Grant Writer

ABOUT UNITED WAYS OF CALIFORNIA

Our Mission and Vision:

United Ways of California’s (UWCA) mission is to improve health, education, and financial stability for low-income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the community impact and advocacy work of California’s United Ways. We imagine an equitable California where every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Why You Should Join Our Team:

The work that we do at United Ways of California is dedicated to removing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our goal is to promote belonging, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. If you believe that everyone deserves opportunities to live a good life and are excited about the opportunity to work together to advocate for the expansion of policies and programs that support our three foundational pillars of education, health, and financial empowerment, then join us to build a better, thriving California.

This is more than a grant writer role – it’s a chance to influence how our mission comes to life through compelling proposals and partnerships. You’ll be a part of a supportive, creative organization dedicated to making a lasting difference in California and beyond. You’ll join a collaborative team that values strategy, clarity, and impact.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Grant Writer will oversee and administer all the functions associated with maintaining and increasing funding for UWCA’s existing programs, future initiative, and organizational administration. They will primarily coordinate UWCA’s efforts to secure grants from government, corporations, foundations, and other entities. The Grant writer will identify and research grant opportunities, managing the grant application process, writing and/or editing proposals, and overseeing the reporting requirements to ensure compliance and demonstrating impact.

The Grant Writer will work closely with the executive, programs, marketing, and finance teams, as needed, to gather necessary information and align grant-seeking efforts with the organization’s strategic goals and programmatic needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Research and Strategy

• Conduct proactive research to identify and evaluate new funding sources and grant opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and corporate funders.
• Conduct comprehensive research into grant opportunities, developing approach strategies and a tracking database for opportunities, preparing proposals and report packages, deadlines, and criteria while working with the CEO, CFO, and VP of Programs & Impact to determine best fit opportunities for UWCA
• Research funding patterns and opportunities from various sources and makes funding recommendations to the President & CEO.
• Develop and maintain a grant calendar to track all deadlines, reporting requirements, and submission dates.
• Work with leadership to align potential grants with the organization’s strategic goals and program funding needs.

Grant Writing and Submission

• Writes persuasive and substantive grant requests and subsequent reports and ensures timely submission to founders.
• Writes acknowledgement letters and prepares other correspondence for funders and partners as needed.
• Write, edit, and submit compelling and detailed grant proposals and letters of inquiry, adhering to all specific funder guidelines.
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to gather and assemble all necessary supplementary materials, including project narratives, budgets, outcomes data, and supporting documents.
• Ensure all applications are complete, accurate, and submitted on time through online portals (e.g., Grant.gov) or other required methods, ensure adequate tracking and follow-up of proposals and applications.
• Drafts grant proposals, collaborating with the CEO, CFO, and VP of Programs & Impact and relevant departments to ensure applications are compelling, data-driven, advocacy-centric and true to the strategic goals and fiscal needs of each program.

Grant Management and Reporting

• Serve as the organizational lead for all grants management, guiding strategic identification, application, and administration of grant opportunities in alignment with mission and priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of grants and cultivate positive relationships with funder contacts.
• Prepares and submit all required interim and final grant reports, accurately detailing program activities, outcomes, and budget expenditures.
• Collaborate with finance and program staff to ensure grant funds are used in accordance with grant agreements from grant set-up through closing.
• Oversee grant reporting and compliance procedures, financial tracking, and performance analysis. This includes progress and annual reporting as required, as well as measurement of progress toward deliverables.
• Manage government grant portfolio across Program Services and Construction activities and ensure compliance and effective reporting, with an emphasis on leveraging funds.
• Provides training and support to relevant affiliate staff on grant processes and compliance and assist in the development of tools for ongoing data tracking and maintenance for reporting purposes.
• Support development and monitoring of sub-granting agreements.

Internal Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinates and interfaces with internal departments and staff from funders.
• Act as the main point of contact for all grant related deliverables and activities and cultivate cross-departmental collaboration by employing clear communication of needs and objectives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on the organization’s history, programs, and overall mission.
• Work with the communications team to highlight grant partners and success stories on the UWCA website, social media, and in the annual report.
• Produce cashflow projections and other reports to integrate grant funding into the organization’s annual budget and strategic plans, emphasizing the use of data for decision-making and planning.
• Utilize data analytics to identify funding trends, assess opportunities and challenges, and advise on aligning grant-seeking efforts with organizational strategies and programmatic initiatives.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as needed, with a focus on leveraging data analysis to support organizational goals and improve grant and funding management processes.
• Contribute to broader fundraising initiatives as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management or related field preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven, successful experience in fundraising, grant writing and management, with a preference for experience with government grants, preferably in the nonprofit sector. Experience in a nonprofit government grants management role is a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, evidence-based narratives.
• Proficiency with the internet and strong computer skills, including mastery of Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Sage, and Bill.com.
• Experience working in an organization that’s receiving Federal grants.
• High level of attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills to identify relevant funding opportunities and gather data.
• Must be well-organized, able to work independently yet interact well with Finance and Programs Departments.
• Strong policy background including a comprehensive understanding of the Uniform Guidance, Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 200, and post-award grant management activities and compliance requirements.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of federal grant regulations, compliance requirements, and cost principles.
• Experience with federal grant management systems and working with federal agencies.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on strategy and tactics.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple demands with set deadlines.
• Ability to maintain and respect sensitive, private, and confidential information related to grant recommendations, grantees, employees, and advisors.
• Ability to work both under supervision, in a team environment, and independently.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to compose effective and thoughtful correspondence.
• Be exceptionally detail-oriented, deadline driven, highly organized and have excellent project management skills.
• Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS), Grants Professional Certification (GPC), Certified Grant Writer (CGW) or similar certification preferred, but not required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

• Must be able to work extended hours during the work week or on weekends as required, on occasion when grant deadlines require it.
• Ability to travel periodically to and within California for in-person meetings, if necessary (reimbursements for travel costs provided).

LOCATION

United Ways of California operates as a fully virtual organization. The Grant Writer position can be based anywhere nationwide.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, 401k Retirement Plan, Vacation Leave

TO APPLY

Submit a signed cover letter and resume by email detailing your skills experience and why you are interested in this position.

Email: HR@unitedwaysca.org

(Word or .PDF format only)

Deadline to Apply: December 2, 2025

United Ways of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, pay, promotion, benefits, and termination.