Grant Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Grant Writer

🔹 Company: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

🔹 Location: Remote - Any State

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing high-quality, competitive grant proposals aligned with institutional priorities
• Researching and interpreting funding opportunities and articulating compelling institutional narratives
• Collaborating with faculty, staff, and leadership to collect data, gather supporting materials, and shape content
• Managing grant lifecycles, including timelines and submission logistics for proposals across various funders
• Building and maintaining templates, calendars, and checklists to support proposal development and offer guidance to prospective applicants

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It also involves working with various stakeholders across the institution, requiring excellent collaboration skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development of high-quality, competitive grant proposals aligned with institutional priorities

✅ Research and interpret funding opportunities and articulate compelling institutional narratives

✅ Collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership to collect data, gather supporting materials, and shape content

✅ Translate complex institutional goals into clear, persuasive grant language

✅ Oversee timelines and submission logistics for proposals across federal, foundation, and corporate funders

✅ Interpret and disseminate funding notices to internal stakeholders in accessible formats

✅ Manage compliance and coordinate with OSP, Legal, and Finance as needed

✅ Develop and maintain templates, calendars, and checklists to support proposal development

✅ Build and disseminate internal resources for faculty and staff pursuing grants

✅ Offer individual guidance and project management support to prospective applicants

✅ Work with departments and campuses nationwide to align proposals with college-wide goals

✅ Serve as a liaison between funders and The Chicago School, representing institutional values and priorities

✅ Participate in planning conversations to align grant strategy with campus needs and leadership goals

ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and be able to balance multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in English, Communications, or a related field

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of grant writing experience, preferably in higher education or research settings

Required Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic submission platforms (e.g., Grants.gov, ERA systems)
• Strong attention to detail and independent judgment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in Psychology or related field
• Prior experience in an Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
• Familiarity with federal agencies and foundations that support academic institutions
• Experience securing grant funding and managing the full proposal lifecycle

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in higher education or research settings is highly preferred due to the specialized knowledge required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 to $90,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation.

Benefits:

• Generous paid time-off
• Medical and dental insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Multiple flexible spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, with preferred working hours including overlap with Central and Eastern Time zones and flexibility to accommodate Pacific-based colleagues. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on proposal deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for grant writing positions in higher education. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, performance, and budget constraints.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private, non-profit institution focused on graduate-level education in the fields of psychology, business, and health sciences.

Company Size: 11-50 employees. This size allows for a more intimate work environment and closer collaboration with colleagues.

Founded: The Chicago School was founded in 1979 and has since grown to offer over 20 degree programs across multiple campuses and online platforms.

Company Description:

• The Chicago School is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for careers in various fields, including mental health, education, and business.
• The institution is known for its innovative approach to education, which combines academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience.
• The Chicago School is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of psychology through research, scholarship, and community engagement.

Company Specialties:

• Graduate-level education in psychology, business, and health sciences
• Innovative and practical learning experiences
• Research and scholarship in the field of psychology
• Community engagement and mental health services

Company Website: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/

ASSUMPTION: The Chicago School's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mental health makes it an attractive employer for individuals passionate about these causes.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a significant amount of experience and independence but may still offer opportunities for growth and advancement within the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Reporting Structure: The Grant Writer will report directly to the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership across the institution.

Work Arrangement: This is a full-time remote position with preferred working hours including overlap with Central and Eastern Time zones and flexibility to accommodate Pacific-based colleagues. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on proposal deadlines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding the scope of grant writing responsibilities as the institution grows and evolves
• Developing expertise in specific funding areas or types (e.g., federal, foundation, or corporate grants)
• Potential advancement opportunities within the Office of Sponsored Programs or other departments

ASSUMPTION: While this role may not offer immediate opportunities for career advancement, it provides a strong foundation for growth within the Office of Sponsored Programs and the higher education sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote. The Grant Writer will work from a home office or other remote location.

Office Location(s): Any State, United States

Geographic Context:

• The remote nature of this position allows for flexibility in location, with the primary requirement being overlap with Central and Eastern Time zones and flexibility to accommodate Pacific-based colleagues.
• Working remotely may provide opportunities for a better work-life balance and reduced commuting time.
• However, it also requires strong self-motivation, time management, and communication skills to succeed in a remote work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with preferred working hours including overlap with Central and Eastern Time zones and flexibility to accommodate Pacific-based colleagues. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on proposal deadelines.

ASSUMPTION: The remote nature of this position may be particularly appealing to individuals with caregiving responsibilities, those living in rural areas, or anyone seeking a more flexible work arrangement.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs
• In-depth interview with a panel of faculty or staff members
• Background check and reference checks
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Understanding of higher education and research settings
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your grant writing experience, particularly in higher education or research settings.
• Provide specific examples of successful grant proposals you've written and the impact they had on the organizations you worked for.
• Demonstrate your understanding of The Chicago School's mission and values in your application materials.

ATS Keywords: Grant Writing, Proposal Development, Project Management, Communication, Collaboration, Research, Compliance, Data Collection, Template Development, Stakeholder Management, Funding Opportunities, Institutional Narratives, Cross-Functional Teams, Attention to Detail, Independent Judgment

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, given the specialized nature of the position and the attractive benefits package offered by The Chicago School.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Electronic submission platforms (e.g., Grants.gov, ERA systems)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer should be comfortable using various software tools and platforms to facilitate communication, collaboration, and project management.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Community Engagement

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Adaptable
• Detail-oriented
• Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I share The Chicago School's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mental health?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines?
• Do I possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as excellent attention to detail?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who align with The Chicago School's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the institution's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
• Balancing the needs and priorities of various stakeholders across the institution
• Keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of funding opportunities and regulations
• Working remotely, which may require strong self-motivation and time management skills

ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt to changes in funding opportunities and regulations.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike some grant writing roles, this position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience and offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 to $90,000.
• In higher education settings, grant writers often work closely with faculty and leadership, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Career paths for grant writers in higher education may include advancement to senior-level positions within the Office of Sponsored Programs or other departments.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other grant writing positions in higher education or related fields.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive grant proposal for a new research initiative in collaboration with faculty and leadership
• Managing the grant lifecycle for a multi-year, multi-million dollar federal grant, including compliance and reporting requirements
• Creating templates, calendars, and checklists to support proposal development and offer guidance to prospective applicants

ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer should be prepared to tackle a wide range of projects, from initial proposal development to ongoing management and compliance.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategic plan for The Chicago School's Office of Sponsored Programs?
• What are the most pressing priorities for the Grant Writer in the first 90 days?
• How does The Chicago School support work-life balance for remote employees?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Office of Sponsored Programs?
• How does The Chicago School measure the success of its grant writing efforts, and how will my performance be evaluated?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of The Chicago School's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through The Chicago School's career opportunities page
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your grant writing experience, particularly in higher education or research settings.
• Prepare examples of successful grant proposals you've written and the impact they had on the organizations you worked for.
• Demonstrate your understanding of The Chicago School's mission and values in your application materials.
• Follow up with The Chicago School's human resources department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.