Development Associate, Grant Writer

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports and fitness.  CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.  Since 1994, more than $178 million has been raised and over 48,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and 70 countries have been satisfied. CAF is headquartered in San Diego with regional presence in New York City, San Francisco and Boise, Idaho.  This is a full-time, exempt position. The current schedule is hybrid, and the Manager must be based in San Diego.  

CAF’s Development Associate – Grant Writer will be responsible for supporting the organization’s development efforts by researching, drafting, and managing grant proposals and reports. This role is ideal for an early-career professional who is a thoughtful and strategic writer, possesses exceptional attention to detail, is eager to grow their skills in nonprofit development, and is passionate about CAF’s mission to ensure people with permanent physical disabilities have equal access to sports and physical activity.

Essential Job Functions and Accountabilities:

Working closely with the Senior Director of Strategy and Impact:

Proposal Development and Reporting

• Develop thoughtful, connective grant proposal/application content for external grant funders, family foundations, and corporate giving partners to generate revenue.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting as required in the grant/proposal agreement.
• Collaborate with development and program staff to understand funding needs and grant funding impact.
• Ensure all proposal and reporting content submitted is current, accurate, well-articulated, and in compliance with the funders' guidelines.
• Maintain proposal and reporting tracking to ensure deadlines are met, budget goals are achieved through a consistent opportunity pipeline, and other established metrics for success are reported accurately. 
• Research and identify prospective foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support the organization and regional development directors with custom donor reporting (as needed).
•  Work requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.  
• A Bachelor’s degree along with relevant writing experience, especially grant writing, preferably for non-profits.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to create concise and thoughtful narratives. Must be grammatically sound and show consistency in written work.
• Ability to research funder needs, their priorities, and capture these details to communicate accurately and completely.
• Strong understanding or willingness to learn current disability language and terminology. 
• High level of proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, Outlook, Keynote, email communication platforms or similar online communication tools. Ability to quickly learn new software and technology. Salesforce and Graphic design skills a plus.
• Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently with responsible follow-through. Flexibility and ability to expertly manage unexpected circumstances or changes.
• Understand and support CAF’s mission with a commitment to the objectives and goals of CAF’s various programs. 
• Motivated to be involved through volunteering, connection with CAF’s athletes and supporters, and keeping up to date about the landscape of the inclusive sports movement.

Compensation 

This is a hybrid role that requires 3 days onsite. CAF offers a competitive compensation package including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance (monthly stipend if not enrolled in medical insurance), employer paid Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401k match, paid time off, and paid holidays. The salary range is $50,000-55,000 annual base salary.