Grants & Research Communications Leader

Resource Center for Independent Living; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

4-day schedule after 6 months

Wellness program

401K with employer investment up to 10

Health, Vision, Dental insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Paid leave & family leave

Parking

Job summary

Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica, NY seeks a Grants, Research and Communications Manager to identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development. You will conduct strategic research, write compelling grant applications, manage external communications, and coordinate with program and finance teams to ensure timely deliverables.

The role requires at least one year of grant-writing experience, a bachelor’s degree, and strong written communication.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred; Bachelor’s Degree required in a related field (English, Communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, or equivalent).
• One year of grant writing and program development/research experience, including coordinating development teams and interpreting RFPs.
• Knowledge of grant proposal structures, logic models, budgeting principles, and outcome evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and grant management tools.
• Familiarity with disability rights/Independent Living philosophy and related legislation (ADA, IDEA, Olmstead).

Responsibilities

• Identify and research grant opportunities and provide summaries to Leadership.
• Analyze RFPs and eligibility requirements for fit and value; summarize for Leadership.
• Conduct research on programs, markets, and funding opportunities for sustainability.
• Prepare and manage business plans, strategic plans, and program development documents.
• Draft external communications, including proposals, reports, and marketing materials.
• Maintain a grants calendar with deadlines, renewals, and reporting.
• Write grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with staff to gather data for applications.
• Support Marketing with content, research, and strategic input.
• Track grant outcomes, deliverables, and deadlines; ensure compliance.
• Prepare interim and final funder reports with program and finance teams.
• Cultivate funder relationships and coordinate site visits as needed.
• Develop project concepts and provide proposal development support.
• Coordinate submission flow for all grant applications.
• Be flexible for meetings outside regular hours.

Skills

Written communication

Research and analysis

Grant budgeting principles

MS Office proficiency

Grant management tools

Disability rights knowledge

Nonprofit program design

Education

Advanced degree preferred

Bachelor’s Degree required

Tools

Grant management platforms

Job description

Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica, NY seeks a Grants, Research and Communications Manager to identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development. You will conduct strategic research, write compelling grant applications, manage external communications, and coordinate with program and finance teams to ensure timely deliverables.

The role requires at least one year of grant-writing experience, a bachelor’s degree, and strong written communication.