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

Outreachs 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 departments 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 Outreachs 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.

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

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 Were 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 Outreachs 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 Pennsylvanias Child Protective Services Law.

Possess a valid drivers license and the ability to drive as needed for work responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Minimum of a Bachelors 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 drivers 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.

Required Experience:

Junior IC