Grant Writer - Mission Advancement Job at YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles in Lo

Overview

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (LA Y) is a premier non-profit in Los Angeles that offers opportunities to work, make a difference in the community, and connect with like-minded individuals. The LA Y operates 29 centers, 3 resident camps, and 200+ program sites, serving over 600,000 individuals annually, including more than 125,000 youth, through programs that promote stability, opportunity, and well-being. For over 143 years, the LA Y has expanded access and opportunities through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Impact. The LA Y provides programs and services that support people at every life stage, from early childhood education to senior wellness, swim lessons to mental health support, and a place where everyone belongs. Across Los Angeles, the LA Y connects people to resources, relationships, and opportunities that transform lives and strengthen neighborhoods.

The LA Y is a collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you can discover your passion, grow your career and make an impact. We value Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and see our staff as our biggest asset. We strive to build high-performing teams in each branch and seek passionate and enthusiastic staff to strengthen impact, empower the community and deliver strong programming.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has an opportunity for an experienced and detail-oriented Grant Writer. The grant writer role involves developing and writing grants and proposals to individuals, foundations, and corporations that meet or exceed fundraising goals and objectives. The ideal candidate will set priorities, exercise sound judgment, and manage several projects concurrently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree is required from an accredited college or university.
• RELATED EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 3+ years in grant writing experience or comparable nonprofit experience, preferably in development, community relations, or marketing/communications with grant, proposal and report writing responsibilities.
• SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong writing and verbal communication skills, ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and strong interpersonal skills.

In addition, the person must be resourceful and creative and able to understand target audiences and tailor ideas to those audiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Grant Writing (75%)

• Author proposals and related reports for foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies, independently or with others.
• Assist the Director of Grants in compiling funding packages through various stages (letter of intent, proposal, reporting, tracking).
• Meet strategic goals and objectives.
• Model inclusive leadership and embrace diversity to build strong teams that apply diverse skills and perspectives to the mission.
• Responsible for achieving Strategic Plan metrics and OKRs.
• Implement a goal-based leadership approach (OKR) to ensure the Mission Advancement department supports organizational objectives and impact results.

Grant Administration (25%)

• Identify, research, and organize applications for submission; identify and develop relationships with prospective funders.
• Maintain calendar to track grant deadlines, record contacts, and acknowledge gifts.
• Review and record incoming grant-related requests; serve as initial point of contact.
• Help maintain donor files and donor database; assist with grants tracking and reporting requirements.
• Assist with additional development-related projects as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Research potential donors, prospect research, follow up on leads, and analyze funding references.
• Write inquiries, letters, and proposals requesting funds; write acknowledgment letters and reports to donors.
• Identify new funders to support programs aligned with organizational focus areas.
• Meet with program staff to determine funding needs and ensure timely submissions and correspondences.
• Track and monitor proposals, deadlines, and requirements; maintain donor and prospect files; work with administrative and fiscal staff to log gifts.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications teams to share impact; attend staff meetings and trainings; uphold YMCA policies for safety and risk; demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character and Core Values.
• Contribute to mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal development; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Check out our Comprehensive Benefits:

• Healthcare for you and your family: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Time away: 10 paid holidays, 2 flexible floating holidays, and paid vacation time.
• Free access to all 29 Greater LA Centers and discounts on programs for you and your family.
• Free before/after school child care at select locations (where available) and complimentary sports and youth classes.
• Paid day off annually dedicated to wellness and paid sick leave.
• 20% discount on LA Y programs; 25% discount on day camps for children.
• Retirement: Y Retirement Fund contribution (upon eligibility) and access to the Y Retirement 403(b) plan (tax-deferred and Roth options).
• Tuition assistance and paid training for professional development.
• Financial wellness access to credit union and discounts programs (e.g., PerkSpot).

There are additional perks available; apply to learn more.

If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for funding and contracts, we want to hear from you. Apply to join the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and be part of something special.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The Association is committed to EEO without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.