Senior Grants Writer

Globalrefuge; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

403(b) matching

Job summary

Global Refuge is seeking a Senior Grants Writer to translate program concepts into fundable proposals for government, foundation and corporate funders, from concept through submission.

The role demands exceptional writing, editing and project management, the ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and align proposals with our mission and outcomes. This is a senior, individual‑contributor role.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field with 7 years of grant writing and proposal development.
• Demonstrated success developing competitive proposals for government and/or private funders.
• Strong understanding of program design principles, including goals, objectives, activities, outputs, outcomes, indicators, and logic models.

Responsibilities

• Write first and second drafts of grant proposals and reports such as project descriptions, budget narratives, and organizational profiles.
• Edit private and public funding proposals and reports.
• Draft letters of commitment, letters of support, letters of intent, and memorandums of understanding as needed.
• Participate in the kickoff process with program stakeholders, identify gaps and opportunities, and understand the intended impact and target population.
• Participate in proposal and report development check in calls.
• Independently develop the core architecture of a strong funding proposal from a brief description of an emerging program idea; this includes developing the statement of need, program model, goals and objectives, outcomes, outputs, logic model, evaluation approach, implementation strategy, and other core proposal components.
• Produce strong first drafts for review and refinement by program leadership, ensuring that proposals are both responsive to funder requirements and grounded in sound program design.
• Produce strong first drafts of reports based on input from programs of outcomes from the grant.
• Incorporate edits into subsequent drafts with accuracy and understanding of the feedback from the program team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal development

Storytelling

Project management

Independent work

Communication

Editing

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Adobe

Salesforce

Job description

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Director for Business Development the Senior Grants Writer is a senior individual contributor responsible for translating high-level program concepts into compelling, well-designed, fundable initiatives and competitive proposals for public and private funders. The Senior Grants Writer serves as a strategic partner to program teams from the earliest stages of concept development through submission. This role combines program design expertise, grant strategy and writing, needs assessment, outcomes development, and sophisticated proposal writing. The job requires well-developed written and verbal communications skills to exchange technical and complex information as well as best in class organization and strategic thinking. Work results impact the accuracy, reliability and acceptability of data used in the organization's grant seeking efforts. Work involves managing multiple priorities, making connections for efficiencies, planning and organizing to meet established deadlines. The position will support a diverse portfolio of government, foundation, corporate, and other public and private funding opportunities.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty—it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Write first and second drafts of grant proposals and reports such as project descriptions, budget narratives, and organizational profiles.
• Edit private and public funding proposals and reports.
• Draft letters of commitment, letters of support, letters of intent, and memorandums of understanding as needed.
• Participate in the kickoff process with program stakeholders, identify gaps and opportunities, and understand the intended impact and target population.
• Participate in proposal and report development check in calls.
• Independently develop the core architecture of a strong funding proposal from a brief description of an emerging program idea; this includes developing the statement of need, program model, goals and objectives, outcomes, outputs, logic model, evaluation approach, implementation strategy, and other core proposal components.
• Produce strong first drafts for review and refinement by program leadership, ensuring that proposals are both responsive to funder requirements and grounded in sound program design.
• Produce strong first drafts of reports based on input from programs of outcomes from the grant.
• Incorporate edits into subsequent drafts with accuracy and understanding of the feedback from the program team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field with 7 years of experience with grant writing, and proposal development; specifically for new programs and including contributions to program design (from concept to implementation).
• Demonstrated success developing competitive proposals for government and/or private funders.
• Strong understanding of program design principles, including goals, objectives, activities, outputs, outcomes, indicators, and logic models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong statements of need using research, data, and community-level information.
• Exceptional writing, editing, synthesis, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to take a loosely defined concept and independently develop it into a well-structured proposal.
• Experience facilitating meetings and engaging program subject-matter experts to gather and synthesize information.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple proposals, deadlines, stakeholders, and competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment about when to engage program and organizational leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build credibility with program subject-matter experts and senior leaders.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), and Adobe; experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.