Grant Writer

Position Summary

Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) is seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven Grant Writer to support the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts through compelling proposal development, donor reporting, prospect research, and strategic written communications.

This position plays an important role in helping secure philanthropic support from primarily foundations, as well as support with corporate, associations, and other institutional funders to advance DLN’s mission of providing access to comprehensive dental care for people who are elderly, living with disabilities, or managing complex medical conditions.

The Grant Writer works under the strategic direction of the Vice President of Development and receives day-to-day guidance and support from the Senior Grant Writer. This role will collaborate across departments to develop high-quality grant proposals, and supporting materials that clearly communicate organizational impact, funding priorities, and program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

• Research, write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and supporting materials for foundation, corporate, and association funders.
• Tailor proposals to align organizational priorities, funder interests, and program needs.
• Maintain a strong understanding of DLN’s programs, outcomes, strategic priorities, and funding opportunities in order to develop persuasive and accurate submissions.
• Support the development of proposal budgets and narrative components in collaboration with Development, Finance, and Program staff.
• Work closely with the Senior Grant Writer on proposal development, editing, submission preparation, and grants workflow.

Grant Reporting & Funder Stewardship

• Prepare and coordinate grant reports, impact updates, and stewardship materials for long-standing partners.
• Work with internal teams to gather programmatic and financial information needed for accurate and timely reporting.
• Help ensure funders receive thoughtful, high-quality communications that strengthen long-term relationships and demonstrate impact.

Prospect Research & Pipeline Support

• Conduct prospect research to identify and evaluate new foundation, corporate, and institutional funding opportunities.
• Track funding opportunities, deadlines, submissions, reports, and follow-up activities in the organization’s fundraising systems and grant calendar.
• Support the Vice President of Development and Senior Grant Writer in advancing institutional funding strategies and maintaining a healthy grants pipeline.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across departments to collect data, stories, outcomes, and program updates needed for grant writing and reporting.
• Support the implementation and use of grants templates, timelines, systems, and internal processes under the guidance of the Senior Grant Writer and Vice President of Development.
• Contribute to special fundraising or communications projects as assigned.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Development team and broader organizational mission.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, or another writing-intensive field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional grant writing or related fundraising/writing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, and accurately for a variety of audiences.
• Experience researching and identifying grant opportunities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail, including proofreading, formatting, and quality control.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit development, health equity, human services, disability services, or related mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM systems (e.g., DonorPerfect or similar platforms).
• Experience with donor reporting, institutional stewardship, and proposal tracking systems.
• Ability to synthesize program data and impact stories into compelling funding narratives.
• Comfort working collaboratively with internal stakeholders across departments.
• Comfort following standard operating procedures and collaboratively instituting new procedures when necessary.

Core Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong editing and proofreading ability
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Initiative and follow-through
• Time and project management
• Organization
• Collaboration and professionalism
• Commitment to mission-driven work and serving vulnerable populations

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular use of standard office equipment, including a computer, phone, scanner, and copier. Hybrid work environment, but a consistent in-person presence at DLN headquarters is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Limited travel may be required for occasional meetings, training, or events.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Dental Lifeline Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Pay: $26.50 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Denver, CO 80202