliance with internal processes and reporting requirements.