About Us:

JOURNEYS | The Road Home is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Our mission is to empower those we serve to achieve self-sufficiency through a continuum of care that includes housing, supportive services, and community engagement. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Grant Associate to join our team. The Grant Associate will be responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for JOURNEYS | The Road Home's programs and initiatives. The Grant Writer will also foster relationships with new and existing funders, including individuals, faith-based entities, corporations, and foundations. This position is a full-time position in person at our facility in Palatine, Il.

Key Responsibilities:

GRANT WRITING | 90%

• Prepare grant proposals with the support of the development team
• Research and identify potential grant opportunities from government, foundation, and corporate sources
• Develop and write compelling grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting documents
• Keep organized and detailed donor files for all grants written
• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and ensure timely and consistent submission of proposals
• Track and report on the status of submitted grants, including follow-up communication with funders
• Supply timely grant reports to the Grant & Database Manager and donors as requested
• Provide data analysis of agency grant activities, for external and internal use
• Collaborate with program staff to gather information and data needed for grant applications
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in grant writing and nonprofit funding
• Other duties as assigned

MARKETING | 5%

• Represent JOURNEYS at events, donor visits, and funding presentations
• Interface with other professionals through membership in selected professional organizations as well as at workshops and networking meetings
• Other duties as assigned

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS | 5%

• Maintain accounts for corporate giving and affiliate giving programs and coordinate documentation in donor database
• Implement fund raising goals as directed by the CFO
• Other duties as assigned

The Grant Associate will…

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Education, English, Communications, Journalism or related field
• Have two years’ experience in grant writing and/or communications
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and writing software

Ideal Grant Associate Traits:

• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong research and analytical abilities
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and fundraising strategies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adapt to changing work priorities
• Technological competency
• Maintain confidentiality
• Take initiative in problem solving
• Familiar with the communities within JOURNEYS service area
• Invest in the agency’s core values of Respect, Teamwork, Mission-Driven, and Commitment

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401k

Cover Letter and Resume Rquired

No Calls Please.

JOURNEYS is a safe, inclusive workplace and encourages all who may be interested in the position to apply. We strongly encourage those with the following identities to apply: Black and indigenous people, Latinx people, other people of color, LGBTQIA+, women and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and others with lived experience of homelessness and/or as being part of marginalized communities. While we have a list of preferred qualifications, if you have other experience that you think is related, please apply and tell us about it.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. In addition, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

This work is primarily sedentary and requires travel throughout the service area as well as within the greater Chicago area. The work schedule varies depending on the needs and services of the organization. Evening and weekend work is necessary in order to attend meetings or to participate in events. This position will require exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Pay: $37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Palatine, IL 60074 (Required)

Work Location: In person