Grant Writer I

TITLE: Grant Writer I

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

SALARY: $28.00 / hour

FLSA: Non-exempt

HOURS: Full-Time; 40 hours per week; some evening or weekend work may be required

START DATE: October 1, 2026         

Our Mission: Heart of Los Angeles helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment. 

Our Vision: Heart of Los Angeles envisions a future where every young person has the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Our Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Support, Positive Communication and Inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grant Writer I position is a vital part of Heart of Los Angeles’ development team, responsible for securing essential institutional resources in support of Heart of Los Angeles’ programs and services. The key functions of this role include writing grant proposals and reports (50%), maintaining administrative processes and systems (25%), supporting the research and pursuit of new funding sources (15%), and stewarding funder relationships (10%). The ideal candidate is able to work independently, engages in effective time management practices, and has excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. They will be detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and a highly motivated team player.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write grant proposals and reports accurately and effectively meeting funder requirements, deadlines, and specifications 
• Track current grant cycles and renewal processes to ensure continued funding 
• Develop proposal and project budgets as required by funders with the support of the finance team, and collaborate with Heart of Los Angeles' finance department to ensure grant compliance
• Conduct targeted research to identify new institutional funders and help grow the existing portfolio. Manage, distribute, and report on findings
• Attend RFP information sessions, workshops, etc
• Become an “expert” on Heart of Los Angeles’ programs, focusing efforts and resources to help meet programmatic and financial needs 
• Manage relationships with assigned funders and contribute to relationship development 
• Support the department's broader stewardship efforts through participation in development events and effectively preparing the development team for site visits, etc. as necessary 
• Work collaboratively with the development and program staff to pull and interpret program data and enhance program evaluation methods and metrics
• Supports the administrative functions of the grants team including synthesizing meeting notes, working within our CRM systems, filing, and maintaining ongoing organization 
• Write, speak, and communicate with authenticity and passion for Heart of Los Angeles’ mission, values, programs, and goals 
• Participate in proofing exchanges with the development team and assist in completing department tasks 
• Attend development department meetings and other Heart of Los Angeles meetings and events in person as needed 
• Assist Institutional Giving Manager and Chief Development Officer in other related tasks as needed

OTHER DUTIES 

• May perform other relevant duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS | TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or equivalent experience required
• 1-3 years of progressive experience as a non-profit fundraiser 
• Persuasive or argumentative writing experience required, prior grant writing/development experience strongly preferred 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain organized and efficient administrative systems 
• Proficient computer skills required, including competency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office 
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, good judgment and productivity 
• Effective time management practices conducive to successfully meeting concurrent deadlines
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills 
• Skilled in managing internal and external relationships to support proposal development, compliance, and implementation 
• Commitment to the organizational mission, core operating values, and sensitivity to the needs of underserved youth 
• Ability to be a strong role model for youth during all working hours 
• Must pass CA DOJ Background check

BENEFITS

• Employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental wellness benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution
• Generous paid time off, including 9 paid holidays annually, birthday holiday, summer break, winter break, and paid vacation that increases with tenure

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION 

This is a nonexempt position and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law. Employees must accurately record all time worked and follow Heart of LA’s timekeeping and overtime-authorization procedures. 

SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

This position requires availability to support Heart of Los Angeles’ department and organizational needs. The position may also require occasional schedule adjustments, evenings, or weekends based on department activities, events, and organizational priorities. All work time and scheduling will be administered in accordance with applicable law. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The building environment may not provide air conditioning and heat in all areas. Outdoor work is expected in some cases. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.

As an equal opportunity employer, Heart of LA values having a diverse workforce and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.  We encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.