Who We Are: At Educational First Steps, we provide evidence-based training, mentoring, and resources at no cost to increase the number of high-quality early childhood providers who have the training, coaching, and data tools so children in their care are safe, supported, and are kindergarten ready. This assistance helps childcare centers achieve national accreditation, empower childcare providers to deliver top-notch care, and ensure every child has an equal chance at success.

Job Summary: Educational First Steps (EFS) is seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized, and proactive Grant Manager to join our development team. The Grant Manager will play a critical role in advancing EFS's mission by researching, writing, and managing grants to secure funding from foundations. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of the grant process, including researching new opportunities, maintaining current funding relationships, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align grant efforts with organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Strong team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving challenges.
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders and internal stakeholders.

 Position Duties & Responsibilities

Grant Management

• Manage the organization’s existing grant portfolio, ensuring all deadlines for applications, reports, and renewals are met.
• Create and submit detailed grant reports to funders, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of grant activities in the CRM system, including deadlines, correspondence, and outcomes.

Grant Research and Identification

• Research and identify new grant opportunities across all foundation types, including private, public, community, and family foundations.
• Stay informed on trends in philanthropy and funding opportunities relevant to early childhood education.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective grant opportunities and prioritize them based on strategic goals.

Grant Writing and Submission

• Prepare, write, and submit compelling grant proposals and applications.
• Tailor proposals to align with funder priorities while effectively communicating the mission and impact of EFS.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including program, finance, and leadership, to gather necessary information and ensure accuracy.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with program officers, foundation managers, and other funding representatives.
• Represent EFS in meetings, calls, and site visits with funders as needed.
• Cultivate internal relationships with program, finance, and leadership teams to align funding needs with organizational priorities.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the program team to understand funding needs, collect data, and capture program impact.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate grant budgets and financial reports.
• Participate in strategic planning to align grant efforts with organizational goals.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain an organized database of grant opportunities, submissions, and outcomes in the CRM system.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of grant efforts to improve success rates.
• Prepare periodic reports for leadership on grant activities and outcomes.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Proven track record of securing grants from a variety of foundation types.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical skills to identify and assess funding opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with early childhood education or similar nonprofit fields is a plus.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional grant writing experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

 Total Rewards and Perks

• Multiple health insurance plans, partially or fully funded by EFS
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
• Paid time off, including 13 paid holidays
• Up to 4 weeks bonus vacation paid time off for Summer and Winter
• Hybrid work and flexible schedule options
• Phone stipend
• Employer-paid professional development

Compensation: $75,000-$80,000

How to Apply: Submit your application here  EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS Career Opportunities. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample, such as a previously submitted grant proposal, which includes a funding summary, impact narrative, and alignment with the funder’s key objectives.

Working Conditions: This position may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer. Additionally, this position requires long periods on the phone working with clients and providers. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Educational First Steps is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are not based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (which includes pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, genetic information, age, disability, political belief, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, or any other unlawful basis.

How to Apply: Submit your application here  EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS Career Opportunities. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample, such as a previously submitted grant proposal, which includes a funding summary, impact narrative, and alignment with the funder’s key objectives.