📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Grant Writer
🔹 Company: USTA Hawaii Pacific
🔹 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time/Exempt
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Sports
🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Securing essential funding for the USTA Hawaii Pacific's programs and initiatives
- Researching and identifying grants that align with the organization's needs and objectives
- Crafting compelling narratives and refining applications to articulate the organization's mission, goals, and impact
- Collaborating with various teams to develop strong proposals and maintain relationships with funders and stakeholders
- Contributing to the overall fundraising strategy and supporting other fundraising initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on research, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research Funding Opportunities: Identifying grants that align with the organization's needs and objectives to raise money for the following programs:
- Schools: USTA provides the equipment at no cost, the curriculum to PE Teachers and training to physical educators in schools for their during and after school PE program.
- Red Ball: With modified equipment and a slightly shorter court, this social experience is designed to bring new players to the courts and have them playing the game in 10 minutes!
- Community Programs: We offer affordable beginner and advanced tennis classes & lessons at 16+ park sites for youth and adults. Racquets and balls are provided.
✅ Grant Writing and Proposal Development: Crafting compelling narratives, gathering data, and refining applications to clearly articulate the organization's mission, goals, and impact.
✅ Compliance and Reporting: Ensuring all proposals meet funder requirements, tracking grant spending, and preparing and submitting reports to ensure compliance with funding agreements and deadlines.
✅ Collaboration and Communication: Working closely with various teams (program directors, finance, leadership) to develop strong proposals and maintain relationships with funders and stakeholders.
✅ Strategy and Support: Contributing to the overall fundraising strategy and supporting other fundraising initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer will be expected to work independently and manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and maintain a high level of quality in their work.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in English, Communications, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related fields.
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or related areas, with a proven track record of securing grants.
Required Skills:
- Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively
- Excellent research skills and familiarity with grant databases and online resources
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to understand and develop budgets for proposals
- Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
Preferred Skills:
- Certifications like the Grant Professional Certified (GPC)
- Proficiency in grant management software and research databases
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in grant writing or fundraising, along with strong writing, research, and organizational skills, will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 per year (USD)
Benefits:
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for grant writing positions in the nonprofit sector and the location of the role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the United States, from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open.
Company Size: The USTA has 201-500 employees, making it a mid-sized organization with a significant presence in the sports industry.
Founded: The USTA was established in 1881, making it one of the oldest and most established sports organizations in the United States.
Company Description:
- The USTA is a progressive and diverse not-for-profit organization whose volunteers, professional staff, and financial resources support a single mission: to promote and develop the growth of tennis.
- The USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world, with 17 geographical sections, more than 700,000 individual members and 7,000 organizational members, thousands of volunteers and a professional staff dedicated to growing the game.
- The USTA is committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for ALL to participate in tennis.
Company Specialties:
- Promoting and developing tennis through the US OPEN and the community
Company Website: http://www.usta.com
ASSUMPTION: Working for the USTA offers applicants the opportunity to be part of a well-established organization with a strong commitment to growing the sport of tennis and making it accessible to all.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring 2-5 years of experience in grant writing or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Grant Writer will report directly to the Executive Director of the USTA Hawaii Pacific.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, requiring the Grant Writer to work from the USTA Hawaii Pacific office in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the Grant Writer gains experience and demonstrates success in their role, they may have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities or move into a management position within the fundraising department.
- The USTA offers various training and development opportunities to help employees grow professionally and advance their careers within the organization.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers the opportunity for career growth and development within the USTA, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on the organization's fundraising efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The USTA Hawaii Pacific office is a professional work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Office Location(s): Honolulu, Hawaii
Geographic Context:
- Honolulu is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu. It is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
- Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, with a diverse population and a strong sense of community.
- The cost of living in Hawaii is generally higher than in other parts of the United States, with housing and goods and services being more expensive.
Work Schedule: The Grant Writer will work a standard 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for occasional overtime or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Working in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers applicants the opportunity to live and work in a beautiful and culturally diverse location, with a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor recreation and healthy living.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Executive Director
- In-person or video interview with the Executive Director and other key stakeholders
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Research and analytical abilities
- Organizational and project management skills
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your grant writing experience and successes
- Demonstrate your understanding of the USTA's mission and values in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Grant Writing, Research, Communication, Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, Project Management, Attention to Detail, Financial Literacy, Collaboration, Interpersonal Skills, Technical Skills
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on strong writing and communication skills, relevant experience, and a demonstrated understanding of the USTA's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Grant management software (e.g., Foundant, Fluxx, etc.)
- Research databases (e.g., Grants.gov, Foundation Directory Online, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer will be expected to be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software, as well as research databases and grant management tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for tennis and its growth
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
- Collaborative and team-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for tennis and a commitment to growing the sport?
- Are you able to work independently and manage your time effectively?
- Do you have strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy?
- Are you a collaborative team player, with strong interpersonal skills?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants who are passionate about tennis, committed to working collaboratively, and able to manage their time effectively and maintain a high level of attention to detail will be well-suited for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The Grant Writer may face competition for funding from other organizations and may need to adapt their strategies and approaches to secure grants
- The Grant Writer may need to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines, which can be challenging and stressful at times
- The Grant Writer may need to work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including program directors, finance teams, and leadership, which can require strong communication and collaboration skills
- The cost of living in Hawaii may be higher than in other parts of the United States, which can impact the Grant Writer's overall compensation and benefits package
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the potential challenges of this role and be prepared to manage their time effectively, work collaboratively, and adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other grant writing positions in the nonprofit sector, but may have a specific focus on sports and community programs
- Grant writing roles may vary in terms of the types of programs and initiatives they support, as well as the size and scope of the organization
- Career paths for grant writers may include moving into management or leadership positions within the fundraising department, or transitioning into related roles such as program development or community engagement
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in the nonprofit sector and consider the specific focus and requirements of this role when deciding whether to apply.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a grant proposal for the USTA's Schools program, which provides equipment, curriculum, and training to physical educators in schools for their during and after school PE program
- Researching and identifying funding opportunities for the USTA's Red Ball program, which brings new players to the courts and has them playing the game in 10 minutes
- Collaborating with the finance team to develop a budget for a grant proposal for the USTA's community programs, which offer affordable beginner and advanced tennis classes & lessons at 16+ park sites for youth and adults
ASSUMPTION: The Grant Writer will be expected to work on a variety of projects and initiatives, requiring strong research, writing, and collaboration skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the Grant Writer collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within the organization?
- What are the most successful strategies for securing grants in this region and for these specific programs?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the USTA?
- How does the USTA support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the organization's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://careers-usta.icims.com/jobs/4674/grant-writer/job
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your grant writing experience and successes
- Demonstrate your understanding of the USTA's mission and values in your application materials
- Follow up with Ron Romano, Executive Director of the USTA Hawaii Pacific, one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
