Grant Specialist Full Time

About The Position

Requirements

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
• Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
• Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
• Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
• Must have a working phone and phone number.
• One year experience working with at-risk population.
• Completed relevant coursework/field of study in fundraising, communications, etc.
• Cross-cultural competency.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• 5 years minimum experience in professional fundraising.
• Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
• Demonstrates strength in communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills.
• Ability to effectively motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Effectively initiates and steward donor relationships.
• Is a goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls strategically.
• Exhibits follow-through on tasks and goals.
• Displays a positive attitude, shows concern for people and community, demonstrates self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Strong experience with use of social media and other communication portals.
• Comfortable in creating presentations and providing direction for creation of videos and communication materials.
• Knowledge of restorative justice, violence prevention, and youth development helpful.
• Ability to effectively work independently, problem-solve, multi-task and take initiative.
• High organization and detail-oriented skill ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must be willing to be trained, and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties.
• Must keep confidentiality of participant information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), and required reports.
• Develop clear, compelling proposal content, including program narratives, outcomes, implementation plans, and evaluation methods.
• Customize proposals to align with funder priorities while ensuring consistency with organizational messaging.
• Use templates and standardized language to improve efficiency and maintain high-quality submissions.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including prospect research, LOIs, submissions, reporting, and renewals.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar with application deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal timelines.
• Track the status of all grant opportunities and applications to ensure timely follow-up and submission.
• Review and coordinate required materials to ensure accuracy and on-time completion.
• Serve as a liaison between development, program, and finance teams to gather information for proposals and reports.
• Collect program data, outcomes, and narratives from program staff.
• Collaborate with finance staff to develop proposal budgets and required financial reports.
• Help streamline internal communication to improve efficiency and reduce delays in the grant process.
• Draft interim and final grant reports in collaboration with program and finance teams.
• Compile programmatic and financial data needed for reporting.
• Ensure reports are complete, accurate, and submitted according to funder requirements.
• Track reporting deadlines and compliance requirements across all grants.
• Engage with the development team tracking systems and reporting.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date grant records in Virtuous CRM and other grant tracking systems.
• Monitor submission statuses, deadlines, funder communications, and reporting obligations.
• Support ongoing improvements to grant tracking systems and workflow processes.
• Assist with funder communications, including responding to inquiries and coordinating follow-up as needed.
• Support preparation for funder meetings, site visits, and reporting discussions.
• Maintain professional, timely communication with funders when appropriate.
• Support the Director of Institutional Partnerships with fundraising priorities, proposal development, research, and special projects.
• Provide administrative and project support related to grant development and institutional partnerships.
• Participate in development team meetings, planning sessions, and organizational meetings as needed.
• Attend program visits to stay informed about New Life Centers’ programs and impact.
• Demonstrate New Life Centers’ mission and values in all professional interactions.
• Supervision includes on-site visits, regular check-ins, and break-out planning meetings.
• Participates in evaluations and audits as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Partnerships to support the success of institutional fundraising efforts.

Benefits

• benefits eligible