Development and Communications Senior Associate (Grantwriter)

Development and Communications Senior Associate (Grantwriter)
Job Code:

2026-ADMINIST-002

Location:

Milwaukee

Department:

Development

Status:

Full Time

Salary:

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

Job Responsibilities
As a senior member of the development and communication team, you will support grant writing, program planning, and communication efforts. You will work closely with the Director of Development and Communication to implement the organization’s development plan and fundraising activities, including creative input, product development, and clerical support.

Conceptualize and develop high level, complex proposals

Develop and write agreed upon funding proposals and applications to government entities (federal, state, county and city), foundations, United Way and other funding sources

Perform needed research for funding proposals and applications

Assist in donor identification, cultivation, and recognition

Many special and varied writing assignments

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

Essential Functions

Conceptualize and develop complex proposals and submit them in a timely manner

Lead large grant proposals and applications to government entities and other funding sources

Use strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills on all assigned writing projects and for departmental editing

Implement the development plan and fundraising activities in conjunction with the Director of Development and Communication

Maintain and expand the organization’s electronic and social media presence

Coordinate with VPs, Administrators, and Program Directors to identify grants and funding opportunities for new or existing programs

Lead donor identification, cultivation, recognition, and develop foundation and corporate relationships, maintaining inter‑agency contacts and presenting at relevant committees

Lead assigned projects related to public relations and capital campaigns

Collect, write, and archive success stories for broader agency use

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

Lead special writing projects with members of the WCS Executive Team and other senior leadership staff

Create writing templates for specific uses such as standard agency resource pieces and proposals

Build relationships with the media, secure coverage of WCS work, and prepare media and press releases for review and distribution

Prepare media and press releases for review by the Director and Executive Team

Job Qualifications
Minimal Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communication, public policy, social welfare or related field; five to ten years of experience with proposal/grant writing and institutional donors; knowledge of fundraising and research techniques, strategies, and information sources; proficiency in Microsoft 365, databases, design / presentation software, and event software.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

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

Maintain central agency filing system for currently funded programming and projects

Participate in public relations strategizing

Update records of submitted proposals and applications and their outcomes

Lead the preparation of presentations and present matters on behalf of the agency

Attend conferences, community meetings, and community building events as requested

Supervise interns in the Development and Communication Department

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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