Grants Manager (55744)

YSS is looking for a Grants Manager who can combine strategic thinking exceptional writing and relationship-building skills to secure funding that fuels hope healing and opportunity for youth and families across Iowa. If youre energized by crafting compelling proposals collaborating with passionate leaders researching new opportunities and seeing your work directly impact communities this could be the perfect next step in your career.

As a key member of the Community Engagement Team youll lead the development and management of federal state local and private grant opportunities that support YSSs mission. Youll work alongside program experts finance professionals and organizational leaders to transform needs into fundable solutions and ensure critical resources reach the young people who need them most.

At YSS youll join a team of people who believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Your work will directly support programs that provide hope stability recovery and connection for youth and families across successful grant helps create new possibilities. Every proposal represents lives that can be changed. And every day youll help make that impact possible.

What Youll Do...

Lead Grant Development & Submission

• Manage the full lifecycle of grant opportunities from prospect research through submission and award tracking.
• Write edit and coordinate compelling grant proposals letters of intent narratives and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all applications meet funder requirements deadlines and submission standards.
• Coordinate the Request for Proposal (RFP) process including bidder conferences funder communications amendments and application management.
• Develop proposal timelines assign responsibilities and keep projects moving forward.

Build Strong Internal Partnerships

• Collaborate closely with program leaders to understand community needs program goals and funding priorities.
• Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to develop and review grant budgets and funding schedules.
• Gather data outcomes organizational information and supporting materials needed for successful proposals.
• Maintain regular engagement with program teams to stay informed about emerging needs trends and opportunities.

Research & Grow Funding Opportunities

• Identify and evaluate new federal state local and private funding opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of community needs funding trends and philanthropic priorities.
• Build and maintain a robust resource library of data statistics research and funding information.
• Actively seek opportunities to expand organizational funding capacity and diversify revenue sources.

Track Organize & Report

• Manage grant records deadlines opportunities and reporting through Raisers Edge (RE).
• Maintain accurate grant tracking systems files and annual grant activity reports.
• Monitor submitted applications and communicate progress with internal stakeholders.
• Support organizational planning by providing data and funding insights to leadership oversees day-to-day grant development operations assigned.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You combine exceptional writing skills with curiosity organization and follow-through. You enjoy collaborating across teams managing competing deadlines and creating proposals that make a meaningful impact.

What We Provide...

We invest in peoplebecause when you thrive so do the communities we serve. At YSS youll find meaningful work strong support and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment Collaboration Compassion Innovation Integrity and a Can Do Spirit.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• Bachelors degree in Communications English Nonprofit Management Public Administration Business Human Services or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in grant writing fundraising development or nonprofit advancement.
• Proven success developing and submitting competitive grant proposals.
• Travel including transporting clients is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes you must:
  • be 21 years of age
  • have a current valid state-issued drivers license and
  • have aclean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications- SHOULD HAVES:

• Strong writing editing research and communication skills with the ability to turn data and outcomes into compelling grant proposals.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines with strong organization accuracy and follow-through.
• Experience using budgets program data and outcomes to support grant development and funding requests.
• Ability to build effective collaborative relationships across teams and stakeholders.
• Experience managing the full grant lifecycle from prospecting through reporting.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements compliance and reporting standards.
• Experience with Raisers Edge or similar CRM/grant management systems.
• Knowledge of behavioral health youth services education housing or human services.
• Strong initiative in identifying funding opportunities and improving organizational impact..

TheIDEALCandidate

• Is dependable self-motivated and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
• Brings humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction mental health challenges trauma or housing instabilityYour lived experience offers a unique compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.Your journey matters. If youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

Were YSSone of Iowas largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope create opportunity and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus were expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at .
• We value the unique backgrounds identities and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were committed to building a respectful inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants viaemail- straight from our Paycom system address: .Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case).If the message does end up in spam/junk make sure to add to your list of safe may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at

Our Hiring Process - Heres What to Expect...

• Apply Submit your application at We review your skills and experience
• Interview Phone video or in-person conversation
• References Well connect with 3 professional references
• Screening Background check driving record check and license verification if required
• Offer If its a match youll receive a formal offer through Paycom