Grants Specialist

FurstStaffing; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

FurstStaffing is seeking a Grants Specialist in Rockford, IL to administer childcare referral services and assist families with access to early childhood resources. The role includes reviewing grant applications, ensuring IDEC compliance, and coordinating with childcare providers and community partners.

This contract-to-hire position supports data entry into the CCR&R system and field visits to monitor grant implementation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or two years of experience in an ECE field.
• Knowledge of childcare practices and community resources.
• Comfortable with networking and establishing collaborations.
• Organized and able to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Technical proficiency with a PC and software packages.
• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Current Illinois driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance.

Responsibilities

• Administer childcare referral services and educate parents per IDEC requirements.
• Connect families with health, education, and social service programs.
• Provide technical assistance to childcare providers throughout the grant process.
• Review grant applications for completeness and eligibility.
• Recommend funding and award grant funds per program guidelines.
• Collect and maintain required documentation to ensure compliance.
• Conduct site visits to monitor grant implementation and verify program requirements.
• Ensure grant activities comply with IDEC regulations and organizational policies.
• Build and maintain relationships with childcare providers and community partners.
• Input CCR&R data into the statewide CCR&R system within five business days.
• Collaborate with the CCR&R Emergency Preparedness team and represent events.

Skills

Childcare knowledge

Networking

Multitasking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Typing 40 wpm

Data entry

Technology fluency

Education

Associate degree or 2 years ECE experience

Tools

CCR&R system

MS Office

Job description

The Grants Specialist administers childcare referral services and grant funding, connects families to early childhood and social resources, and ensures compliance with IDEC regulations. The role supports provider technical assistance, application review, and community engagement on a contract-to-hire basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer childcare referral services and educate parents and guardians per IDEC requirements

• Connect families with health, education, and social service programs

• Provide technical assistance to childcare providers throughout the grant process

• Review grant applications for completeness and eligibility

• Recommend funding and award grant funds per program guidelines

• Collect and maintain required documentation to ensure compliance

• Conduct site visits to monitor grant implementation and verify program requirements

• Ensure grant activities comply with IDEC regulations and organizational policies

• Build and maintain positive relationships with childcare providers and community partners

• Input community system development data into the statewide CCR&R system within five business days

• Coordinate and collaborate with the CCR&R Emergency Preparedness team and represent events

• Communicate with sensitivity and maintain confidentiality when interacting with families

Qualifications:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or two years of experience in an ECE field

• Knowledge of childcare practices and strong knowledge of community resources

• Comfortable with networking and establishing collaborations

• Organized and able to multi-task and prioritize effectively

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Technical proficiency with a personal computer and various software packages

• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute

• Ability to lift 30 pounds and perform basic physical tasks

• Current Illinois driver's license and valid vehicle insurance

• Become a Gateways to Opportunities Registry member within two months of employment

• Obtain and document a minimum of fifteen hours of professional development annually and complete INCCRRA CSD training within one year
  

#FSCLER

You have an associate degree and ECE experience. Skilled at reviewing grant applications and ensuring compliance. Comfortable networking with providers and managing community data