Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. We pave the way for their lifelong learning journey ahead. And we want you to join us in shaping a future we can all be proud to share—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

At KinderCare Learning Companies, you’ll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we’re all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.

The Grants Specialist will work with the Manager of Grants and Contracts to help drive KinderCare's strategic growth through grant funding. As part of the Government Affairs team, the Grants Specialist will cultivate an in-depth knowledge of government funding opportunities in the early childhood education space and develop meaningful relationships with funding agencies. This role is ideal for grant professionals who enjoy collaborating with others, building new processes, telling powerful stories about an organization's work, and have a passion for high quality child care.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare grant applications in response to RFPs.
• Document required compliances of assigned grants and communicate grant requirements to internal business partners.
• Prepare financial or budget plans and allocation along with the planning and finance department in accordance with each requirement.
• Maintain grant tracking, reporting documents, and databases for assigned grants and contracts.
• Proactively identify funding opportunities aligned to KinderCare's strategic initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with internal business partners and external grant funders.

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of grant writing or related experience.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills for documenting, tracking, budgeting and juggling deadlines.
• Collaborative mentality, interest in learning new skills, ability to operate within set timelines and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Prior experience with internal/external stakeholder management, federal grant writing, and/or public pre-k grant writing strongly preferred.

Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:

• Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.
• Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
• Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
• Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, unlimited paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
• … and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Primary Location : Portland, Oregon, United States

Job : Corporate