Grants & Service Development Specialist I

Centerstone; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

403b retirement plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Education opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Job summary

Centerstone is seeking a versatile Proposal Writer to support the development and submission of competitive grant and contract proposals that advance Centerstone’s priorities. You will conduct research, draft narratives, format documents, and coordinate with leadership to ensure compliance and persuasiveness.

This role requires strong technical writing, data presentation using charts/graphs, and effective collaboration within the team, aligned with enterprise goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in technical, grant, proposal, and/or academic writing.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with the ability to compile data and statistics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare proposal materials, narratives, and supporting documents with leadership oversight.
• Coordinate with team to ensure compliance and branding across materials.
• Track milestones and update status reports as directed.
• Conduct research and assemble data with citations for proposal narratives.
• Support post-submission activities and debriefs to inform future proposals.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication

Project management

Research

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Data analysis

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Kneeling – Occasional

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

Job Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Supports the development and submission of competitive grant and contract proposals that advance Centerstone’s strategic and service priorities. Assists with and conducts research, drafting, formatting, and coordinating of proposal components. Contributes to business development, pre-proposal assessment, and proposal preparation activities. This role partners with team leadership and staff to ensure proposals are competitive, compliant, and aligned with enterprise goals. Exercises strong technical writing, analytical, and project management skills to produce proposals that meet funder specifications and internal standards for excellence.

Business Development & Pre-Proposal Planning

• Reviews funding announcements and gathers relevant information to support identification of opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Utilizes internal assessment tools to evaluate opportunity fit and prepare concise recommendations or summaries to support informed pursuit decisions.
• Conducts research on funders, prior awards, and competitive landscapes to inform team decision-making.
• Compiles data and reference materials from reliable sources (e.g., public databases, agency budgets, prior proposals).
• Participates in pre-proposal and Initial meetings, taking notes and tracking assigned follow-up actions.
• Tracks funding cycles, deadlines, and pipeline activity to support proactive planning and readiness.

Proposal Development & Submission

• Prepares assigned proposal materials, narrative sections, and supporting documents (e.g., résumés, job descriptions, charts, tables, maps) with team leadership oversight.
• Maintains accountability for assignments, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with funder instructions and organizational standards.
• Integrates business and stakeholder priorities into narratives while ensuring compliance, readability, and persuasiveness.
• Reviews proposal materials for consistent formatting, clarity, and adherence to internal branding and writing standards.
• Tracks completion of assigned tasks in project management tools and updates status reports as directed.
• Participates in milestone meetings and group edit sessions, providing feedback and incorporating revisions.
• Provides timely progress updates, ensuring assigned deliverables are completed according to project calendars.
• Assists in final quality checks and the upload or submission of proposal materials.

Research, Writing & Data Integration

• Conducts research to collect accurate data, statistics, and citations for use in proposal narratives.
• Organizes and presents data clearly using charts, graphs, and visuals that enhance readability and reviewer engagement.
• Verifies sources for accuracy and credibility; ensures data aligns with proposal content and objectives.
• Performs calculations and reasoning (e.g., percentages, ratios, projections) accurately and efficiently.
• Applies writing and editing best practices to strengthen clarity, grammar, and consistency across assigned sections.

Post-Submission & Continuous Improvement

• Tracks proposal status in funder systems and updates internal databases.
• Assists in preparing responses to funder requests for clarifications or additional information.
• Organizes and maintains post-submission files and documentation according to department standards.
• Supports scheduling and preparation for debrief and award kick-off meetings.
• Participates in debrief sessions following proposal outcomes to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Captures lessons learned from proposal outcomes and contributes to inform future proposal strategy.

Administrative Coordination & Team Support

• Performs general administrative and coordination duties to support proposal development and department operations.
• Schedules meetings, prepares agendas, and records key discussion points or action items.
• Maintains accurate, organized digital and physical files to ensure accessibility and version control.
• Uses Microsoft Office, Adobe, and related software for document preparation, data presentation, and communication.
• Provides logistical and technical support to ensure proposal materials are accurate, complete, and compliant.
• Supports departmental tracking of proposals, opportunities, and submission outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods
• Evidence of funding success strongly preferred
• Knowledge/understanding of program evaluation practices and familiarity with statistical methods, data collection, and research tracking methods
• Must be a skilled technical writer and communicator with the ability to compile and present data and statistics and to utilize the internet as a research tool
• Possess working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently and as member of a team, and to work efficiently under deadlines
• Knowledge/understanding of program evaluation practices and familiarity with statistical methods, data collection, and research tracking methods

Qualifications

Education Level

Requires a bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, communications, or a related field.

Years Of Experience

• Must have at least two years of experience in technical, grant, proposal, and/or academic writing completed in professional environments and/or as part of a bachelor’s or higher degree program.
• Requires strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to compile and present data and statistics and to utilize the internet as a research tool.
• Must possess working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting deadlines efficiently.

Certification/Licensure

N/A

Physical Requirements

• Standing – 20%
• Sitting – 80%
• Squatting – Occasional
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Bending – Occasional
• Driving – Occasional
• Lifting – Occasional

DISCLAIMER

The duties and responsibilities described in this document are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Time Type

Full time

Pay Range

$0.00--$0.00

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect.

At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture.

Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve.

Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.