Indiana Legal Services is hiring: Grants Writing & Communications Specialist in

Overview

AGENCY DESCRIPTION: Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a statewide, not-for-profit organization that provides free legal services to eligible clients in civil cases through eight branch offices. ILS is funded by the Legal Services Corporation, Indiana Civil Legal Aid Fund, United Ways, Area Agencies on Aging, and approximately 60 other funding sources.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: ILS is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any category protected by law.

LOCATION: This position is located in the Indianapolis Indiana Legal Services office location with opportunities for a hybrid work schedule.

Position

Full-Time Grants Writing & Communications Specialist

START DATE: As soon as reasonably possible

Job Summary

Indiana Legal Services (ILS) seeks a strategic and collaborative Grants Writing & Communications Specialist to lead donor-facing communications and stewardship efforts that deepen engagement and inspire continued support. This position plays a key role in crafting compelling messaging, managing donor correspondence, and coordinating recognition and reporting, in close partnership with development, program, and the senior leadership team. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week). This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

1. Grant Prospecting and Writing (50%)
   • Identify and research prospective foundation and government funders aligned with ILS’s mission and programs.
   • Track and evaluate open grant opportunities, deadlines, and application requirements.
   • Draft compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and renewal applications with input from program and leadership staff.
   • Maintain accurate records of proposals submitted, pending, and awarded, including deadlines and reporting requirements.
   • Collaborate with the finance team to ensure proposal budgets align with funding guidelines and program needs.
   • Support cultivation strategies by preparing tailored materials for funder meetings and presentations when requested by the Chief Development Communications Officer (CDCO).
2. Communications Content Creation (50%)
   • Develop and implement donor-focused communications strategies that convey ILS’s impact and value.
   • Create content for fundraising campaigns, newsletters, donor updates, acknowledgment letters, special events, and annual appeals.
   • Draft and edit stories that highlight client outcomes, staff achievements, and organizational milestones.
   • Collaborate with program and legal teams to gather testimonials, photos, and case examples for use in donor materials.
   • Ensure compliance with donor recognition requirements and preferences with regard to publicity and branding.
   • Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all donor communication platforms.
   • Create content for internal communications to staff, including a monthly employee newsletter.
   • Coordinate with external vendors or consultants for design, print, or digital distribution as needed.
3. Other Expectations
   • Help foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization by modeling donor-centered practices and encouraging staff participation in stewardship.
   • Professionally represent ILS in communications with funders.
   • Undertake special projects and provide support to the development department, as assigned by the CDCO.
   • Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
   • Participate in regular team meetings and collaborate effectively with other members of the development team.

Compensation

Starting salary is $47,428 with a range up to a maximum of $63,318 depending on experience. ILS offers an excellent fringe benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, a flex benefit plan and generous vacation and sick leave. ILS will pay up to $2,500 in moving expenses if the successful applicant needs to move from another city to assume this position.