Grants Manager

Overview

Responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive grant strategies to achieve fundraising goals through foundation, corporate, and government funding sources. Serves as the primary grants specialist for Goodwill of Greater Washington, managing the full grant lifecycle from prospect research through award administration and reporting. This position will oversee grant writing activities and coordinate with program staff to ensure successful grant outcomes. This position is responsible and will be held accountable for behaving in accordance with divisional and organizational RISE values and expectations.

Goodwill offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, and robust benefits, including personal time off (PTO), paid holidays, basic life insurance, short/long term disability benefits, individual and family medical, dental and vision benefits, pet insurance, generous employee discounts, and access to an employee assistance program (EAP). 403(b)/401(k) plan with match available after 1 year. Bonus eligible.

Essential Competencies

• Customer Focus • Ensures Accountability • Collaborates • Communicates Effectively • Drives Results

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Development and Management

1. Identifies, researches, and cultivates foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities that align with organizational priorities and programs.
2. Develops and maintains a comprehensive grants calendar tracking application deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities.
3. Conducts thorough prospect research to assess funding compatibility and develops strategic approaches for grant applications.
4. Prepares compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials that effectively communicate program impact and funding needs.
5. Coordinates proposal development process, gathering input from program staff, finance team, and leadership to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Grant Administration and Compliance

1. Maintains accurate records of all grant activities, including applications submitted, awards received, and reporting deadlines.
2. Ensures full compliance with grant terms and conditions, monitoring programmatic and financial requirements throughout award periods.
3. Prepares grant reports that demonstrate program outcomes, financial accountability, and impact metrics.
4. Responds promptly to funder inquiries and manages any modifications or amendments to existing grants.

Internal Collaboration and Communication

1. Works closely with internal teams to ensure that budgets and data delivered to funders are communicated accurately, obtaining necessary program and financial information, and closely reviewing grant/report specifications.
2. Coordinates with Marketing Team on donor recognition and stewardship activities for institutional funders.
3. Maintains current knowledge of all organizational programs including Sustainability, Affordable Housing, The RISE Academy, RISE coaching, Goodwill Excel Centers and Workforce Development.
4. Participates in year-round donor engagement events to attract, cultivate, and steward current and prospective donors to Goodwill, including tours, donor gatherings, etc.

Required Qualifications

1. BA Degree in English, Communications, Business, or related field.
2. Minimum 6 years of related experience, which provides the skills, knowledge and ability necessary to perform the above tasks.
3. Experience using CRM systems.
4. Proven track record of securing and managing institutional gifts at the five and six-figure level and successfully managing government partnerships and grants.
5. Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with individuals and customers at all levels of business, internal and external to Goodwill.
7. Proven ability to find and develop new philanthropic partnerships.
8. Demonstrated experience and ability to collaborate internally and externally to achieve goals.
9. Shows an understanding of key steps and strategies in promoting a case and persuading one or more groups to "buy in" to a particular course of action.
10. Experienced with grant application and reporting processes.
11. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams).
12. Proven organizational abilities, problem solving skills, attention to detail, strong follow-through skills, and attention to detail.
13. Ability to take initiative and utilize innovative techniques and ingenuity in preparing fundraising strategies.
14. Ability to interact with all levels of management and participate as a team player on all projects.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience using Raiser's Edge database.
2. Experience managing federal grants.