Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Grant Writer
Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Cleveland, Ohio, us, 44101
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Since 1982, over 160,000 youth have been helped with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) programs. Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults, ages 14-24 living in economically distressed communities succeed by providing educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. We offer school-based and community-based programs designed to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio employers, with a focus on those industry sectors that provide the most opportunities for career success. At Y.O.U., we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement of the quality of our services to youth, employers, and the community.
Job Purpose
The Grant Writer oversees the complete grant lifecycle, from identification and application to post-award processes. This position will serve as the primary grant writer for the organization and will communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve desired results. The Grant Writer will research prospects and analyze data to support the department's overall strategy.
Essential Functions
Grant Lifecycle Administration :
Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with the organization's goals and guidelines.
Identify potential grant opportunities - from federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation sources - aligned with the organization's mission and programs.Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, including deadlines and reporting requirements.Support Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations in managing organization's funding priorities and needs.Coordinate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Program Staff, Finance Department) to gather necessary information and data for grant applications and reports.Monitor and track grant progress, ensuring timely submission of reports and deliverables.Prospect Research:
Conduct thorough research to identify prospective donors, foundations, and funding opportunities.
Analyze donor databases, publicly available information, and other sources to assess potential funding matches with specific programs or the organization.Develop profiles and reports on prospective donors, outlining their giving history, interests, and preferences.Collaborate with the development team to strategize approaches and tailor proposals to match donor interests.Data Analysis and Reporting:
Analyze and research funding trends in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector that align with organizational goals.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to grants and fundraising efforts, including success rates, funding trends, and performance metrics, contributing to development leadership priorities.Generate reports and insights from internal systems (Salesforce) and external platforms (Candid) to support informed department decision-making and optimize grant-seeking strategies under the direction of the Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations.Ensure the accuracy and integrity of grant-related data within the organization's systems.Additional Development Responsibilities:
Support Y.O.U. events, including Youth Career Olympics and Golf Outing.Represent the organization during public relations and fund development activities.Other duties and projects as assigned.Benefits
Medical, dental, vision benefits
available with coverage beginning the first of the month following date of hire.Company paid
life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program and Long-Term DisabilityRetirement PlanGenerous paid time off package including
19 paid holidaysAccess to gym facilitiesPaid ParkingRequirements
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.An additional 2 years of work experience as detailed below can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree along with an associate degree.An additional 4 years of work experience as detailed below can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree along with a High School Diploma.Requirements
Proven experience (1 year) in grant writing, proposal writing or preparing research documents, preferably within the nonprofit sector.Strong research skills with experience in prospect research and donor analysis.Proficiency in data analysis tools and software; experience with CRM databases (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.Highly organized with excellent project management abilities to handle multiple deadlines effectively.Must have experience working across teams and at various organizational levels.Must have a high level of integrity and ability to use good judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.Must have valid transportation to/from Y.O.U. offices and events.Must pass a background BCI/FBI check as a condition of employment.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Belief and commitment to Y.O.U.'s mission, vision, and values.Highly organized for maintaining paper and electronic files, data, and databases.Must be detail-oriented, analytical, and data proficient.Efficient at using computer programs and relationship management systems for record keeping.Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.Ability to build relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.Strong customer-service skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.Proven ability to build deep relationships and partner cross-functionally within the organization.Critical and strategic thinker with ability to problem solve.Solution-oriented, adaptable, and flexible.Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once. Able to meet tight deadlines.Ability to work independently and as part of team under minimal supervision.Work Environment
This is a hybrid position. This position will work remotely 2 days a week and will be scheduled to work in the office 3 days a week. The work pace for this position is sometimes fast paced where work is required for up to 2 hours at a time. Low supervision from managers with intermittent prompts is expected.This position requires such physical abilities as sitting for computer and phone work for long periods of time, lifting up to 25 lbs. occasionally and carrying office supplies, standing for training presentations, walking to various Y.O.U. offices, partner organizations, and government agencies, and walking throughout the buildings. This position requires 20%-25% local travel to Y.O.U. offices, community partner organizations, work sites, government agencies, and other meetings as requested.The environment in which the job is performed outside a normal office space may include exposure to extreme temperature, noise, or other hazards. All remains the same for any additional requirements for training.
