Grant Writer and Funding Analyst

Townsend Public Affairs is a bipartisan legislative advocacy and grant writing firm with offices in Washington, DC, Sacramento, Southern California, Central California, and the Bay Area. We specialize in the development and execution of legislative and funding strategies for a select clientele of public agencies and non-profit organizations, including but not limited to municipalities and counties, community colleges and K-12 school districts, water and wastewater agencies, housing and transportation authorities, community services and other special districts, museums and science centers.

The TPA Grant Writing and Funding Analyst is a client-service position responsible for supporting and managing a diverse client portfolio through grant writing, funding research, and strategic funding advocacy. Working closely with the Grants Director and Grants Team, the Analyst will interface with clients to write and submit competitive grant applications, identify funding opportunities, advance client funding priorities, and provide firmwide grant support while managing multiple priorities and demanding deadlines.

The position is based in California and requires registration as a State and Federal lobbyist.

JOB DUTIES – GRANT WRITING AND CLIENT MANAGEMENT

Grant Writing and Submission

Develop, write, edit, and submit high-quality grant applications without the use of AI or other automated technologies, ensuring alignment with client priorities, compliance with funding requirements, and timely completion under demanding deadlines.

Client Management and Strategy Development

Serve as a trusted and responsive resource by developing a comprehensive understanding of each client’s priorities, goals, and unique needs while delivering exceptional service through proactive communication, strategic guidance, and a solutions-oriented approach. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Client Portfolio Management:
  Take ownership of assigned client accounts by anticipating needs, monitoring priorities and deadlines, coordinating deliverables, and ensuring consistent follow-through on client objectives.
• Grant Application Development:
  Develop, write, and submit high-quality, competitive grant applications that meet all funding requirements and are completed accurately and on time.
• Funding Strategy Development:
  Develop strategic approaches to help clients identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities that align with their short- and long-term priorities.
• Individualized Funding Agendas:
  Proactively develop, manage, and implement customized funding agendas for a diverse portfolio of clients, including cities, counties, special districts, and other public agencies.
• Client Service and Responsiveness:
  Provide proactive, timely, and solutions-oriented client service, with a commitment to responding to inquiries, addressing client needs, and advancing client objectives within a 24-hour timeframe.

JOB DUTIES – FUNDING ANALYST

Internal Funding Support

Provide proactive grants and funding support to TPA teams and client managers, including the development of briefing documents, funding checklists, grant materials, and other resources that support client funding objectives. Develop and maintain internal templates, checklists, processes, and workflows to improve the consistency and efficiency of grant application efforts across the firm.

Funding Opportunity Research and Analysis

Identify, research, and evaluate local, state, and federal funding opportunities using both traditional and creative approaches. Analyze funding guidelines, eligibility requirements, competitiveness, and alignment with client priorities to identify opportunities that best position clients to achieve their funding objectives.

Collaborate with TPA team…