Job Purpose
The Grants Manager is a key member of the Development team responsible for securing funding that advances the mission of Els for Autism. This role manages the full lifecycle of grant opportunities, from research and proposal development to submission, reporting, and compliance, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and funder requirements.
The Grants Manager works collaboratively across departments to gather program and financial information, develop compelling narratives, and produce high-quality proposals that support both short- and long-term strategic goals.
Roles and Responsibilities
Grant Research & Strategy
- Identify and research new funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
- Develop and maintain a multi-year grant strategy that aligns with organizational priorities and funding needs.
- Monitor trends in philanthropy and competitor/grantee landscapes to inform proposals.
Proposal Development & Submission
- Draft, edit, and submit competitive grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and applications that effectively communicate program goals, outcomes, and organizational impact.
- Collaborate with program and finance staff to develop proposal budgets and narratives, ensuring alignment with funder guidelines.
- Coordinate internal reviews and submission deadlines.
- Manage all aspects of the grant submission process, including internal approvals, deadlines, and supporting documentation with support from the Development Coordinator.
Grant Management & Compliance
- Track grant applications, awards, and reporting requirements in an organized system.
- Ensure compliance with grant agreements, funder requirements, and organizational policies.
- Provide timely and accurate post-award reporting that highlights program outcomes and impact.
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to provide grant-related content and updates for use in social media, website updates, newsletters, and impact reporting.
Collaboration & Data Analysis
- Work cross-functionally with staff to collect data, stories, and metrics to strengthen proposals and reports.
- Analyze program results to support evidence-based proposals and communicate impact to funders.
- Act as the internal liaison between program staff, finance, and leadership for grant-related needs.
Funder Engagement & Representation
- Serve as a professional ambassador for Els for Autism in communications with current and prospective funders.
- Support funder relationships by providing updates, clarifying proposals, organizing site visits (in-person and virtual), and responding to inquiries as needed.
Professional Development & Team Participation
- Stay current on best practices in grant writing, philanthropy trends, and nonprofit funding.
- Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities as required.
Position Qualifications and Knowledge
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of grant writing, budget development, and grants management experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
- Demonstrated success overseeing a grant portfolio of $2.5 million or more, including proposal development, reporting, compliance, and stewardship.
- Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with knowledge of grant proposal and reporting processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with donor management systems (e.g., DonorPerfect) is a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent project management skills, able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Highly organized and self-motivated; able to work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally.
- Professional demeanor and interpersonal skills; strong team orientation.
- Ability to translate data and metrics into compelling narratives for funders.
- Preferred experience in autism, disability services, or human services.
Performance Expectations:
Grow and strengthen the grant portfolio by prioritizing multi-year grant commitments and long term funding partnerships, increasing total committed grant revenue from a $2.5M baseline to $3M in 2027, $3.5M in 2028, and $4M in 2029.
TARGET HIRE DATE:
October 2026
Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.
