Grant Writer

MISSION/VISION

Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. The agency envisions a world where affordable, barrier-free, and comprehensive behavioral health and supportive services are available to all who need them. With 11 locations across the Chicagoland area, HAS provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey.

JOB SUMMARY

The Grant Writer, reporting to the Director of Grant Administration, will take ownership of and execute all aspects of the grant submission and reporting process, from research to presentation, writing, submission, and reporting. This role will ensure that the research, assets, and systems that underpin fundraising are strong, reliable, and proactive; and will be responsible for driving public and private funding forward, owning timelines, and delivering concrete weekly outputs. The Grant Writer role is ideal for a detail-oriented, highly organized, independent professional with excellent writing skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to build the infrastructure of the Development Department through actively owning grants pipelines. This role requires urgency, follow-through, and comfort working against firm deadlines, and is best suited for someone who enjoys independent research and writing projects, moving quickly, working as an efficient and dynamic team member, and being accountable for results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

*Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Prospect Research & Pipeline Management Research and identify new grant opportunities from foundations, NGOs, and institutional funders aligned with HAS' mission, strategic priorities, and timelines. Maintain and update existing grant matrix. Track deadlines, touchpoints, and follow-up tasks for timely and accurate follow-through. Proactively engage various internal stakeholders on program-specific quantitative and qualitative impact data, grant proposal needs, and grant budget development. Maintain and track a 6-12 month forward-looking grants pipeline and submission calendar to ensure application deadlines and HAS' funding timelines are met. Own and advance a live grants pipeline with weekly progress updates and clear next actions. Independently identify, prioritize, and move forward 3-5 qualified prospects per month. Grants & Proposal Development. Write, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation. Support reporting requirements for awarded grants and maintain strong funder relationships. Maintain a library of compelling boilerplate text, budgets, attachments, and narratives (e.g., mission, theory of change, program descriptions). Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS 3+ years of successful grant and/or professional writing experience with demonstrated ownership of grants, grant project budget development, building funding pipelines, and prospective funder communications from start to finish. Strong grant prospect research skills and familiarity with funding databases. Familiarity with CRM and project management systems. Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills to translate programmatic work into clear, compelling funder narratives. Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, self-motivated environment. Strong attention to detail, and organizational and project management skills. Comfortable operating with minimal oversight and recommending improvements to systems, templates, and workflows. Proactive and resourceful, able to anticipate needs and take initiative. Background in mission-driven or nonprofit organizations.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

At HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you'll receive: 19 Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 13 Paid Holidays - Enjoy time off to rest and recharge Comprehensive Health Insurance - Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental & Vision Coverage - Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuter Retirement Plan - 403(b) Life & Disability Insurance Education & Training Support - $200 dollars annual Voluntary Benefits EAP HAS Cares