Sr. Grants Writer (Youth Nonprofit)

John Evans Recruiting; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Bereavement leave

Professional development

Job summary

John Evans Recruiting is assisting a fast-growing nonprofit in Baltimore with hiring a Sr. Grant Writer to build the development function. This role oversees the full lifecycle of foundation grants, drafts compelling proposals, and strengthens donor relationships.

The position offers hybrid work, with potential growth into a Grants Manager role as fundraising expands. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in grant writing, a track record of six-figure support, and strong writing craft to communicate

Qualifications

• 5+ years of grant writing and foundation relations experience.
• Track record of securing six-figure general operating support.
• Nonprofit sector experience in education, mentoring, or youth development.
• Excellent written communication and persuasive proposal writing.
• Strong time management and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of assigned foundation grants from LOI to renewal.
• Draft LOIs, concept notes, and full proposals articulating impact and sustainability.
• Develop relationships with foundation officers and funding partners to grow support.
• Ensure submissions are accurate, compliant, and timely.
• Lead complex cross-functional proposal processes independently.
• Monitor outcomes and prepare impact reports for funders.
• Research new funders and opportunities aligned with priorities.
• Maintain a grants calendar and pipeline for long-term revenue.
• Lead wealth screening using DonorSearch and Candid.
• Collaborate with CEO to prioritize opportunities and strategy.

Skills

Grant writing

Foundation relations

Proposal development

Donor engagement

Project management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Nonprofit fundraising coursework (preferred)

Tools

DonorSearch

Candid

CRM systems

Job description

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Hybrid – 2-3 days a week in Baltimore office

About the Organization

Our client is a fast-growing nonprofit empowering youth through transformative programs, impactful mentorship, and deep, trusting relationships. Founded just a few years ago with a fresh approach to mentoring and academic support, the organization is now preparing to expand its programs across Maryland. With an operating budget of roughly $1 million and hundreds of youth served, it is seeking a high-energy, mission-driven professional to help implement a bold strategic plan for growth.

Position Summary

The organization is intentionally building its development infrastructure. As fundraising revenue grows, this position is expected to evolve into a Grants Manager role with responsibility for managing staff and helping shape organizational growth. As the first full-time development hire, the Sr. Grant Writer will play a pivotal role in executing the fundraising strategy and donor engagement practices, with a clear path to growth.

This role is ideal for a relationship-driven professional who thrives in a self-starter role and enjoys building systems, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and scaling a growing organization. Successful candidates want to operate independently, manage complex submissions, and collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and internal and external stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals.

What You’ll Do

Foundation Relations & Grants Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned foundation grants, including proposal preparation, submission, reporting, and renewal tracking, in close coordination with the CEO.
• Draft compelling Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), concept notes, and full proposals that clearly articulate the organization’s mission, impact, and financial sustainability.
• Develop relationships with foundation officers and funding partners to increase foundation support and long‑term engagement.
• Ensure all submissions are accurate, compliant, persuasive, and delivered on time.
• Lead complex, cross-functional proposal processes independently.
• Monitor grant outcomes and prepare timely reports that communicate measurable impact.
• Conduct ongoing research on new and existing foundation and corporate funders to identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s priorities.
• Research and identify institutional funders that prioritize or are open to general operating support.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective funders and contribute to long-term revenue growth planning for the grants program.
• Serve as the development team’s lead on wealth screening tools and platforms, including DonorSearch and Candid.
• Maintain a 12–18-month grants calendar tracking deadlines, renewals, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with the CEO to prioritize opportunities based on mission alignment, funding potential, and long-term sustainability.
• Balance a portfolio emphasizing unrestricted revenue while strategically pursuing restricted funding opportunities.
• Serve as the organization’s fundraising lead and provide guidance and assistance to the Development Committee to achieve organizational fundraising goals.

Data Management, Compliance & Reporting

• Coordinate with program, finance, and other staff to gather required data, budgets, and narratives for grant reports.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the grants database and CRM, ensuring data integrity across the full grant portfolio.
• Prepare high-quality interim and final reports demonstrating measurable impact and effective use of funds.
• Develop and present compelling financial narratives demonstrating fiscal health and responsible stewardship.
• Collaborate with leadership and internal team members to gather pertinent data, financial documentation, and impact stories.
• Support the Director of Engagement and other colleagues by helping draft targeted program updates for newsletters, social media, and other communications.
• Translate complex programmatic and financial information into accessible, funder-centered messaging.

What Success Looks Like

• You champion a culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility for fundraising across the organization.
• You fully implement grant strategies that drive significant grant revenue growth.
• You maintain clean, accurate donor data and operate efficient fundraising systems.
• You grow foundation grant funding through successful grant acquisition, stewardship, and renewal efforts.
• You are a mission ambassador who connects with the organization’s work at a deep level and inspires others to give.
• You develop strong partnerships with the board and leadership team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or a related field preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, foundation relations, or a related field such as Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Demonstrated track record of securing grant awards, including unrestricted general operating support at the six‑figure level and above.
• Experience working within nonprofits, foundations, associations, or network-based organizations, with a focus on K–12 education, mentoring, and/or youth development.
• Proven ability to write clear, compelling, and persuasive content for various audiences.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, exceptional attention to detail, and an understanding of financial reporting basics.
• Deep knowledge of the full grant lifecycle, including research, proposal writing, and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency with donor management software and prospect research tools.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of integrity.
• Able to build positive relationships with colleagues and willing to help others.
• Excited to work with people whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives differ from your own.

Compensation, Benefits & Work Hours

• Non-exempt; Full-Time.
• Hourly wage: $31.25–$38.46 ($65,000–$80,000 annualized); pay commensurate with experience. Incentive bonuses negotiable.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available.
• 16 paid holidays, including 7 floating holidays and all federal holidays.
• 15 days of PTO annually (sick, personal, and vacation), plus additional paid leave for bereavement, family needs, and other qualifying circumstances.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Financial assistance for professional development.