Grant Writer

Job Description

Grant Writer

ABOUT US:

The Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (“CHCACT”) is a membership association comprised of community health centers, all of whom provide comprehensive health care to the people of Connecticut and beyond. The Association, with headquarters in Cheshire, Connecticut is a recognized national leader in the provision of technical assistance and training in practice transformation and quality improvement. Our team of professionals is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the clinical and operational performance of community health centers. Our mission is to advance and align the work of health centers, with stakeholders, to improve the health and wellness of all.

The individuals comprising our Association are the source of our creativity, reputation, and vitality. Every position here at CHCACT is critical to our ability to achieve our shared objectives. Each time we hire a new staff member, we are given the chance to enhance the community and to demonstrate CHCACT’s values of accountability, diversity, respect, and responsibility. We do this by using fair, legal, inclusive, and effective hiring practices that support and comply with CHCACT’s policy and the applicable State and Federal laws in a way that is mindful of climate, culture and diversity, and by affirming the unique qualities of each individual throughout the hiring process.

POSITION SUMMARY & FUNCTIONS: Under minimal direct supervision the grant writer works with CHCACT members to seek and secure grant funding that supports the delivery of health care and healthcare education in line with the purpose and mission of CHCACT and prioritized target areas.

ESSENTIAL Functions:

• Understands and commits to the purpose of CHCACT and the prioritized target areas.
• Studies and understands the objectives, programs, and financial needs of the organization.
• Acquires and maintains sound knowledge and understanding of the CHCACT member organizations and uses that knowledge and understanding to better comprehend all projects and programs for which grant funding is sought.
• Maintains strong working relationships with current and potential future donors/ donor organizations.
• Research grant opportunities from government and non-government agencies.
• Maintains sources of public and private grant opportunities that align with CHACAT’s prioritized target areas.
• Gathers subject matter experts together for discussion and assembly of information pertinent to grant applications.
• Informs and trains relevant internal staff of all relevant requirements, laws, and regulations (eligibility, timeline, type and amount of match, allowable expenditures, etc.)
• Contacts and follows up leads with granting organizations and agencies.
• As directed/approved by CHCACT, develops proposals, writes grants, gathers supporting documentation, and submits them to granting agency in a timely manner, meeting all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures quality, accuracy, and completeness of all submitted grant proposals (well researched, well-written, well-documented, with a well-developed budget).
• Meets established benchmarks for submission and successful applications (dollars brought in).
• Solves problems effectively, efficiently, and creatively.
• Utilizes sound judgement and maintains strict confidentiality.
• Assists with the continuous improvement services, programs, activities, materials, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge and understanding of and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Responsibilities include idea generation, proposal development, grant submission and award, but do not include management of grants after they are awarded.
• Develops and maintains a master file of pending, existing, and past grants and contracts.
• Keeps relevant CHCACT staff and members up to date concerning the status of each application.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

COMPETENCIES: 

• Able to read, comprehend, write, and speak English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Able to communicate complex information clearly and succinctly, both in writing and orally in multiple formats.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, email, Zoom, Internet and database.
• Familiarity with online grant research and other nonprofit management tools.
• Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization.
• Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated successful grant writing and grant management skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of proposal submission, contract administration, and grant funding processes.
• Must be extremely detail oriented.
• Must be able to handle confidential matters with the utmost integrity.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to multi-task, manage and prioritize various and differing projects, as well as work effectively toward numerous deadlines.
• Must be able to build strong relationships with all levels of individuals within various agencies, FQHC leaders, advocates, community partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others.
• Shows initiative and proactively works to identify potential new funding sources.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in English, Writing, Journalism, or related field.  Experience in lieu of degree will be considered. 2-3 years of related experience that includes identifying, applying for, and receiving grants from public and private sources. Prior experience working in a non-profit organization is preferred.  Prior healthcare or Federally Qualified Health Center experience also preferred.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to use computers and office equipment, manipulate documents and move about the office.  The employee may experience prolonged periods of sitting. The employee may occasionally move materials up to 25 pounds and must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facility.  This position requires driving a personal vehicle on behalf of CHCACT.  The individual will be required to drive to various FQHC’s and potential funders throughout the state.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The position requires the ability to read, and interpret financial reports, and legal contracts and documents.  Must have ability to effectively speak before groups and present training to all types of audiences.

MENTAL DEMANDS AND REASONING ABILITIES:

Job requires targeted focus and attention to detail as well as thoroughness in completing work goals. The ability to analyze information, formulate diverse solutions and make decisions using logic to address work-related issues is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL:

This is a remote, work from home position, with regular or intermittent visits to the work location (Cheshire, CT). The incumbent may regularly perform work in an office environment as well as at FQHC and community sites. During regular operations, travel (up to 70%) may be required to attend meetings and community events throughout the state.  Will be required to utilize their personal vehicle to drive to FQHC’s and potential funders.

Note:

This position description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. The Association reserves the right to modify, change or add to the position’s job duties and responsibilities as business needs may require.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

 

CHCACT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.  CHCACT considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does CHCACT discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.