Senior Grants Associate

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Met Council is seeking a Senior Grants Associate to grow foundation and government funding. You will write competitive letters of intent, proposals, and reports, ensuring alignment with funder guidelines and Met Council's mission to reduce hunger and poverty in New York and beyond.

You will conduct prospect research, monitor RFP releases, support program and finance teams, and ensure compliance across a diverse grants portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 3–5 years grant writing experience in social services, food security, and related fields.
• Experience with prospect research and cultivation.
• Proficiency with government grant portals, Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems; data visualization and AI tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Proposal and report writing for foundation, private, and government funding opportunities.
• Prospect and funder research to inform eligibility and fit.
• Quality review and compliance of applications, proposals, and reports with deadlines tracked.
• Collaboration with program, finance, and development staff to gather information for grant materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Job description

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include affordable housing at 19 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 200 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Grants Team secures, manages, and expands a diverse portfolio of foundation and government funding – along with the reporting and funder relationships that sustain it – to advance Met Council's mission, strengthen its resilience, and support innovative solutions to reduce hunger and poverty in New York and beyond. The Senior Grants Associate will help advance Met Council’s resources and long-term financial sustainability by writing high-quality applications, proposals, reports, and ancillary materials for competitive foundation and government funding opportunities. This role reports to the Senior Director of Grants and Resource Development, works closely with the Director of Government Grants, and collaborates with members of the finance, program, and administrative departments as needed.

• Proposal and Report Writing: Write high-quality, competitive letters of intent, applications, proposals, reports, and ancillary materials for foundation, private, and government funding opportunities, ensuring content is accurate, compelling, and aligned with funder guidelines.
• Prospect and Funder Research: Support the Senior Director of Grants and Resource Development and the Director of Government Grants by researching significant foundation and government funding opportunities, monitoring government websites for upcoming RFP/RFQ/RFA releases, and producing detailed opportunity summaries to inform internal assessments of eligibility and fit.
• Quality Review and Compliance: Review applications, proposals, and reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with funder requirements prior to submission, and track deadlines, submissions, and renewals across an active grants portfolio. Liaise with government agencies and foundation professionals as appropriate and under the guidance of senior grant staff.
• Collaboration and Support: Work closely with program, finance, and development staff to gather information for grant materials, and serve as a supporting member of the Development Department as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, with ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex projects
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with others, with a high degree of professionalism
• Accountability, dependability, and ethical handling of information
• Commitment to Met Council’s mission and values

Skill and Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in grant writing in social services, food security, and/or related fields
• Experience with prospect research and cultivation
• Strong proficiency with government grant portals, Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and experience with data visualization and AI tools preferred.

Compensation:

• $75,000 to $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.