Grant Writer

Becoming part of the Sweetser family means you can make a difference in the lives of Maine children, adults, and families every day. As a nationally recognized and accredited leader, we offer competitive salaries, a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to join a passionate team of more than 700 employees.

Sweetser seeks a contract Grant Writer to work with the Chief Growth Officer to assist with grant researching, writing and RFPs. This is an on-site position in Saco, Maine.

This position will work to secure grant funding from local, regional, and national foundations, corporations and organizations, including state and federal funding sources, to help meet the agency’s strategic goals. In addition to preparing proposals, the position requires collaborating with staff program directors and funding representatives, as well as developing a comprehensive monthly report detailing grant activities. Responsibilities also include writing and editing responsibilities as needed.

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assure quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Creates and implements a comprehensive grant program that includes researching and soliciting grant and in‑kind gifts from corporations, foundations, organizations, state and federal funding sources, and individuals.
• Establishes goals to meet grant revenue objectives.
• Works with leadership to identify agency grant needs.
• Research corporate and foundation giving interests and proposal guidelines.
• Writes timely grant proposals, in‑kind requests, follow‑up reports, and acknowledgements.
• Develops relationships with prospective and current grant funders.
• Updates funding and contact information into Blackbaud system.
• Prepares monthly update report detailing grants received, proposed and pending.

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Valid driver’s license.

• Three (3) years of grant writing experience.
• Successful track record in developing grant proposals, securing grant awards and grant administration and reporting.

• Skilled in creating powerful, compelling written and oral communications for fundraising in particular the ability to write clear, structured, and persuasive proposals.
• Strong relationship‑building and “people” skills with a high comfort level with phone outreach and follow‑up.
• Able to see opportunities, think creatively, and develop new approaches for donor engagement and development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of energetic professionals, researching, learning, and gaining insight from department leaders to help build fundraising narratives for both foundations and individual donors.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and actively seeks to deepen current donor relationships and forge new ones.
• Strong knowledge of funders at the state and national levels including foundations, corporations and government sources.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to project manage multiple tasks independently. Ability to set and meet metrics goals, prioritize, plan, and complete work on deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends and be willing to complete occasional travel on behalf of the department as needed.
• A belief in the importance of mental and behavioral health and support.