Grant & Development Assistant

Grant & Development Assistant

Reports To:  CORD Director

Hours:  Full-time, 37.5 hours/week

FLSA Status:  Hourly / Non-Exempt

Location:  Scranton, PA

Outreach Culture

Outreach's mission statement states: “With respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards, Outreach – Center for Community Resources offers a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency.” We strive to embody this mission in our employment as well. At Outreach, you will find an environment where you are family, and family comes first.

Outreach staff are expected to advance the mission through respect and the highest professional standards. This position is well-suited to someone with a genuine passion for nonprofit work and a desire to build a career in grant writing and development.

Benefits

We proudly offer the following benefits to eligible employees:

•     Medical, dental, and vision insurance

•     Short-term and long-term disability

•     Life insurance

•     Generous PTO

•     401(k) plan

•     Personal and bereavement leave time

•     Flexible work arrangements

Position Summary

The Grant & Development Coordinator is an entry-level position ideal for a strong writer who is passionate about nonprofit work and eager to grow into a career in grant writing and development. This position requires writing aptitude, curiosity, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to the mission.

Working under the direct guidance of the CORD Director, the Coordinator will be trained to research, write, and submit grants, partnering with the Development Associate to tackle some grants as a team, which are the primary focus of the role. The Coordinator will also provide day-to-day support across the department's broader development, fundraising, communications, and administrative activities. The position involves exposure to sensitive information and requires tact, confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment.

Training & Career Growth

This role is designed to develop a new professional from the ground up:

•     The CORD Director and Development Associate will provide hands-on training, mentorship, and review of all grant writing and development work.

•     The Coordinator will begin with smaller and more structured grants and assignments, taking on greater independence and complexity as skills develop.

Primary Responsibilities – Grant Writing & Support

Under the guidance and review of the CORD Director and Development Associate, the Coordinator will learn to:

•     Research grant prospects and funding opportunities that align with Outreach's mission and programs.

•     Draft and submit grant applications, letters of inquiry, and grant reports, with training, review, and feedback.

•     Gather and synthesize data and supporting materials from program staff for proposals and reports.

•     Assist with budget preparation for grant applications.

•     Maintain grant files, electronic records, correspondence, submissions, and archived documents for agency record retention.

•     Maintain task lists and tracking systems for grant deadlines and reporting requirements.

•     Advise appropriate staff of filing deadlines and attend team and grant project meetings as needed.

•     Assemble and package grant-related documents and assist with grant-related mailings.

Secondary Responsibilities – Development & Fundraising Support

As capacity allows and skills develop, the Coordinator will assist the team with:

•     Inputting and maintaining donor data in the donor management system.

•     Supporting fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, and stewardship activities.

•     Providing writing support for promotional and communication materials, newsletters, the annual report, and news releases, in accordance with the organizational mission, with review by the CORD Director, Manager, and President/CEO before distribution.

•     Assisting with website and social media updates.

•     Assist with website and social media communications and updates.

•     Assist the CORD Team in preparing invitations, announcements, donor recognition notes/cards, business cards, and other organizational materials for promotions, stewardship, and/or cultivation.  All documents are to be reviewed by the President/CEO and/or CORD before distribution.

•     Supporting the administrative team with special projects, events, and mailings.

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Ability to create visual, text, and imagery for print, social media, and website use that will communicate the mission and work of the organization.

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Ability to create designs that will inspire, inform, captivate, and cultivate partnerships to advance the mission and vision of the organization;

General Responsibilities

•     Collaborate effectively with senior leadership, staff, volunteers, and peers.

•     Exercise appropriate discretion when handling confidential information.

•     Complete a minimum of 12 hours of professional development annually.

•     Be available to attend occasional evening and weekend work events (e.g., fundraisers, donor events, and community activities) as needed.

•     Remain self-motivated, flexible, and interested in personal and professional growth.

•     Perform other duties as assigned. Attendance is mandatory.

 

Qualifications – What We're Looking For

This is an entry-level role, so we are screening for aptitude and attitude rather than experience:

•     Strong writing aptitude — the ability to write clearly, accurately, and persuasively, with a willingness to learn the craft of grant writing.

•     Excellent communication skills with a service and mission orientation.

•     Genuine interest in and commitment to nonprofit work and Outreach's mission.

•     Eagerness to learn grant writing and development through training, mentorship, and review.

•     Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and analytical/problem-solving skills.

•     Good research skills and comfort learning new software and systems.

•     Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.

•     Ability to work with and support the development team. 

•     Ability to prioritize assignments, to multitask, work on tight schedules and meet deadlines.

•     Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

•     Ability to take initiative and work both independently (with support) and as part of a team.

•     Must be able to successfully obtain clearances under Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law.

•     Possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive as needed for work responsibilities.

Education & Experience

•     Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in writing, communications, English, business, human services, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

•     Prior grant writing or development experience is not required, but is a plus. Writing samples, relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experience are a plus.

Computer Skills

Comfort with standard office and productivity software and strong internet research skills. The organization currently uses the Google platform (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and related apps), so familiarity with these tools is helpful.

Outreach will transition to the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) in January 2027, and the Coordinator should be willing to learn and adopt these applications as the transition progresses. A willingness to learn the specialized platforms used by the team is also essential, including grant and project management systems, donor management systems (Bloomerang), online grant application portals, and design and fundraising tools (Canva, WordPress/Divi, Grantable). Training and support will be provided, and prior familiarity with any of these tools is a plus but not required.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must possess a driver's license and be able to drive to fulfill certain responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity

Outreach is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.