Senior Grant Writer

Are you interested in helping communities secure critical funding for infrastructure and public improvement projects? We are seeking a Grant Writer to support local governments by researching funding opportunities and preparing competitive grant and loan applications. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with municipalities, develop or strengthen grant writing skills, and gain hands-on exposure to municipal engineering projects such as transportation, water, wastewater, community development, and environmental initiatives. Whether you are early in your career or looking to deepen your experience in public-sector funding, this position provides meaningful, real-world impact and strong professional growth. Travel to clients, project sites and select events is required.

What You'll Learn and Do

As a Senior Grant Writer, you'll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of public-sector grant work, leading tasks involving funding research and preparation of grant funding and loan applications. You will work with clients and the team to prepare funding proposals and presentations for client projects to secure financial funding. This is a client-facing role and requires public meeting attendance. Travel to client and project sites is required. The position includes the following responsibilities:

• Research funding opportunities and summarize details, becoming fully knowledgeable on each program assigned.
• Conduct outreach to internal staff and clients on opportunities.
• Lead meetings with internal and external clients and program contacts.
• Prepare funding applications (write narratives, complete forms, coordinate application components with client and internal team, prepare supporting documents as needed).
• Communicate application requirements to team and coordinate to compile complete, competitive applications.
• Perform site visits as needed. For example, to take project site photos for applications.
• Complete assignments in the specific time periods requested while ensuring accuracy, completeness, quality, and thoroughness of results. Meet company standards for productivity and profitability.
• Responsible for the quality control/quality assurance process for assigned tasks.
• Maintain regular contact with clients, consultants, government agencies, involved communities and contractors in connection with the projects.
• Establish & maintain positive relationships with co-workers, support and build others on the team and across disciplines/offices.
• Leads and manages complex grant applications and teams of grant writers and support staff, including for federal funding applications.
• Be a subject matter expert on complex, specific programs. For example, NJ Infrastructure Bank, NJDEP Green Acres Program, or FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).
• Capable of managing a Grant Writer and/or delegate work to Grant Writer(s).
• Has direct contact with and maintains strong relationships with clients.
• Prepare proposals for new work and helps secure contracts.
• Assist in the assembly of pricing, estimating, scoping and marketing strategies for proposed grants projects.
• Work entirely independent when needed with minimal direction or correction from supervisor or grant manager.
• Make decisions with little oversight regarding grants complexities and methods.
• Assists with staff training.

Why This Job Is Different

• Work directly with towns, counties, and public agencies, primarily across New Jersey.
• Learn how funding shapes engineering, transportation, water, and community projects.
• Build practical skills in research, professional writing, and public-sector communication.
• Gain exposure to major funding programs commonly used by municipalities.
• Learn from a collaborative, multidisciplinary team passionate about public service.

• 3+ years in related field
• Bachelor's degree in English, Political Science, Philosophy, Public Administration or related field preferred.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
• Demonstrate general computer skills, knowledge, and acumen (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Must be willing to travel regularly.
• Demonstrates advanced grant writing skills with local governments and the civil engineering field. Is experienced with more than one of the following funding programs: FHWA, FEMA, HUD CDBG, EPA Brownfields, USDA, and EPA Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.
• Advanced writing and research skills.
• Advanced, proactive communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to take ownership of, and responsibility for, work product and manage own time and workload.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of grants-related concepts, theories, principles and practices.
• Demonstrate advanced investigative, analytical and research techniques.

Compensation: $63,800 to $95,040 per year (depending on qualifications)

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That's why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities. This specific position also provides mentorship from experienced grants professionals, as well as real-world experience with municipal clients and infrastructure proejcts.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women's Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success !