Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator

Grant Writing and Communication Coordinator

College Possible Chicago

 

This Work Is Our Mission

At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in.

We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees.

Our Impact

87% of College Possible students are admitted to college and are enrolled at 866 colleges and universities across the United States. Nationwide, we've served 99,000+ students since 2000.

Why Join Our Team?

When you work at College Possible, you're not just taking a job-you're advancing a mission to help more students get to and through college. You'll play a direct role in helping students achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures.

Key Benefits

• Professional Growth Access training, mentorship, and career development opportunities as you support student success.
• Mission-Driven Impact Make a direct difference in students' lives by helping them access and complete college.
• Collaborative Community Join a team that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence in service of students.
• Work-Life Balance Enjoy flexible work options, unlimited PTO, and resources to support your well-being.

 

Your role as Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator

We are seeking a creative and energetic individual to be our Grant Writing and Communications Coordinator at College Possible Chicago. The position is responsible for leadership of the site's grants as well as general communications duties to consistently articulate College Possible's mission.

 

The position leads the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals, Letters of Intent, grant reports, and other materials or correspondence needed to support fundraising and outreach goals. The position will also support the operational functions of development, working closely with the Chicago development team and the national marketing team in a matrixed environment to customize the design, messaging and strategy for Chicago constituencies and achieve the site's fundraising and communication goals.

 

The ideal candidate will be strategic, detail-oriented and able to organize and prioritize deadline-driven projects as well as be an effective storyteller. This position reports directly to the Senior Development Director and works very closely with the Senior Growth & Development Officer and Director of Volunteer Engagement.

 

Grant proposal and report writing (50%)

• Write and submit grants and funding requests with quality, timeliness, and attention to detail, and ensure accurate and timely grant reporting and evaluation.
• Research, identify and prospect funding opportunities.
• Develop/maintain grants calendar to track deadlines, communication, and reporting.
• Assist with establishing goals for grant development, submissions, and revenue.
• Ensure that donor communications and follow up are timely and accurate.
• Develop detailed understanding of College Possible Chicago's program and glean information from a wide range of sources to weave a compelling, data-informed narrative and case for support through grant proposals.
• Gather qualitative and quantitative data and information on successes, challenges, initiatives, and needs from program leadership that can be presented to potential funders (individual and institutional).

 

Marketing/Communications (25%)

• Responsible for content development and strategy – informed by engagement tracking and measurements - for communication vehicles including website, e-communications and social media.
• Manage development, customization, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including newsletters, brochures, and e-communications through their respective platforms.
• Collaborate with the development team in creation and implementation of individual donor strategies, including writing and designing direct mail appeals and donor communications.
• Source and write student impact stories to elevate organization mission to College Possible audiences as well as potentially pitch to external news outlets.
• Provide support to program team with marketing and communications needs.
• Manage development and communications calendar to strategically integrate messaging to email list, individuals, institutions and social media followers.

 

Development Operations (25%)

• Support individual giving program through direct mail campaigns, online giving programs and individual prospecting.
• Maintain accurate gift information and revenue tracking.
• Support planning and execution of annual fundraising events including digital and print collateral, tracking gifts/pledges and attendance, sponsor and guest details and recognition, etc.
• Work closely with national office to process and acknowledge all local gifts.
• Maintain and manage donor records in Salesforce database and shared files including grant tracking and reporting.
• Support preparation of materials for Executive Director, Directors, Board Members and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with local and national finance and development teams to gather information necessary to report to all funders on grants and programs.

 

Other duties as assigned

 

What You Bring

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, English/Writing, or related field required.

 

Related Work Experience:

• Two to four years of experience in development, communications, marketing, donor relations or related field.
• Proven copywriting and editing acumen.
• A strong track record of managing multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
• Experience with a variety of communications channels including multimedia.
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies a plus.

 

Computer/Software Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience with Salesforce fundraising, Salesforce marketing cloud, CRM and email marketing preferred.
• Experience with InDesign and Canva a plus.

 

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Problem solving, comfortable working in fast-paced work environment.
• Relationship builder with flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of others.
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Office environment with limited travel.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.

 

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

 

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team

Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.