Grant Specialist

The most critical skill needed for this position is superior writing ability. The ideal candidate will be able to represent the needs of the LAYC/MMYC community in compelling ways and accurately describe LAYC/MMYC's program mix. Qualified candidates should have experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and a willingness to work in partnership with various contributors to ensure high quality grant applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work at a nationally recognized youth-serving organization and to learn the principles of fundraising and advanced writing techniques from a seasoned team of professionals.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 3-week paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).
• Education Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write, revise, and submit grant applications and/or reports in collaboration with program staff in response to government, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities for LAYC/MMYC.
• Manage rotating teams of LAYC/MMYC program staff to create and/or compile grant narratives, grant budget requests, and other grant documentation in accordance with funder requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about LAYC/MMYC programs and financing of those programs.
• Coordinate with LAYC/MMYC’s Learning and Evaluation team on programmatic data to supplement grant applications and/or reports.
• Understand and interpret program data, evaluation metrics, and logic models when using data in grant applications and reports.
• Coordinate with LAYC/MMYC’s Finance department to understand financial reports and other financial attachments included in grant applications and reports.
• Coordinate with LAYC/MMYC’s Development department to help manage relationships with major donors and key institutional funders.
• Support LAYC/MMYC’s Grants department in ongoing data entry to track grant submissions and awards.
• Collaborate with other LAYC/MMYC grant writers to uphold and maintain LAYC style and messaging across all external grant communications.
• Collaborate with other LAYC/MMYC grant writers to establish and maintain grant policies, boilerplate language, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in a writing-intensive major such as English, communications, or journalism.
• At least three years of successful grant writing experience required.
• Experience with DonorPerfect or other Client Relationship Management (CRM) software a plus.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to write accurate, well-organized analytic and descriptive text.
• Ability to work and problem-solve independently as lead on grant applications and/or reports.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to organize and lead a team of individuals as part of the grant application process.
• Robust attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to understand and write about youth program objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to understand and describe program budgets.
• Readiness to function in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment and meet multiple deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to conduct online research and use results in writing.
• Familiarity with grant database entry and report creation.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. Candidate is required to provide proof of vaccination at the time interview and upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Jeanne Konicki, Senior Director of Grants and Compliance at jeanne@layc-dc.org.