Contract Grant Writer

The Contract Grant Writer reports to and works closely with the Chief Development and Communications Officer and is responsible for the full life cycle of grant development and management from research and application through award, compliance, and reporting. This role ensures all grant activities are executed with strong due diligence, accuracy, and alignment with organizational priorities.

The Grant Writer leads strategic grant prospecting, proposal development, and post-award management, including grant design, implementation support, and compliance oversight. A key responsibility is to apply a rigorous, analytical, and methodical approach to identifying and securing funding opportunities from foundations and corporations that support both the financial sustainability and operational goals of the organization.This role places a strong emphasis on securing unrestricted funding and developing high-quality, tailored proposals that reflect the organization’s mission, impact, and funding priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

· Develop, maintain, and ensure consistent adherence to grants management procedures, including due diligence, grant reporting, award letters, grant agreements, and fund availability tracking.

· AI tools may be used in a limited, supportive capacity (such as brainstorming or proofreading), but all final grant materials must be primarily human-authored, original, and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy, confidentiality, and alignment with organizational standards; the use of AI to generate final narratives or process sensitive information is not permitted.

· Manage and oversee the full life cycle of grants, including processing high-level and sensitive grants and monitoring non-standard transactions or anomalies.

· Identify and implement strategies to improve and optimize grants administration processes.

· Research and evaluate funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and verifying legitimacy, compliance, and funder track records.

· Monitor grant implementation to ensure alignment with programmatic, operational, and financial goals.

· Track deadlines and deliverables, communicate expectations to relevant staff, and coordinate scheduling (including calendar management) to ensure timely completion.

· Analyze grant budgets and financial trends, providing recommendations for cost control and effective resource allocation.

· Prepare and present detailed reports and analysis for the CDCO, funders, and Board of Directors; oversee all grant reporting.

· Ensure accurate tracking and management of multi-year grants.

· Review and process grant-related documentation, including checks and award letters.

· Maintain accurate financial and administrative records of all grant-related payments, receivables, and monthly activity.

· Train and support staff on grants management processes and reporting requirements.

· Perform administrative duties related to grants management, including activity tracking, meeting coordination, and regular communication with the CDCO.

· Manage grants’ workflow processes to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of all required data.

· Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Accounting, Programs, Strategic Partnerships, and Quality Assurance teams.

Education/Experience:

Associate or bachelor’s degree and three to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Annual completion of following Blue Basin training: Understanding of Motivational Enhancement Therapy; trauma, abuse and neglect, violence, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions or other approved, equivalent training.

Certificates and Licenses:

Current CPR certification, first aid and completion of approved crisis intervention training such as Prevention and Intervention of Aggressive Behaviors (PIAB) or Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviors (PMAB), during new hire orientation.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position. The candidate may work remotely for most of the time but must be available to come into the office as needed.

Santa Maria Hostel provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.