Graceworks Lutheran Services is hiring: Development and Communications Senior As

Development and Communications Senior Associate (Grant Writer)

Job Code: 2026-ADMINIST-002

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Development

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 (commensurate with education and experience)

Responsibilities

Conceptualize and develop high‑level, complex proposals

Write funding proposals and applications to government entities (federal, state, county, city), foundations, United Way and other funding sources

Perform research to support proposals and applications

Assist in donor identification, cultivation, and recognition

Solicit donations, advertising, and in‑kind goods/services to promote WCS programs and special events

Write and edit grant submissions and other significant documents, providing leadership to large grant proposals

Coordinate with VPs, Administrators, and Program Directors in searching for grants and funding opportunities

Support development and updating of electronic and social media presences

Coordinate with the Director of Development and Communication to implement the agency’s development plan and fundraising activities

Take ownership of projects related to public relations, capital campaigns, and media outreach, including preparing press releases

Collect, write, and archive success stories for internal and external use

Contribute articles to the WCS newsletter, annual report, and other publications

Collaborate with the Executive Team on special writing projects and create templates for specific uses

Develop and strengthen relationships with media and secure ongoing coverage of WCS work

Essential Functions

Submit high‑level proposals in a timely manner

Lead large grant proposals and oversee writing and editing of departmental work

Implement the agency’s development plan with creative input and clerical support

Maintain and expand electronic and social media presences

Identify and cultivate donors, develop foundation and corporate relationships, and maintain interagency contacts

Lead public relations and capital campaign projects

Produce success stories, newsletters, and other publications

Lead special writing projects with Executive Team members

Create writing templates and resource pieces for proposals

Partner with the Director to secure media coverage of WCS work

Prepare and distribute media and press releases

Job Qualifications
Minimal Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communication, public policy, social welfare, or related field

5 to 10 years of experience in proposal/grant writing and institutional donor management

Knowledge of fundraising and research techniques, strategies, and informational sources

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel), databases, design and presentation software, and event software

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Gather agency statistics and external data related to areas such as justice system, community reintegration, behavioral health, peer support, and others

Maintain a central agency filing system for currently funded programming and projects

Participate in public relations strategizing

Regularly update records of submitted proposals and applications

Lead preparation of presentations and deliver presentations on behalf of the agency

Represent the agency at conferences, community meetings, and community building events when requested

Supervise interns in the Development and Communication Department

Equal Opportunity Employer
Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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