Grants Manager

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

# Grants ManagerHot JobCrown Family YMCA - Chicago, IL 60607## OverviewSalary Range$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 SalaryPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelBachelor Degree or equivalent or higherTravel PercentageUp to 50%## 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 Responsibilities*** Research 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 Prevention**Supports 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 supervisor* Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children* Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor* Completing all child abuse prevention training as required**Commitment to Inclusion**Supports 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.## Qualifications**Minimum and Preferred Qualifications*** Must 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 certification* Training required of all YMCA employees both during onboarding and ongoing* Child Abuse Prevention training* Other training as required by role or supervisor