Grant Writer Chicago, IL

Summary of Position

As a key member of the After School Matters Development team, the Grant Writer is responsible for supporting the organization’s fundraising goals by carrying out all grants processes including, but not limited to, researching and identifying new prospective donors, writing grant proposals and reports, and cultivating positive relationships with funders. This is a great opportunity for an individual with great attention to detail, a passion for persuasive writing, and an interest in advancing the work and mission of After School Matters.

• Write and edit clear, accurate, and persuasive letters of intent, proposals, and reports that are tailored to each funder’s focus area, mission, specifications, and deadlines; collaborate with the Institutional Giving Manager as a thought partner.
• Research, identify, and cultivate new funding and grant opportunities from local, regional, and national foundations, as well as corporate foundations.
• Collaborate with departments (including but not limited to: Programs, Finance, and Research and Evaluation) to request supporting information and documentation, such as program budgets and data, and translate information in a way that will persuade funders.
• Update and maintain grants tracker with all submission deadlines and assist with collection, input, and maintenance of donor information into Raiser’s Edge database to ensure records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist the Development Team with events, including corporate workshops, Sneaker Ball, and the Gala.

• Excellent writing skills including experience in writing grants.
• Ability to write clearly, accurately, and professionally in grant submissions, email correspondence, and other written documentation to both internal and external groups.
• Exceptional organizational skills. Ability to manage concurrent projects and deadlines and identify priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑volume, results‑oriented work environment.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding funder specifications and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize financial information and program data and communicate conclusions through writing and speaking.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree required.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills required. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• One year experience working with grants/Development team is preferred.

• Hybrid work environment, 9am - 5pm
• Minimum two days in person, with three+ days during our Summer Session (six weeks)
• Occasional nights and weekends, depending on Development event schedule
• Ability to travel to After School Matters sites as needed

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Identity Theft, Legal, and Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Sick Time, and paid national holidays

$52,000-$55,000 depending on applicable experience and education

After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.