Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.

Job Summary:

The Grant Writer will play a critical role in securing funding for Communities First, Inc. by researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making entities. The individual will possess strong research, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to understand and articulate the organization's mission, programs, and impact to potential funders.

Essential Functions:

• Identify grant opportunities that align with the organization's mission, programs, and funding needs
• Research potential grant-making entities, including foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other sources of funding
• Prepare and submit grant applications, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines, deadlines, and submission requirements
• Track and manage the grant application/contracts process, including proposal submissions, follow-up communications, and reporting requirements
• Coordinate with staff to gather data, outcomes, and other information needed for grant reporting and evaluation
• Maintain accurate records of grant submissions, awards, and outcomes
• Cultivate relationships with grant-making entities, development officers, and other key contacts to strengthen the organization's grant-seeking efforts
• Communicate regularly with funders to provide updates on activities, outcomes, and impact
• Participate in networking events, conferences, and other opportunities to build relationships and stay informed about funding trends and opportunities
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including reporting deadlines, financial documentation, and program outcomes
• Prepare and submit grant reports and updates to funders, documenting progress, achievements, and challenges
• Collaborate with program staff to gather information about the organization's programs, projects, and funding priorities
• Write clear, compelling, and persuasive grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization's mission, goals, and impact
• Tailor grant proposals to meet the specific requirements and priorities of each grant-making entity
• Develop budgets, budget narratives, and other supporting documents as required for grant applications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree is preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience:

• Three or more years of experience in nonprofit grant writing
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) and Adobe Acrobat
• Possess interpersonal skills to foster working with others to elicit information, ability to think critically and creatively, and also to work independently
• Possess strong work ethic and demonstrates initiative; shows commitment and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment
• Ability to demonstrate excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive grant proposals and reports
• Excellent research skills, with the ability to identify and analyze relevant funding opportunities and trends
• Knowledge of grant-writing best practices, including proposal development, budgeting, and grant compliance
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising strategies and techniques, including donor cultivation and stewardship
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, with a passion for making a positive difference in the community

Competencies:

To perform the duties and functions of the role successfully, an individual should demonstrate and/or possess the following competencies:

• Stellar customer service skills
• High-energy
• Self-starter
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data
• Maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people
• Flexibility
• Detail Oriented

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance:

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.