Grant Writer (Sr Specialist), Advancement

WHO WE ARE 

In 2020, 11.6 million children in the U.S.—16% of all children nationwide—lived in poverty, and those children were disproportionately children of color. Students living in poverty often have physical and mental health, social-emotional, cognitive, and identity development needs that schools are not equipped to support. Rooted in community for more than 45 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS Co-Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that transform children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.”? Bill Milliken’s vision is alive through a strong network of trained CIS staff embedded in schools nationwide building support and relationships inside schools. 

Today, CIS serves more than 3,500 schools, the overwhelming majority are Title I-eligible schools across two channels: (1) independent affiliates and (2) licensed partnerships. Grounded in the power of transformative relationships to unlock a young person’s potential, CIS has a national, research-based history of delivering local results that support improved student relationships with adults, better-quality relationships with peers, and increased engagement and sense of belonging. These outcomes lead to improved attendance, improved academic success, and improved on-time high school graduation rates.? 

MISSION AND VALUES? 

Communities In Schools (CIS) is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do.? 

Within the national office, we foster a culture inspired by our mission, our values of integrity, accountability, equity, collaboration, and excellence, and commitment to Equity, and Inclusion. Our culture is centered on three core tenants:?? 

• We acknowledge contributions and perspectives.? 
• We collaborate across roles and departments.? 
• We honor a whole-person approach and encourage balance.? 

We aim to create a psychologically safe environment where relationships matter, and mutual respect is paramount.?? 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you passionate about educational equity and skilled at turning impact into investment?

The CIS National Office is seeking an experienced Grant Writer who will be responsible for identifying, writing, submitting, and managing grant proposals to private foundations, corporate foundations, and, where applicable, public sources. The primary focus of this position is securing general operating support, directed, and restricted revenue to support CIS’s overall mission and long-term sustainability, while also managing the proposal process for restricted project grants that deepen and expand programmatic impact.

This is an individual contributor role designed for a professional who has direct experience in the K-12 and/or economic mobility sectors. This person must operate independently, manage complex submissions, and collaborate cross-functionally and effectively with leadership, staff, and internal and external stakeholders. Reporting, on an interim basis, to the Sr Director of Institutional Giving, this role plays a central part in strengthening CIS’s institutional funding strategy and advancing its equity-driven mission.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Writing & Submission (45%)

• Draft compelling Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), concept notes, and full proposals that clearly articulate CIS’s mission, impact, and financial sustainability.
• Customize proposals to align with each funder’s priorities while emphasizing the importance of flexible, unrestricted support.
• Develop strong cases for both general operating and restricted funding.
• Ensure all submissions are accurate, compliant, persuasive, and delivered on time.
• Lead complex, cross-functional proposal processes independently.

Fundraising Strategy & Prospecting (25%)

• Research and identify institutional funders that prioritize or are open to general operating support.
• Maintain a 12–18 month grants calendar tracking deadlines, renewals, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with Advancement leadership to prioritize opportunities based on mission alignment, funding potential, and long-term sustainability.
• Balance a portfolio emphasizing unrestricted revenue while strategically pursuing restricted funding opportunities.

Internal Collaboration & Data Gathering (15%)

• Collaborate with leadership and internal team members to gather pertinent data, financial documentation, and impact stories.
• Develop and present compelling financial narratives demonstrating fiscal health and responsible stewardship.
• Support the Advancement Engagement team and other internal colleagues by helping to draft targeted program updates for newsletters, social media, and other communications. 
• Translate complex programmatic and financial information into accessible, funder-centered messaging.

Compliance & Reporting (15%)

• Collaborate with the Advancement team to ensure 100% on-time reporting and compliance with funder requirements.
• Prepare high-quality interim and final reports demonstrating measurable impact and effective use of funds.
• Maintain organized digital grant files and accurate CRM records (Salesforce experience preferred).

ABOUT YOU

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions. 

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent years of experience) in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, foundation relations, or a related field, such as Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Demonstrated track record of securing successful grant awards, particularly unrestricted general operating support at the six-figure level and above.
• Experience working within nonprofits, foundations, associations, or preferably—federated/network-based organizations, with a focus on K–12 education and/or economic mobility.
• Proven ability to write clear, compelling, and persuasive content for various audiences. 
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong research and data analysis skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. 
• A self-starter who can work independently and take initiative to solve problems. 
• Deep knowledge of the full grant lifecycle, including research, proposal writing, and reporting. 
• Advanced proficiency with MS 360 and familiarity with donor management software (e.g., Salesforce) and prospect research tools (e.g., Foundation Directory, Wealth Engine, LinkedIn Sales Navigator). 
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of integrity. 
• Able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and willing to help others.
• Excited to work with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.
• Passionate about advancing education equity and supporting students to stay in school and achieve in life. 

TRAVEL

Travel up to 15% is required including travel in the domestic United States with overnight stay(s).

ABOUT US 

CIS staff continue to work in a virtual environment; however, the national office is open and available for staff to use as appropriate. 

To ensure the health and safety of staff and job applicants, all interviews will be conducted by phone and/or video conference.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!
• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
  • Five weeks of Paid Time Off
  • Generous s403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
  • Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break*
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much  more!

Communities In Schools is committed to a workforce that is representative of the varied communities we are privileged to serve. We provide a work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. CISÒ prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more information on Communities In Schools please visit our website.