What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracted Grants Manager position at Hand2Paw?
Hand2Paw is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Grants Manager to lead all aspects of institutional fundraising through grant research, writing, budgeting, compliance, and reporting. This role is ideal for a grants professional with deep nonprofit grant experience and strong financial acumen who can manage the full grant lifecycle from prospecting through close-out.
Hand2Paw is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young adults facing homelessness and other life challenges through animal-assisted interventions and career-readiness programming. By fostering connections between youth and shelter animals, Hand2Paw provides meaningful skill-building opportunities, emotional support, and pathways to employment. Our mission is to create a compassionate and inclusive community where both young people and animals can thrive together.
Hand2Paw is seeking an experienced Grants Manager to oversee all grant-related activities. This contracted role is responsible for identifying funding opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, developing and monitoring grant budgets, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, and preparing timely, accurate grant reports.
The ideal candidate brings strong nonprofit grant writing and reporting experience, demonstrated success securing institutional funding, and the ability to collaborate closely with leadership on financial and programmatic alignment.
- Research and identify public and private grant opportunities aligned with Hand2Paw’s mission and programs.
- Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking deadlines for submissions, reports, and renewals.
- Utilize grant research platforms including but not limited to PHENND Listserv, GrantStation, Candid, and the Philanthropy Network of Philadelphia.
- Monitor funding trends and funder priorities relevant to youth homelessness, workforce development, animal-assisted interventions, trauma-informed care, and equity-centered practices.
- Draft, revise, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and concept papers.
- Compile and manage all required organizational documents and attachments.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board Chair to align proposals with organizational strategy.
- Tailor narratives and budgets to meet specific funder guidelines and evaluation criteria.
- Develop detailed grant budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board Chair.
- Ensure budgets align with program design, allowable costs, and funding restrictions.
- Track grant awards against approved budgets and flag variances or compliance concerns.
- Support financial documentation and reconciliation for grant-funded programs as needed.
- Track and manage all grant reporting requirements and deadlines.
- Prepare clear, accurate narrative and financial reports for funders.
- Ensure compliance with all grant terms, conditions, and restrictions.
- Maintain organized grant files for auditing, monitoring, and internal review.
- Participate in funder check-ins or site visits as requested.
- Maintain an up-to-date grants pipeline and funding forecast.
- Prepare quarterly grant status reports for the Executive Director and Board.
- Collaborate with the current Development Consultant to ensure continuity, knowledge transfer, and grant compliance.
- Provide monthly updates on grant submissions, awards, and reporting progress.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit grant writing and grants management.
- Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and/or government grants.
- Strong experience with grant reporting and compliance, including financial reporting.
- Solid understanding of nonprofit budgeting and funder financial requirements.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and deadline management.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with leadership.
- Commitment to Hand2Paw’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Reports directly to the Executive Director.
- Performance evaluated quarterly based on:
- Quantity, quality and timeliness of grant submissions
- Grant revenue secured
- Accuracy and timeliness of reporting
- Compliance and financial alignment
Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in Philadelphia as needed. Preference will be given to candidates local to the Philadelphia area, but this is not required.
$40-50/hour, approximately 10–15 hours per week (commensurate with experience)
Through December 31, 2025, with the possibility of renewal or expansion (funding dependent).
Salary : $40 - $50