Grant Writer & Project Assistant

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Grant Writer & Project Assistant

🔹 Company: Alfond Youth and Community Center

🔹 Location: Waterville, Maine

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Community Development

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level to 2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Securing funding through grant writing and research
• Assisting with donor management and event planning
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals
• Contributing to the success and sustainability of AYCC’s mission

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and a passion for community impact. It offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to grow within the nonprofit sector.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Research and identify appropriate grant opportunities

✅ Write and submit grant applications, ensuring successful acquisition of grant awards

✅ Assist in developing program and project narratives as requested

✅ Maintain integrity of grant awards by ensuring grant requirements are met

✅ Prepare and distribute communication and correspondence as requested

✅ Run and prepare reports from the donor management system

✅ Coordinate and schedule event planning meetings with the identified event team

✅ Assist in the planning and coordination of special events and budget management

✅ Process invoices for payment in a timely manner

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of independent work and team collaboration, with a focus on driving the organization's mission through successful grant acquisition and event management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Experience: Prior grant writing experience is preferred. Minimum 1-2 years of administrative experience

Required Skills:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Proven experience in writing internal and external communications
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Computer literacy – Word, Excel, databases, etc.

Preferred Skills:

• Event planning and support experience
• Critical thinking and adaptability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations

ASSUMPTION: While prior grant writing experience is preferred, a strong writing sample and relevant administrative experience can compensate for this.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16 - $18 per hour. This is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level nonprofit roles in Maine.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Retirement plan (403b)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time at 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:00pm; occasional nights and weekends

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience and the organization's budget. Benefits are typical for a nonprofit organization of this size.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Alfond Youth and Community Center (AYCC) operates as a merged Boys and Girls Club and YMCA, focusing on community development, childcare, and recreational facilities.

Company Size: AYCC has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: AYCC was founded in 1924, with a rich history of serving the Greater Waterville area.

Company Description:

• AYCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating an 85,000-square-foot facility
• Serves nearly 9,000 members from 50 communities in Central Maine
• Offers a wide range of programs, including athletics, aquatics, fitness, wellness, food security, mentoring, and summer enrichment

Company Specialties:

• Community development
• Childcare and youth services
• Recreational facilities and programs
• Food security and mentoring initiatives

Company Website: www.clubaycc.org

ASSUMPTION: AYCC's mission and values are centered around inspiring and enabling people and families to realize their full potential, fostering healthy, productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position, offering opportunities for growth and development within the nonprofit sector.

Reporting Structure: The Grant Writer & Project Assistant will report directly to the Sr. Director, Philanthropy & Government Relations and collaborate with various departments, including program directors and the volunteer manager.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a standard workweek of Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with occasional nights and weekends required for events and meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Developing expertise in grant writing and management
• Expanding event planning and coordination skills
• Gaining experience in donor management and relationship building
• Potential for career advancement within the organization or broader nonprofit sector

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a dynamic opportunity for a motivated individual to grow within the nonprofit sector, gaining valuable experience in grant writing, event planning, and donor management.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AYCC operates an 85,000-square-foot facility with various departments and programs, providing a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Office Location(s): 126 North St., Waterville, Maine 04901, US

Geographic Context:

• Waterville, Maine, is a small city in Central Maine with a population of approximately 16,000
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
• AYCC serves a diverse community, with members from 50 surrounding communities

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with occasional nights and weekends required for events and meetings

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at AYCC is collaborative, mission-driven, and focused on community impact, providing an engaging and rewarding atmosphere for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Sr. Director, Philanthropy & Government Relations
• In-person or virtual interview with the Sr. Director and a representative from the relevant department
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities
• Alignment with AYCC's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Provide a strong writing sample that demonstrates your grant writing and communication skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Research AYCC's mission, values, and programs to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization

ATS Keywords: Grant writing, research, communication, event planning, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, computer literacy, attention to detail, time management, confidentiality, teamwork, administrative skills, report preparation, donor management, volunteer coordination

ASSUMPTION: The application process at AYCC is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the organization and the individual.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Donor management software (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, etc.)
• Event planning and management tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent, etc.)
• Grant management software (e.g., Foundant, Fluxx, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies used in this role are standard for nonprofit organizations, with a focus on streamlining communication, event planning, and donor management processes.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Inspire & enable all people & families to realize full potential
• Healthy, productive, responsible & caring citizens
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Integrity & accountability
• Excellence & continuous improvement

Work Style:

• Collaborative and mission-driven
• Focused on community impact and engagement
• Adaptable and responsive to changing needs and priorities
• Committed to professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with AYCC's mission and values?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed multiple projects or deadlines, demonstrating your organizational skills and attention to detail?
• How have you contributed to the success of a team or organization in a previous role?

ASSUMPTION: AYCC values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to collaboration and teamwork, and dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to changing priorities and workloads
• Balancing independent work and team collaboration
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for events and meetings

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to AYCC's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role combines elements of grant writing, event planning, and administrative support, making it unique within the nonprofit sector
• Compared to other grant writing roles, this position offers additional responsibilities in event planning and donor management
• Career paths for this role may include advancement within the nonprofit sector, focusing on grant management, event planning, or donor relations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for candidates interested in the nonprofit sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a grant application for a new community program
• Planning and coordinating a fundraising event, including vendor management, volunteer coordination, and budget management
• Preparing a donor report, highlighting the impact of AYCC's programs and the importance of continued support

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from grant writing and event planning to donor management and communication.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this position contribute to AYCC's overall mission and goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role or the organization?
• How does AYCC support work-life balance for its employees?
• Can you provide an example of a successful grant application submitted by AYCC, and what made it effective?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the organization, and the opportunity for professional growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a strong writing sample that demonstrates your grant writing and communication skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

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