Director of Grants

Job Summary

The Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, developing, writing, and submitting competitive grant proposals in support of Columbia College’s institutional priorities. This position works closely with the Vice President for Advancement, college leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to secure funding from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other grant-making organizations. Experience with NSF and NIH grants is preferred.

The Grant Writer will help translate Columbia College’s strategic goals, academic programs, student success initiatives, capital needs, workforce development priorities, and community partnerships into compelling proposals that align with funder interests.

Essential Functions

OVERALL

• Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission, and values.
• Establish and maintain a collegiate, creative, and productive work environment.
• Support a culture of Advancement and institutional philanthropy.

GRANT WRITING AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

• Research and identify grant opportunities from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other funding sources that align with Columbia College’s mission and strategic priorities including NSF and NIH grants.
• Develop, write, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, applications, reports, and related funding materials.

GRANT MANAGEMENT, REPORTING, AND STEWARDSHIP

• Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, pending requests, awarded grants, declined proposals, reporting requirements, and funder communications.

ADVANCEMENT AND CAMPUS PARTNERSHIP

• Work closely with the Vice President for Advancement to prioritize grant opportunities based on institutional need, funder alignment, potential impact, and likelihood of success.

Required Skills, Core Competencies, and Professional Experience

• Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to develop clear, persuasive, and well-organized grant proposals for a variety of funders.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience writing grants in a higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, workforce development, public agency, or foundation-related setting.

REQUIRED LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.