Grants & Strategic Projects Specialist

Friends Outside; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends Outside in Stockton, CA is seeking an experienced grant writer to advance our funding efforts in social services. You will research opportunities, write compelling proposals, and coordinate submissions with program staff to support organizational sustainability.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree, 3–5 years of grant-writing experience, strong research and data analysis skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years as a successful grant writer, preferably with a social service, healthcare or criminal justice focus.
• Proven history of securing new funding opportunities; strong research ability.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills; highly organized with follow-up systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify government, corporate, foundation, and private funding opportunities aligned with FO priorities.
• Stay informed of funding trends, regulations, and opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective funding sources to support organizational sustainability.
• Develop high-quality grant proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure submissions comply with FO policies and funder requirements.
• Generate revenue through timely, accurate, and compelling grant submissions.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather content and support materials.
• Maintain grant calendars, deadlines, and tracking systems.
• Coordinate and follow up on submitted applications and track outcomes.
• Maintain records of pending, awarded, and declined grants and contracts.
• Monitor and update the Grants Manual for compliance.
• Partner with Finance to develop proposal budgets and ensure alignment with funder requirements.
• Provide guidance on allowable expenses under specific grants.
• Collect, analyze, and report program performance related to grant-funded activities.
• Support data-driven decisions for program and funding strategies.
• Assist in preparing reports required by funders and leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify strategic funding initiatives.
• Meet regularly with staff to assess funding needs and opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to FO and California policies related to grant management.

Skills

Grant writing

Research

Data analysis

Project management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Access

PowerPoint

Excel

Database management

Job description

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3 to 5 years of experience as a successful grant writer, preferably with a social service, healthcare or criminal justice focus
• Experience should demonstrate a proven history of securing new funding opportunities; comprehensive knowledge of research, and the ability to distinguish and identify opportunities for FO generally and programs specifically
• Project management experience
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Excellent writing and verbal skills
• Be highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes
• Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data
• Excellent Computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel), and database management skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Previous grant budget development and management
• A proven record of securing major grants with certifiable references
• Knowledge of grant application process, scoring criteria and funding cycles
• Previous federal grant application, submission, approval, and management of funds

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Research & Funding Development

• Research and identify government, corporate, foundation, and private funding opportunities aligned with FO’s priorities.
• Stay informed of emerging funding trends, regulations, and opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective funding sources to support organizational sustainability.

Grant Writing & Submission

• Develop high-quality grant proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all submissions are compliant with FO policies and funder requirements.
• Generate revenue through timely, accurate, and compelling grant submissions.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather content and support materials.

Grant Management & Tracking

• Maintain grant calendars, deadlines, and tracking systems.
• Coordinate and follow up on the status of submitted applications.
• Maintain organized records of pending, awarded, and declined grants and contracts.
• Monitor and update the Grants Manual to reflect current best practices and compliance requirements.

Budget Development & Financial Coordination

• Partner with the Finance Director to develop proposal budgets, including projected expenditure and revenue.
• Ensure budget alignment with program needs and funder requirements.
• Provide guidance to staff regarding allowable expenses under specific grants.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and report on program performance related to grant-funded activities.
• Support data-driven decision-making for program and funding strategies.
• Assist in preparing reports required by funders and leadership.

Strategic Projects & Organizational Support

• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to identify and support strategic initiatives.
• Participate in planning efforts to align funding opportunities with organizational goals.
• Meet regularly with staff to assess current and emerging funding needs.

Compliance & Communication

• Ensure adherence to FO and State of California policies related to grant management.
• Keep the Executive Director informed of grant progress, risks, and issues.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational and client information