Grant & Proposal Writer

Description of Position

The Grant & Proposal Writer is responsible for researching, developing, and submitting competitive grant proposals in alignment with Yavapai College’s strategic priorities. This position works collaboratively across departments to identify funding opportunities, cultivate relationships with prospective funders, coordinate proposal development, and provide post-award oversight. The Grant Writer also supports faculty and staff through training and technical assistance, helping build internal capacity for sustainable grant development and management.

Demonstrated relevant Industry Experience:

• This would include (but not limited to), demonstrated examples of successful track record in grant application, submission, awards, post award management and strategic partnership developments
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder proposal development efforts involving faculty, administrators, finance, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience aligning grant strategies with institutional priorities, workforce and economic development initiatives, and long-term program sustainability.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced manufacturing grant prospecting, including proactive identification, positioning, and pursuit of high-value funding opportunities within Arizona’s rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing sector. This includes efforts tied to new investments from the CHIPS and Science Act, the establishment of the National Semiconductor Technology Center, and workforce initiatives led by Natcast and state-level agencies.

• Research and identify potential funding sources that align with the College’s mission, strategic plan, and programmatic goals.
• Coordinate the grant proposal process, including convening and facilitating cross-functional teams to develop strong proposals.
• Write and submit high-quality, complete, and compelling grant applications, letters of intent, and related materials.
• Assist in the development of project designs, work plans, evaluation strategies, logic models, and detailed budgets.
• Provide technical expertise and support throughout the proposal development process, including compliance with funder guidelines.
• Maintain required registrations and certifications in federal and state grant systems (e.g., Grants.gov, SAM.gov).
• Track and meet grant application deadlines; maintain accurate documentation of submissions and funding outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and other administrative areas to ensure proposals align with college policies, procedures, and fiscal standards.
• Assist with post-award planning and coordination, including tracking milestones, monitoring fund utilization, and flagging implementation risks
• Represent the College with external partners, funders, and community stakeholders as appropriate.
• Monitor and share trends in public, private, and philanthropic funding for higher education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Expectations & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, or a related field
• 3–5 years of professional grant writing and/or post-award grant experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of public and private grant funding sources and funder requirements
• Strong technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Experience with program design, budget development, and logic models
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project coordination skills
• Familiarity with common grant systems (e.g., SAM.gov, Grants.gov) and internal financial software
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments, including college leadership. Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and occasionally hold others accountable to funder guidelines and deadlines
• Comfort with presenting and facilitating meetings

• Experience managing people, projects, and financial systems

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit settings
• Familiarity with Yavapai College’s institutional structure, including Business Office processes, Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, and departmental procedures
• Familiarity with philanthropic giving and private foundation funding trends, cultivating funder relationships or performing grant prospecting activities
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for federal and state grants
• Experience with post-award implementation support

• Commitment to improving grant processes and fostering cross-functional coordination

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.