Senior Grant Writer (55476)

Purpose
Do you have a passion for raising funds to support children from a diverse range of backgrounds, and their families and caregivers?

The Grant Writer is responsible for securing and managing grant funding that supports Kindering’s programs and strategic priorities. This role leads the full grant lifecycle, from prospecting and proposal development to award management, compliance, and reporting. Works under the supervision of the Director of Grants and in close collaboration with the Advancement Team, leadership, and staff across the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
Grant Revenue & Portfolio Management 

• Partner with the Director of Grants to secure $2.25 million or more in grant revenue annually. 
• Sharing a portfolio of more than 75 foundation, corporate, and government funders, with a full range of responsibilities for assigned grants. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of Kindering’s programs, strategies, and funding priorities. 
• Research, qualify, and pursue new grant opportunities aligned with Kindering’s mission. 
• Cultivate and steward productive relationships with grantmaking sources.  
• Support others on Advancement Team with their assigned grant proposals and reports. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Grant Writing & Submission 

• Lead the development, writing, and submission of competitive grant proposals, as assigned. 
• Coordinate with internal contributors to develop clear and compelling narratives, outcomes, and budgets. 
• Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, compliant, and submitted on time. 
• Remain current on grant making and writing trends, compliance requirements, and best practices through continuing education and participation in professional organizations. 

Grant Management & Compliance 

• Provide training and support to grant contributors for successful implementation and reporting of funded programs and projects. 
• Design, implement, and maintain grant management systems and processes to ensure compliance and timely reporting. 
• Manage individual grant awards from acceptance through closeout. 
• Track grant requirements, deadlines, deliverables, and budgets. 
• Prepare and submit complete, accurate, and timely interim and final grant reports. 

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
• Minimum 5 years of successful hands-on experience in nonprofit grant writing and management. 
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure annual grant funding. 
• Excellent written communication, editing, organizational, and project management skills. 
• Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, and explaining nonprofit programs  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, grant research tools, and nonprofit development or grants management databases. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent grant deadlines and projects in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a professional environment. 
• Lived experience navigating systems of oppression or a demonstrated understanding of systemic inequities related to disability, neurodiversity, race, class, or gender identity or expression. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals and communities from historically marginalized backgrounds, grounded in cultural humility. 

Key Competencies

• Grant Writing & Fund Development: Develops compelling, high-quality grant proposals and reports that secure and sustain significant funding in support of organizational priorities.
• Project & Portfolio Management: Effectively manages a complex portfolio of grants, balancing multiple deadlines, deliverables, and compliance requirements with strong attention to detail.
• Relationship Building & Collaboration: Cultivates productive partnerships with funders and collaborates across departments to gather information, align priorities, and achieve funding goals.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Researches funding opportunities, evaluates alignment with organizational objectives, and uses data to develop competitive funding requests and measure impact.
• Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Humility: Demonstrates commitment to serving diverse communities through inclusive practices, cultural responsiveness, and an understanding of systemic inequities.

Minimum Prerequisites

• Pass Washington State DSHS criminal history and background check and FBI fingerprint check
• Strictly maintain confidentiality of all client information 
• Demonstrate skill in word processing and familiarity with MS Outlook, Word and Excel
• Possess valid Washington State driver’s license and valid automobile insurance
• Have access to a dependable personal vehicle
• Pass drug and tuberculosis tests
• Ability to show proof of current immunizations, including COVID-19 and MMR vaccine or titer test*

*Kindering is subject to multiple executive orders requiring all employees to be vaccinated or apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption. We require those supervising and providing in-person services to children to be vaccinated and are unable to accommodate any exceptions. For other positions that can be accommodated, employees must apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 
The information described below represents the activities and surroundings one may encounter when performing the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Primarily operates in an office or hybrid work environment, requiring extensive computer use, frequent communication, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Works in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting, managing multiple grant applications, reports, and priorities while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Requires prolonged sitting, frequent keyboard and computer use, effective verbal and written communication, and occasional travel or lifting of materials up to 15 pounds for meetings, events, or trainings.

This is a full time position with elective time off, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays per year. Kindering’s full time employees are provided comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental benefits with a Health Savings Account (HSA) for qualified individuals, company-paid life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 403(b), paid and elective time off, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities, Mimi Siegel Fellowship and Department of Health License reimbursement, and more.
About Kindering  
Kindering embraces children of diverse abilities and their families by providing the finest education and therapies to nurture hope, courage, and the skills to soar. As a nonprofit neurodevelopmental center, we have provided comprehensive services for children with special needs and their families since 1962. Kindering is dedicated to maintaining a highly trained, licensed, and certified team of professionals. Current services include comprehensive developmental assessments; physical, occupational, speech, language, and infant mental health therapy; special education; family counseling; nutrition and feeding therapy; childcare consultation; parenting education; and family resource coordination. Kindering’s vision for equity is I BELONG. Eradicate systemic racial and oppressive barriers so everyone succeeds. Kindering values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We aim to seek out people from systemically oppressed and marginalized backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ, immigrants, and refugees.

Kindering is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.