Grants Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Grants Manager

Help Build the Funding That Changes Lives

Behind every life-changing program is someone who made it possible.

At Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) , we're creating opportunities for transition-age foster youth to build stable, connected, and thriving futures. We're looking for a Grants Manager who can transform compelling stories, strong data, and meaningful relationships into sustainable funding that fuels our mission.

This isn't simply a grant writing position. It's a strategic fundraising role for someone who enjoys researching opportunities, building funder partnerships, collaborating across teams, and creating grant strategies that generate lasting impact.

Location: San Diego, CA
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $70,000–$85,000

What You'll Do

You'll own the full lifecycle of grant funding—from identifying opportunities to celebrating successful awards and stewarding long-term partnerships.

Your work will include:

• Researching and qualifying foundation, corporate, civic, faith-based, and government funding opportunities

• Building and managing a healthy multi-year grant pipeline using tools like Instrumentl

• Writing persuasive, competitive grant proposals that clearly communicate our mission and impact

• Partnering with program leaders to develop meaningful outcomes and measurable impact metrics

• Collaborating with Finance to develop grant budgets and monitor awarded funding

• Preparing timely grant reports that demonstrate both financial accountability and program success

• Cultivating authentic relationships with funders to encourage long-term investment in JIT's mission

• Working alongside executive leadership to strategically position funding opportunities that align with organizational priorities

Every proposal you submit helps create more opportunities for young people leaving foster care to thrive.

We're Looking For Someone Who...

You're both analytical and creative. You enjoy diving into research just as much as crafting compelling stories. You ask thoughtful questions, build trust easily, and can turn complex information into clear, persuasive narratives.

You likely bring:

• 3–5 years of nonprofit grant writing and grant management experience

• A proven record of securing and managing five- and six-figure grants

• Experience with private foundations, corporate giving, and government funding

• Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities

• Experience developing grant budgets and collaborating with finance teams

• Proficiency with grant management platforms such as Instrumentl and donor CRM systems

• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills

A background in youth development, child welfare, or systems-change organizations is a plus—but your passion for our mission matters just as much.

You'll Thrive Here If You...

• Love combining strategy with meaningful mission-driven work

• Are energized by building relationships—not just writing proposals

• Enjoy collaborating with diverse teams

• Can balance multiple deadlines without sacrificing quality

• Think several steps ahead and proactively identify new opportunities

• Care deeply about equity, dignity, and expanding opportunities for young people

Why Join Just in Time?

When you join JIT, your work directly contributes to helping transition-age foster youth build stable, connected, and successful futures.

You'll work alongside passionate teammates who believe in innovation, collaboration, and putting young people first. Every grant secured creates more opportunities for housing stability, education, employment, lifelong connections, and brighter futures.

If you're looking for a role where exceptional writing meets meaningful impact, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and help create opportunities that last a lifetime.

Just In Time is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply.