Grants Manager

Educational First Steps (EFS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and supporting high-quality early learning environments for children from birth to age five in communities of greatest need across North Texas. Founded in 1990, EFS empowers childcare centers through its Four Steps to Excellence program, offering evidence-based training, mentoring, and resource support at no cost to educators, families, and communities.

EFS partners with childcare centers to help them achieve Texas Rising Star certification or national accreditation from leading organizations like the NAEYC and NAC. Through these efforts, EFS aims to bridge achievement gaps, break cycles of generational poverty, and foster equitable opportunities for children and families.

The Grants Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Dallas, TX. The Grants Manager will oversee all aspects of grant administration, including researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for the organization. Responsibilities include managing reporting requirements, maintaining accurate documentation, analyzing funding opportunities, and ensuring compliance with grant guidelines. The role also involves collaborating with program teams to align grant opportunities with organizational goals and fostering strong relationships with funders.

• Strong skills in Grant Administration, including researching, securing, and managing funding opportunities
• Advanced Analytical Skills to evaluate funding opportunities and assess program impact
• Proficiency in Proposal Writing and documentation to craft compelling grant applications
• Excellent Communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, funders, and team members
• Experience with Program Management to align grants with organizational goals and track project success
• Detail-oriented and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
• Proficient in using grant management or fundraising software is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or related field preferred

• Work closely with the program team to understand funding needs, collect data, and capture program impact.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate grant budgets and financial reports.
• Participate in strategic planning to align grant efforts with organizational goals.

• Maintain an organized database of grant opportunities, submissions, and outcomes in the CRM system.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of grant efforts to improve success rates.
• Prepare periodic reports for leadership on grant activities and outcomes.

• Proven track record of securing grants from a variety of foundation types.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical skills to identify and assess funding opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with early childhood education or similar nonprofit fields is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional grant writing experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

• Multiple health insurance plans, partially or fully funded by EFS
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
• Paid time off, including 13 paid holidays
• Up to 4 weeks bonus vacation paid time off for Summer and Winter
• Hybrid work and flexible schedule options