Grants Manager

Ymca-of-Metropolitan-Chicag; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Grants Manager to drive proactive funding opportunities, craft proposals, and steward public and private donors through the grant cycle. You will work with staff across the Association to prepare reports and ensure successful grant outcomes.

Responsibilities include researching funders, aligning opportunities with core programs, managing the grants calendar, and coordinating with hubs and program teams to sustain growth and program impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, social science or related field with 3+ years grant writing experience.
• Strong writing and editing abilities; ability to craft compelling proposals.
• Experience soliciting government and foundation grants; familiarity with CRM systems.
• Ability to manage multiple grants with cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Research prospective funders locally and nationally, public and private.
• Develop, craft and submit proposals and grant reports to donors and partners.
• Coordinate grant calendars and maintain donor records in CRM.
• Collaborate with program, finance, and hub staff to align grant opportunities.
• Serve as liaison to hubs and programs to support fundraising efforts.
• Participate in stewardship and moves management for donors and prospects.

Skills

Grant writing

Editing

CRM

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in English

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science

Tools

CRM Software

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Job Summary and Key Accountabilities:The Grants Manager is responsible for proactive prospecting of funding opportunities that align to the organization’s work and impact, writing and submitting proposals and grant applications, and stewardship of public and private donors throughout and after the grant cycle. The Grants Manager will contribute to the development of and participation in effective processes that ensure the organization’s successful performance on grants and contracts. The Grants Manager will also be responsible for working collaboratively with staff across the Association to compile and submit grant reports to partners and donors. The right person for this role will be a self-starter, creative problem solver, and team player comfortable working in a dynamic environment.Scope of ResponsibilitiesResearch prospective funders, both locally and nationally, and both public and private, and align the potential grant opportunities with the Association’s core programs and services.Assess a potential funder’s giving priorities, giving histories, and relationships with the Association and its Hubs; determine if they are, or continue to be, prospects for the Association and its core programs.Develop, craft, and submit proposals, grant applications, and reports to corporate and foundation donors and prospective donors, working with Hub, program, and finance stakeholders.Develop and submit applications for public support, funded through governmental entities.Strategize how to best position each ask to increase the chances of receiving grants.Proactively manage the grants calendar and institutional donor records.Review grant opportunities that may become available through YMCA of the USA and submit applications as appropriate.Serve as liaison to Hubs and Association programs to support their grant-related fundraising efforts.Participate in all aspects of stewardship and moves management of public and private donors and prospects.Manage the submission of all grant proposals and applications in accordance with internal Grants Processes.Develop and maintain key internal and cross-functional relationships that support the overall grants process and strategy.Be seen as a collaborative partner across all levels of the Association.Demonstrate an ability to manage multiple projects and applications at one time, being detail-oriented and keenly organized in the approach.Participate in/lead recurring grants pipeline, performance and reporting meetings with program teams to ensure alignment around financial growth and sustainability of programs, successful grant outcomes, and continuous improvement.Maintain detailed projecting tracking notes throughout moves management, using CRM software, in relation to submissions and upcoming deadlines.Ensure proper documentation of grant agreements and funder documents; support grant kick-off meetings post-award.Other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the Development Department.Child Abuse PreventionSupports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisorFollowing all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of childrenReporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisorCompleting all child abuse prevention training as requiredCommitment to InclusionSupports the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion of all members as required by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Job responsibilities may include implementing program modifications for persons with cognitive, behavioral or physical disabilities, including but not limited to the injection of medical glucagon to members with Type 1 diabetes in emergency situations. Appropriate training and development will be provided to YMCA team members based on your role and responsibilities.Minimum and Preferred QualificationsMust have a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communications, Social Science, or related field with 3 or more years of experience in grant writing and/or financial development.Must have strong writing and editing abilities without the use of generative AI software.Must have demonstrated experience and success soliciting government and foundation grants.Must have ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment with great attention to detail, working on multiple grants simultaneously with various stakeholders throughout the Association.Must have experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Preferred experience with Raiser’s Edge.Preferred experience fundraising for large, social service agencies with many programmatic offerings.Required to be achieved or maintained once in role:CPR/First Aid/AED Trainer certificationTraining required of all YMCA employees both during onboarding and ongoingChild Abuse Prevention trainingOther training as required by role or supervisor