All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, military service, family medical history, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary Description
$51,000 / Annually
Full-time
Description
Since 1982, over 160,000 youth have been helped with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) programs. Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults, ages 14-24 living in economically distressed communities succeed by providing educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. We offer school-based and community-based programs designed to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio employers, with a focus on those industry sectors that provide the most opportunities for career success. At Y.O.U., we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement of the quality of our services to youth, employers, and the community.
Job Purpose
The Grant Writer oversees the complete grant lifecycle, from identification and application to post-award processes. This position will serve as the primary grant writer for the organization and will communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve desired results. The Grant Writer will research prospects and analyze data to support the department's overall strategy.
Essential Functions
Grant Lifecycle Administration :
Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with the organization's goals and guidelines.
Identify potential grant opportunities - from federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation sources - aligned with the organization's mission and programs.Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, including deadlines and reporting requirements.Support Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations in managing organization's funding priorities and needs.Coordinate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Program Staff, Finance Department) to gather necessary information and data for grant applications and reports.Monitor and track grant progress, ensuring timely submission of reports and deliverables.Prospect Research:
Conduct thorough research to identify prospective donors, foundations, and funding opportunities.
Analyze donor databases, publicly available information, and other sources to assess potential funding matches with specific programs or the organization.Develop profiles and reports on prospective donors, outlining their giving history, interests, and preferences.Collaborate with the development team to strategize approaches and tailor proposals to match donor interests.Data Analysis and Reporting:
Analyze and research funding trends in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector that align with organizational goals.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to grants and fundraising efforts, including success rates, funding trends, and performance metrics, contributing to development leadership priorities.Generate reports and insights from internal systems (Salesforce) and external platforms (Candid) to support informed department decision-making and optimize grant-seeking strategies under the direction of the Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations.Ensure the accuracy and integrity of grant-related data within the organization's systems.Additional Development Responsibilities:
Support Y.O.U. events, including Youth Career Olympics and Golf Outing.Represent the organization during public relations and fund development activities.Other duties and projects as assigned.Benefits
Medical, dental, vision benefits
available with coverage beginning the first of the month following date of hire.Company paid
life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program and Long-Term DisabilityRetirement PlanGenerous paid time off package including
19 paid holidaysAccess to gym facilitiesPaid ParkingRequirements
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.An additional 2 years of work experience as detailed below can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree along with an associate degree.An additional 4 years of work experience as detailed below can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree along with a High School Diploma.Requirements
Proven experience (1 year) in grant writing, proposal writing or preparing research documents, preferably within the nonprofit sector.Strong research skills with experience in prospect research and donor analysis.Proficiency in data analysis tools and software; experience with CRM databases (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.Highly organized with excellent project management abilities to handle multiple deadlines effectively.Must have experience working across teams and at various organizational levels.Must have a high level of integrity and ability to use good judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.Must have valid transportation to/from Y.O.U. offices and events.Must pass a background BCI/FBI check as a condition of employment.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Belief and commitment to Y.O.U.'s mission, vision, and values.Highly organized for maintaining paper and electronic files, data, and databases.Must be detail-oriented, analytical, and data proficient.Efficient at using computer programs and relationship management systems for record keeping.Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.Ability to build relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.Strong customer-service skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.Proven ability to build deep relationships and partner cross-functionally within the organization.Critical and strategic thinker with ability to problem solve.Solution-oriented, adaptable, and flexible.Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once. Able to meet tight deadlines.Ability to work independently and as part of team under minimal supervision.Work Environment
This is a hybrid position. This position will work remotely 2 days a week and will be scheduled to work in the office 3 days a week. The work pace for this position is sometimes fast paced where work is required for up to 2 hours at a time. Low supervision from managers with intermittent prompts is expected.This position requires such physical abilities as sitting for computer and phone work for long periods of time, lifting up to 25 lbs. occasionally and carrying office supplies, standing for training presentations, walking to various Y.O.U. offices, partner organizations, and government agencies, and walking throughout the buildings. This position requires 20%-25% local travel to Y.O.U. offices, community partner organizations, work sites, government agencies, and other meetings as requested.The environment in which the job is performed outside a normal office space may include exposure to extreme temperature, noise, or other hazards. All remains the same for any additional requirements for training.
All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, military service, family medical history, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary Description
$51,000 / Annually