Development & Grant Writing Consultant

Development & Grant Writing Consultant

Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Development & Grant Writing Consultant to support core fundraising operations. This contractor will focus on grant research, proposal writing, funder reporting, and database management to ensure CJC maintains consistent funding.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
  • Proactively research, identify, and evaluate new local, regional, and national foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities aligned with CJC's mission.
  • Maintain and update CJC's funding calendar to ensure all deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities are met.
• Proposal Development & Grant Writing
  • Write, edit, and submit persuasive grant applications, letters of inquiry (LOIs), proposals, budget narratives and reports for foundation, corporate and public funders.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and Programmatic Leadership team for special campaigns & strategy sessions to develop proposal concepts and narratives that may include data, program metrics, and operational details.

• Grant Management & Compliance
  • Monitor active grants to ensure all programmatic deliverables, reporting milestones, and financial compliance standards are met.
  • Work with the Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives to submit comprehensive progress reports to funders and dashboard reporting for board meetings.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience:
  
  3+ years of proven success in nonprofit grant writing, prospect research, and grant management (experience within workforce development, human services, or policy advocacy in Illinois/Chicago is a strong plus).
• Skills:
  
  Excellent persuasive writing & editing skills, budgeting literacy, organizational skills, and strict attention to detail.
• Commitment to CJC's mission and vision.