JOB TITLE: Grants Manager [Hybrid]

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Grants & Contracts

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)

LOCATION: Santa Monica, CA

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use

DRIVER POSITION: Yes [if yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - $80,000 Annually

Note: A cover letter is required in the application to be considered further

ABOUT US:   

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. 

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving

ABOUT THE DEPT:

The Grants & Contracts Dept. is responsible for the solicitation, submission, and management of SPY’s Grants & Contract revenues including Corporate Grants, Foundation Grants and Government Contracts. The Team oversees contract and programmatic compliance for over 40 grants and contracts, ensuring standards are outlined and implemented according to internal and external compliance expectations. Essential activities under the Grants & Contract Dept. include: Prospect Research and Outreach; Grant & Contract Preparation, Submission, and Execution; Donor Relations and Acknowledgement; Contract Administration; Database Management; Training Coordination; Grant Reporting and Records Retention. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an experienced Grant Writer to join our team and lead efforts in identifying, writing, and submitting grant applications, with a focus on government funding opportunities. This role will involve managing the entire grant lifecycle, including pre-award prospecting, application submission, and post-award compliance and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in securing government grants, particularly with agencies such as the State of California, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with compliance and contract management are essential to success in this role.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Grant Research & Prospecting: Identify and research funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and other relevant sources that align with the organization’s mission and projects.
• Grant Writing & Submission: Draft, write, and submit compelling grant proposals, with a focus on government grant applications, particularly with State of California, LA County DMH, and LAHSA.
• Pre-Award Coordination: Collaborate with internal departments to gather necessary documentation and data for grant applications, ensuring all applications meet eligibility criteria, deadlines, and guidelines.
• Post-Award Contract Management: Manage the entire post-award process, including contract execution, budget monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with all grant terms and conditions. Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports to funders, ensuring adherence to requirements throughout the grant period.
• Grant Tracking & Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all grant activities, including submissions, awards, and reporting deadlines, using organizational systems and tools.
• Collaboration: Work closely with program managers, finance, and leadership teams to ensure alignment on grant objectives, deliverables, and funding requirements.
• Data Collection & Performance Measurement: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper data collection, outcome tracking, and performance reporting for grants awarded.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences or a related field is preferred, but work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of grant writing experience, with a focus on government grants is required.
• Proven success in applying for and securing funds from State of California, LA County DMH, and LAHSA is highly is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant compliance, reporting, and contract management is preferred.
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in grant writing, reporting, and compliance.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and grant management tools (experience with grants.gov or other portals is a plus).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application.