Grant Writing Specialist
Writes, organizes, and submits applications for federal, state, local, and private grants awards to fund complex and varying Citywide projects and programs.
This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
Researches and identifies federal, state, local, and private funding sources that align with the goals and priorities of City projects and programs through databases, publications, and websites.
Drafts and submits letters of intent and full grant proposals. Collects required components of grant applications, coordinates contributions of information or documents from stakeholders, and completes necessary forms.
Reviews grant funding requirements with stakeholders prior to acceptance and advises stakeholders on compliance issues as grant funds are used.
Advises and coordinates with City personnel on the award acceptance and budgeting processes.
Develops and maintains process workflow for City personnel to request grant writing and research assistance.
Maintains records of fund opportunities, applications submitted and accepted and commonly used data and verbiage for submissions or briefings.
Performs related work as required.
Open-Entry Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in English, business administration, or communications.
Experience: Two years in grant writing with a record of successful completion of federal and non-federal grant application processes.
Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.
Licenses and Certifications:
Must possess valid state or federal photo identification, to be maintained throughout employment. Such IDs are required to access federal grants portals. Acceptable forms of ID may include a federally issued passport card or a state-issued driver's license or identity card.
Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.
The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.
This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.
Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on July 8th, 2026. The testing window is July 9th - 13th.
Possible subjects covered in the examination: Education & Training, Grant Writing Experience, Research, Administrative Support/Coordination, Collaboration & Compliance.
In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667.
Insurance Benefits Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment. Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.
Medical Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected. Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected. Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents. Life Insurance - Employee Only Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full. Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s) Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full. Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full. Flexible Spending Account The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code. AFLAC Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs. LegalShield/ID Shield Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract. Pet Insurance Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll. Voluntary Term Life Insurance Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Continued Medical/Dental Insurance Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee. Retirement Benefits Spokane Employees' Retirement System The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service. Deferred Compensation Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $150/month. Paid Time Off Official Holidays The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions. Floating Holidays 48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination. Vacation Leave Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions. Sick Leave Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year. Other Leaves The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave. Work/Life Programs Employee Assistance Program The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks.