Grant Writer
Overview: Habitat for Humanity Chicago is a nonprofit affordable homeownership organization that
partners with families and neighborhood residents to build homes and revitalize communities. Our
service area includes Chicago and parts of Cook County and we are currently building on Chicago’s
Southside. We seek an enthusiastic, curious, and organized candidate to join our team, helping to grow
the organization.
Position Summary: The grant writer is responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to
prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation, corporate, and public sources. This
includes researching, compiling, writing and editing grant applications, as well as developing calendars,
templates, and relationships to streamline the grant proposal and reporting process.
Key Responsibility: Grant Management
 Research and identify funding prospects;
 Develop and write grant proposals, persuasively communicating the affiliate’s mission and
programs to potential funders;
 Assemble and submit grant applications and reports, including letters, proposals, budgets,
presentations and status updates;
 Acquire and maintain sound knowledge of the affiliate in order to recommend grant
opportunities and to accurately represent the affiliate in applications and reports;
 Work across departments to obtain necessary information for applications and reports;
 Work within department to appropriately acknowledge and steward funders;
 Create and manage calendar to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposal
deadlines, and reports;
 Maintain accurate and updated CRM, electronic and paper records;
 Prioritize projects to keep multiple projects moving in a timely manner, meet deadlines and
manage supplemental material required for proposals and reports;
 Assists with other projects as requested.
Key Responsibility: Teamwork
Help grow the affiliate through collaboration, leadership and vision.
 Maintain a “team first” outlook, supporting the success of the team and the mission in attitude,
ideas, and actions; lead by example and with active, creative input for growing and improving
the affiliate;
 Contribute enthusiastically to affiliate events, helping as necessary with set up/take down,
management, networking, various tasks, etc.;
 Engage with all members of team, partner families, and core volunteers.
Qualifications:
 Ability to craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner
 Ability to seek and synthesize information and communicate succinctly and persuasively
Habitat for Humanity Chicago |2201 S. Halsted St., Ste. 1251, Chicago, IL 60608
habitatchicago.org | 312-563-0296
06/2015
Grant Writer
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills
Self-motivated, detail oriented, highly-organized
High level of computer literacy, including familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
and grant/foundation databases
Must work well under pressure and with changing priorities
Understanding of budgets as they relate to proposals and grants
Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years relevant experience or 4 years relevant experience
Discretion with confidential materials
Commitment to problem solving, continuous improvement, curiosity and personal development
Understanding and enthusiasm for Habitat for Humanity philosophy and willingness to advocate
its mission
Successful Habitat team members share the following characteristics:
 Trust: You invest in your fellow team members and you do what you say you will do. You thrive
on constructive feedback and have a high level of integrity.
 Commitment: You have a “go above and beyond” attitude; nobody here works just for a
paycheck.
 Engagement: You embrace bringing people to the Habitat mission.
 Innovation: You are a creative problem solver who works across teams.
 Curiosity: You express curiosity and reserve judgment.
 Achievement: You love results and hate excuses. You will help WCHFH grow to be a leading
Habitat organization.
Position Details:
Hours: Part-time/20 hours per week. Flexible hours with occasional evening and weekends required.
Some work may be completed remotely.
Environment: The Habitat Chicago office is located at Halsted St. and Cermak Rd. in Chicago. It is
accessible by car or by public transit. The grant writer will have a desk, computer, and phone line in an
open office environment. This position may require occasional off-site meetings and activities.
Conditions: Ability to lift 25 pounds, ability to work at a computer for long periods of time, ability to
travel to off-site locations.
Compensation: $18-20 per hour, DOE.
To Apply: Please submit compelling cover letter and resume to [email protected] with
“Grant Writer – Your Name” in the subject line by 7/10/15.
Habitat for Humanity Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. This organization does not discriminate
in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin
or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Habitat for Humanity Chicago |2201 S. Halsted St., Ste. 1251, Chicago, IL 60608
habitatchicago.org | 312-563-0296
06/2015