Grant Manager

THE ORGANIZATION: PAWS Chicago is one of the largest comprehensive No Kill animal welfare organizations in the nation, building programs to end the killing of homeless pets. More than 27,000 homeless and at-risk cats and dogs pass through PAWS Chicago's Medical Center each year. PAWS is known for healing and rehabilitating 5,000 sick, injured, and homeless cats and dogs annually, and finding them loving families through its adoption program. PAWS Chicago also operates the city's only high-volume spay/neuter clinic, providing more than 21,000 low-or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries last year, reducing pet overpopulation at its source. Since its founding in 1997, when more than 42,000 pets were killed in Chicago, PAWS Chicago has led the reduction in homeless pet euthanasia in Chicago by 88.8%. PAWS Chicago has earned the highest 4-star ranking by Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent evaluator, since 2003. For more information, visit and follow PAWS Chicago on Facebook, X, and Instagram JOB DESCRIPTION: PAWS Chicago seeks a Grants Manager with experience writing and securing grants, managing a portfolio, annual calendar of deadlines, funder relationships and prospecting, who is passionate about animal welfare and supporting PAWS Chicago's mission. This role requires: Deep understanding of programs: develop a strong working knowledge of program goals, outcomes, populations served, operational needs and future priorities. Translate programs into funding solutions: identify how programmatic needs can align with foundation priorities, corporate partnerships, government funding and other grant opportunities. Connect funding to strategy: proactively identify funding gaps and opportunities rather than simply responding to available grants. Exceptional writing and storytelling ability: a strong command of language, style, and grammar Sharp attention to detail A self-starter: adept at proactively managing projects to meet multiple deadlines. Financial Budgeting: Analyzing financial reports as it relates to grants, and fixing budget shortfalls or adjusting project goals when needs change Compliance: Knowing federal, state, or private foundation rules and legal requirements. Research: Finding new funding sources and matching them with organizational needs. Software Literacy: Using grant databases and tracking tools, as well as using Salesforce to track internal grant management Work in a highly matrix organization: Manage the operational components of grantmaking while working as part of a larger team They will report to the Vice President of Development & Community Engagement and work closely with the development, marketing, data, finance and operations teams. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The crucial role of Grants Manager will support PAWS mission and help us reach our fundraising goals by strategically managing institutional relationships, researching new funding opportunities, and developing compelling proposals and reports for private and corporate funders whose focus areas align with PAWS mission and organizational needs. Special projects and tasks as expected include, but are not limited to: Grant Writing & Management Responsible for writing, proofing, editing, and submitting well-written letters of inquiry and proposals to private and corporate funders; able to connect the dots to answer grant application questions strategically and craft messages uniquely tailored to that audience Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of PAWS Chicago to ensure grant proposals are aligned with organizational needs Spend dedicated, recurring time at our Medical Center, Adoption Center and Hawthorn Woods building relationships with frontline staff and program managers Build relationships with staff in each department to positively influence collaboration efforts that benefit the grants program. Ability to capture nuance of our programming and tell the PAWS story in compelling narratives Manage detailed annual calendar of grant opportunities, submissions, and reports; ensure all deadlines are met Lead monthly grant meetings with operations, finance, marketing and data teams on strategy, approach, and reporting Coordinate with Operations and Finance teams in creation of corresponding budgets Support the individual giving team in their major gift proposals and reporting as needed Adhere to LOI and grant application guidelines and industry best practices Responsible for tracking grant metrics and key performance indicators Funder Management Manage portfolio of funders maintain donor records in Salesforce (currently in Raiser's Edge) database, track proposals, stewardship touchpoints, and follow-up actions Plan stewardship for portfolio of grant funders and ensure the execution is completed Work with VP of Development & Community Engagement in overseeing all communications with grantors and working with leadership to strategically manage relationships through appropriate thanking, stewardship and cultivation Coordinate with Database Team and Finance Team to ensure all grant pledges are entered into donor database and fulfilled Research & Reporting Responsible for using Salesforce, Raiser's Edge database, Candid, iWave, and other resources to identify new funding opportunities that align with PAWS mission and organizational needs Work closely and cross-functionally with data and operations teams to understand program needs and collect grant report data Complete all funder reporting requirements in a timely manner QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required Minimum of 5 years of non-profit or similar work experience, 1-2 years of which being in grant writing and management with a proven track record of securing funding Ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours as needed Strong project and team management skills, able to prioritize appropriately, work collaboratively across departments and manage up to VP and Execuitive Director to keep projects on track Strong attention to detail, hyper-organized, proactive planner, ability to manage multiple projects and complete tasks in a timely manner Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, collaborative mindset, diplomatic, strong verbal and written communicator Deadline-driven, self-motivated and an enthusiastic approach to one's work Knowledge of Chicago institutional funders, research tools and tactics Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Able to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials Demonstrates growth mindset and ability to think creatively and problem solve; willing and eager to learn from others; takes an active role in own professional development and stays informed of changes in funding landscape; interested in researching and learning more about key stakeholders and prospects Commitment to animal welfare, the mission of PAWS Chicago, and helping the organization grow and serve more animals and pet owners in need PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Able to lift 25lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently and a negligible amount constantly. Repetitive motion. Ability to travel to PAWS locations as needed. COMPENSATION: Salary range of $60,000 - $80,000 BENEFITS: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield. 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays.