Director of Grants

Director of Grants

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Location: In-person or Hybrid/ CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Supervises: Will supervise a full-time grant writer and a part-time grant writer/prospector. May supervise AmeriCorps or VISTA members

interns and/or volunteers.

Salary Range: $6,275.00- $6,666.66/monthly

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About Communities In Schools

Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Position Summary

The Director of Grants will lead our grant strategy and grant writing team, as well as personally research, identify, write and coordinate grant funding opportunities for CIS programming and special needs. The grants team, under the Director of Grants' leadership, is responsible for securing $3-6M+ in grant funding annually, with an ambitious growth goal over the next 3-5 years. These efforts will generate support through restricted and unrestricted gifts and awards from public, corporate and foundation sources, currently comprised of over 60 discrete grant contracts. This position will develop and manage the comprehensive grant process to ensure the agency meets all contractual responsibilities and maintains its reputation of fiscal stewardship within the field. A proven track record in grant writing and management experience is essential, as is experience in formulating and revising budgets. Due to programming requirements, this position is not eligible for the agency summer break.

What You’ll Do

• Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of the organization’s mission, programs, target populations and strategic vision to optimize prospecting and proposal development

• Manage and maintain agency-wide pre-award grant management strategy, including supporting processes, systems, and tools

• Manage agency-wide pre-award grants calendar for public and private grant and contract proposals

• Lead grants team, setting grants department priorities, managing Grant Writer, and department workflow

• Establish, manage, and implement procedures to systematically and comprehensively identify potential grant opportunities, especially targeting funding gaps and expansion priorities

• Manage grant reporting for private foundation funders

• Provide content to support the Chief Advocacy Officer in the development of grant/contract reports when necessary

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  Convene and set the agenda for regular cross-departmental Grant Strategy meetings with CEO, Chief Development Officer and Chief Advocacy Officer.

• Represent the agency at bidders’ conferences and RFP workshops

• Facilitate preparations for funder site visits and proposal presentations, including identifying appropriate staff to assist with these presentations and ensuring appropriate ancillary materials are created

• Coordinate with all relevant staff (e.g., program, finance, HR, evaluation) to develop and submit narrative language, budget materials, and any other required application documents for grant proposals

• Work with the finance department and program staff to develop and implement budgets submitted in grant proposals

• Upon award notification, work with the program lead and contract manager to review the proposal scope of work against the contract

• Monitor assigned portfolio of grant funders and serve as proposal writer, contact for correspondence, coordinator of site visits, and other related activities

• Provide regular reports to agency leadership on grant funding and status

• Provide ongoing supervision and support to the Grant Writer, Grant Manager, and/or other grant-focused staff, set goals and assess progress, and conduct periodic performance reviews

• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships throughout the agency

• Promote and maintain agency culture, standards, and systems

• Participate in the CIS team approach to service delivery and problem-solving

• Other duties assigned by the Chief Development Officer or the Chief Executive Officer

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree, Required

• Master's degree or higher, preferred

• Understanding political climate dynamics related to grant writing

• Ability to integrate Artificial Intelligence with grant writing and prospecting

• A minimum of five (5) years of successful grant writing and contract management experience

• Demonstrated success in obtaining grants from public, private and corporate funding sources

• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office products and web-based research tools

• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment

• Demonstrated ability to monitor and meet philanthropic goals

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Excellent knowledge of fundraising information sources

• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and organized

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to understand and execute complex instructions

• Strong contributor in team environments

• Supervisory experience is strongly preferred

Why Join CIS?

• Mission-driven work – Be part of a team that changes the trajectory of students’ lives.

• Professional growth – Ongoing training, supervision, and career pathways into director-level roles.

• Community impact – Build partnerships that extend beyond the classroom.

• Generous benefits – Healthcare coverage, retirement match, professional development, and generous PTO.

• **This position also is eligible for a flexible work schedule.

• Paid Holidays, Vacation Time, and many other great opportunities.