Grants Specialist

AsylumWorks (soon to be Arrived) is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that partners with immigrants, their families, and the broader community to create pathways to safety, stability, and opportunity. Founded in 2016, we have provided direct services to more than 4,000 individuals from over 50 countries. In summer 2026, AsylumWorks will officially change its name to Arrived — a change that reflects the organization’s growth over the past decade, from serving primarily asylum seekers to supporting immigrants at every stage of the immigration process. Our work spans across three core programs: 1) Health & Wellness services to connect newcomers to the physical and emotional care they need; 2) Economic Mobility services to help job seekers find and maintain living-wage employment that aligns with their skills and goals; and 3) Legal Navigation services to help immigrants understand their rights and access the legal protection they need. JOB DESCRIPTION AsylumWorks seeks a detail-oriented, mission-aligned professional to serve as Grants Management Specialist. This role is central to AsylumWorks’ ability to grow and diversify its grants portfolio across foundation, state/local, and federal government sources and to ensure that grant funding translates into sustainable, well-executed programs. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Grants Management Specialist drives research, proposal writing, reporting & compliance, and relationship management across the full grants lifecycle. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer who can compellingly tell our story, articulate our impact, and communicate our vision. They should be able to skillfully adapt that narrative to the priorities and voice appropriate to each audience, whether a private foundation, a local government agency, or a federal funder. They understand that great grant writing requires a deep understanding of program operations to ensure that grant deliverables and work plans are realistic and grounded in what the team can deliver. It also requires financial fluency to ensure grants align with budget needs and support the organization’s overall financial health. Beyond the writing and technical work, we are looking for someone who thrives on collaboration. This role sits at the intersection of development, programs, and operations, and success depends on building strong working relationships across those teams. The Grants Management Specialist is a strong communicator, a personable team player, and someone who brings enthusiasm for working in a small, mission-driven environment. Most importantly, they bring deep alignment with AsylumWork’s mission to empower immigrants and their families living in the DC metro area. WHO WOULD BE A GOOD FIT FOR THIS ROLE? You are energized by translating strategy into compelling narratives tailored to specific audiences. You enjoy the creative and iterative work of adapting and tightening our language, messaging, and storytelling. You can connect the dots between programs and development to ensure grant proposals fund core needs and can realistically be executed. You are organized and can manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. You openly give and receive feedback. You want to see the direct impact of your efforts in real time. Unlike large institutions where good ideas can languish, AsylumWorks’ size and culture mean that the right person will see their work translate into real impact in months, not years. You will work alongside colleagues who bring deep professional expertise and personal commitment to the mission in equal measure. This role offers proximity to leadership, meaningful cross-functional collaboration, and the tangible satisfaction of knowing that the grants you write are directly funding services that transform people’s lives every day. RESPONSIBILITIES Research and identify prospective foundation and state/local government funders aligned with AsylumWorks’ mission and programs Support the Director of Advancement and Executive Director in engaging prospective funders outside of the annual solicitation cycle Write compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, and supplementary materials that clearly communicate the organization’s story, impact, and vision Develop a working knowledge of programs to ensure grant deliverables and work plans are realistic and aligned with program team capacity Collaborate with Operations staff on grant budgeting and forecasting to ensure proposed grants integrate with the organization’s overall budget planning Manage a grants calendar tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal cycles Grant Administration and Compliance (30%) Coordinate with program staff to gather data, outcomes, and narratives needed for applications and reports Support grant startup for new awards, including internal kickoff with relevant program and finance staff Monitor grant agreements to ensure compliance with funder requirements, including budget parameters, allowable costs, and reporting timelines Maintain accurate financial records in the organization’s CRM (Bloomerang) and grants files Manage funder site visits including coordination with program officers and preparation of required materials Support audits and financial reviews related to restricted grant funding Relationship Management (20%) Cultivate and steward relationships with program officers at foundations and government agencies Represent AsylumWorks in funder convenings and informational calls Support the Director of Advancement and Executive Director in high-level funder meetings QUALIFICATIONS 2–4 years of nonprofit grants experience, including writing funded proposals to foundations or government funders; Strong writing skills with the ability to translate complex program work into compelling funder narratives; Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly around deadlines and compliance; Comfort working with budgets and financial data; Proficiency with CRM systems, Google Workspace, and project management software; Demonstrated ability to work across teams and coordinate among diverse stakeholders; Experience with state or local government grants (DC, Maryland, or Virginia a plus); Familiarity with the refugee, immigration, or human services funding landscape; Experience with Bloomerang or similar fundraising CRM; Collaborative, proactive work style with the ability to work both independently and as part of a small team; Inherent desire to problem-solve, build, and improve; Authorized to work in the United States; A demonstrated awareness of cultural humility; and Demonstrated commitment to AsylumWorks’ mission and values. SALARY $56,000-60,000 commensurate with experience. BENEFITS AsylumWorks provides many benefits to full-time, salaried staff, including: 100% Employer-Paid CareFirst Medical Insurance Plan with a vast network of coverage throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia; Employer-subsidized Guardian Dental and Davis Vision Insurance; 15 days of vacation leave per year in Year 1; 11 days of paid time off for Federal Holidays and the day after U.S. Thanksgiving; Paid time off for AsylumWorks Winter Break office closure the week between Christmas Day & New Year’s Day; 2 Personal Days per year; 10 Medical/Sick Leave Days per year; DC Paid Family Medical Leave eligibility for parental leave, pre-natal leave, and extended family sick leave; and Generous monthly tech stipend to cover costs related to mobile phone usage, data, and work-from-home equipment. AsylumWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr