Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Enlace Chicago
Enlace Chicago convenes, organizes, and builds the capacity of stakeholders in Little Village to confront systemic inequities and barriers to economic and social access. Dedicated to creating lasting, community-driven change, Enlace fosters a safe and healthy environment, champions opportunities for educational advancement and economic mobility, and promotes social justice and systems change through collaboration and grassroots leadership. Our Education, Community Safety, Clinical Services, Community Health, and Immigration and Advocacy departments work collectively to strengthen the lives and opportunities of Little Village residents.
Position Overview
The Grant Writer plays a critical role in advancing Enlace Chicago's mission by securing and sustaining institutional funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. This position is responsible for researching, developing, and writing compelling grant proposals and reports, ensuring compliance, and supporting donor stewardship. The Grant Writer collaborates across departments to translate program impact into persuasive narratives that reflect Enlace's values, strategy, and community-driven vision.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Research and Strategy
- Identify and evaluate new public and private funding opportunities aligned with Enlace's mission, strategic priorities, and community impact goals.
- Maintain an updated grants calendar tracking proposal and reporting deadlines, renewals, and outcomes.
- Support strategic planning for fund development and growth across departments.
- Monitor trends in philanthropy and public funding to inform development strategies.
- Write, edit, and submit clear, persuasive, and tailored proposals and letters of inquiry.
- Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop budgets, logic models, and data-driven narratives.
- Translate complex program information into accessible, inspiring language that demonstrates outcomes and impact.
- Ensure all submissions meet funder requirements and reflect Enlace's mission and tone.
- Draft, coordinate, and submit timely, accurate progress and final reports.
- Support funder stewardship through thank-you letters, updates, and briefing materials.
- Maintain meticulous records of all submissions, communications, and awards within the grants management system.
- Partner with the Senior Vice President of Development to ensure compliance with all grant obligations and support organization-wide funding priorities.
- Exceptional Writing & Storytelling: Translates data and program impact into compelling, human-centered narratives.
- Project Management: Balances multiple deadlines, priorities, and stakeholder needs with precision and accountability.
- Strategic Collaboration: Builds strong relationships with staff, funders, and partners to align funding strategies with program needs.
- Analytical Thinking: Synthesizes qualitative and quantitative data to craft persuasive proposals.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, consistency, and quality in all writing and documentation.
- Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, or a related field required; Master's preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of demonstrated success in grant writing or development within a nonprofit setting.
- Proven track record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, or government sources.
- Strong knowledge of program budgeting and outcome-based reporting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Foundant, or similar).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to Enlace Chicago's values of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Benefits:
- Health benefits. Enlace Chicago offers you and your family access to a low-cost comprehensive health care plan, which includes medical (Bluecross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), and vision (VSP) coverage.
- Enlace Chicago also provides life insurance coverage and short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you with options of additional coverage.
- Retirement program. Enlace Chicago offers a voluntary 403(B) plan which begins at a 1% contribution. Enrollment is available after a 90-day grace period beginning on the first day of employment. An enrollment packet will be mailed to you.
- Paid time off. You will receive 96 hours of Upon Hire hours, which will be prorated depending on your start date. After your 3rd month, you will accrue 3.33 hours per pay period or a total of 6.66 per month . All vacation days are considered above and beyond the approved holiday schedule. Enlace has 12 paid holidays with a Holiday week between Christmas and New Year's Day that will not be deducted from your PTO.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: At Enlace Chicago, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to addressing the complex social challenges we seek to solve, and we strive to create a culture that promotes belonging, respect, and opportunity for all. Our mission is rooted in uplifting the stories of those who have been historically marginalized, and we actively work to ensure that our programs, partnerships, and workplace reflect these values. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and encourage candidates who share our passion for social justice, equity, and inclusion to apply.
Enlace Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Deadline for submission: Open until filled.
Salary Description
55K- 65K