What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grant Writer position at Proyecto Pastoral?
Organizational Background:
Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission was founded in 1986 by community residents and the California Province of Jesuits. Our mission is to empower the Boyle Heights community through grassroots projects in education, leadership, and service. Proyecto Pastoral serves more than 8,000 children, youth, families, and individuals annually through programs focused on homelessness, youth development, education, and community organizing.
Position Summary:
Proyecto Pastoral seeks a Grant Writer to lead grant writing and foundation relations while supporting the execution of broader fundraising strategies.
This is a mid-level role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of grants, from research and proposal development to submission and reporting. This position will serve as the primary lead on foundation fundraising and coordinate development workflows in collaboration with the Associate Director.
This role does not include formal supervisory responsibilities but requires strong project management, time management, and cross-team collaboration skills.
Reports to the Associate Director, Development & Communications
Works closely with Communications Coordinator
Schedule: Onsite 5 days/week at the Boyle Heights admin office, 9 am - 5:30 pm
Pay range, DOE: $75,000 - 85,000/year (exempt position)
Proyecto Pastoral seeks a Grant Writer to support fundraising and communications. Under the supervision of Proyecto’s Associate Director of Development & Communications, this position is primarily responsible for researching, writing, submitting, and reporting compelling proposals and reports to funders to support fundraising efforts to reach $8.1m annually. This is best suited for an individual with an understanding of systems-change work who is a strong writer capable of managing multiple priorities. In addition to writing grants, the Grant Writer will oversee some aspects of social media, website, and the bi-monthly e-newsletter. This position will support the development team’s other fundraising activities as needed, including fundraising events and campaigns, and other administrative duties as assigned.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Grants & Foundation Relations (65%)
● Coordinate the full grant lifecycle:
○ Research and identify new funding opportunities
○ Write and submit proposals, LOIs, and reports
○ Support the grant calendar and deadlines
● Develop compelling narratives aligned with program outcomes
● Collaborate with program and finance teams to gather data and budgets
● Maintain and grow a pipeline of foundation prospects
● Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders
2. Project Coordination & Workflow Management (15%)
● Coordinate development workflows across grants, campaigns, and stewardship
● Review work for accuracy and completeness
● Ensure deadlines and priorities are met across projects
3. Events & Sponsorships (10%)
● Support fundraising events and sponsorship tracking
● Assist with logistics, timelines, and follow-up
4. Data Management & Reporting (10%)
● Maintain accurate records in CRM (DonorPerfect or similar)
● Track grants, campaigns, and fundraising performance
● Collaborate with the Data Analyst on reporting and insights
● Ensure data integrity across systems
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
● Coordinate development workflows across grants, campaigns, and stewardship
● Review work for accuracy and completeness
● Ensure deadlines and priorities are met across projects
● Represent Proyecto Pastoral at events and community engagements
● Participate in cross-functional meetings and collaboration
● Support team priorities as needed
● Demonstrate commitment to Proyecto Pastoral’s mission and community-centered values
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
● Bachelor’s degree
● 3–5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience
● Direct experience with grant writing and reporting
● Strong writing and editing skills
● Strong organizational and project management skills
● Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
Preferred
● Experience managing a grant portfolio
● Experience coordinating projects or guiding junior staff
● Familiarity with donor databases (e.g., DonorPerfect)
● Bilingual (English/Spanish)
● Experience in community-based or social justice organizations
BENEFITS: Includes health, dental, vision, vacation, sick days, and holidays. 401(k) plan after the first year of employment.
Proyecto Pastoral is an equal opportunity employer. Proyecto Pastoral does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Proyecto Pastoral is committed to their mission and social justice values. What do you feel you can bring to the team to further our mission to grow our outreach in the Boyle Heights community?
- What Donor databases have you used?
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- grant writing: 3 years (Required)
- Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90033 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000