Description
Make a Difference Through Grant Funding and Community Impact
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities (RGA) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Grants Manager to lead the identification, development, and stewardship of grant opportunities that advance our mission of empowering people with disabilities to reach, grow, and achieve. The Grants Manager serves as a key member of the Development team, partnering across the organization to secure funding that supports innovative programs, essential services, and organizational growth
Position Summary
The Grants Manager leads the organization's efforts to identify, pursue, secure, and manage grant funding opportunities. This role develops compelling, evidence-based grant proposals, builds and maintains strong funder relationships, oversees grant reporting and compliance, and collaborates with program and finance teams to ensure funded initiatives achieve measurable outcomes. The Grants Manager also supports broader fundraising and public awareness efforts on behalf of RGA.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Strategy, Research & Proposal Development
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities that align with RGA's mission and strategic priorities.
- Maintain a pipeline of current and future funding opportunities across the organization.
- Lead the development, writing, editing, and submission of persuasive, evidence-based grant proposals and applications.
- Evaluate funding opportunities based on organizational impact, budget relief, innovation potential, and long-term value.
- Assess existing grants and funding opportunities to maximize return on investment
Budget Development & Grant Management
- Develop and review grant budgets in partnership with Development leadership and the Finance Department.
- Maintain and oversee grant calendars and reporting deadlines.
- Monitor post-award activities to ensure programmatic and financial compliance with funder requirements.
- Coordinate grant reporting and communications to ensure accountability and successful stewardship of grant funds.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with program staff to design projects, establish measurable objectives, and define outcome metrics.
- Collaborate proactively with organizational leaders and staff to gather information needed for proposals and reports.
- Work closely with development team members to support grant prospecting and organizational fundraising efforts.
Community & Funder Relations
- Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for grant funders.
- Cultivate relationships with foundations, government agencies, municipalities, and other funding partners.
- Conduct presentations to increase awareness of RGA's mission and funding needs.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders and community partners.
Schedule: Generally daytime office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend availability as needed
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of 2-5 years of related professional experience.
- Excellent written, editing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach.
- Ability to read and understand written information.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to drive during work hours.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of grant writing, grant management, fundraising, nonprofit development, or related experience.
- Master's degree.
- Demonstrated success securing grants from foundations, government agencies, and community partners.
- Experience managing grant compliance, reporting, and outcome measurement.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Benefits Include:
- Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% Employer Match
- Paid Vacation Time
- Paid Sick Time
- Paid Personal Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Ongoing Training and Professional Development Opportunities
Why Join RGA?
At RGA, you'll play a vital role in helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence and opportunity. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about strengthening programs, building community partnerships, and advancing a mission that changes lives every day.
Equal Opportunity & Drug-Free Workplace
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status under applicable law.
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 2-5 years of related professional experience
- Excellent written, editing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach
- Ability to read and understand written information
- Reliable transportation and ability to drive during work hours
- Five or more years of grant writing, grant management, fundraising, nonprofit development, or related experience
- Master's degree
- Demonstrated success securing grants from foundations, government agencies, and community partners
- Experience managing grant compliance, reporting, and outcome measurement
What We Do
Ray Graham Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing person-centered care and support for people with disabilities and their families. Founded in 1950, its mission is to empower individuals to reach, grow, and achieve by meeting their unique needs, goals, and dreams while improving their quality of life. The organization serves nearly 2,000 people across the Chicago suburbs with a team of about 350 members.
