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Special Projects/Grant Writer

North Iowa Area Community College
Full-time
On-site
Remote
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Special Projects/Grant Writer

πŸ”Ή Company: North Iowa Area Community College

πŸ”Ή Location: Mason City, IA, USA

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Education Administration Programs

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 28, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Identifying and developing funding sources for program activities
  • Leading the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals
  • Managing special projects and initiatives directed by the President
  • Collaborating with faculty/staff to discuss current and new funding needs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of initiative, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in grant writing and a deep understanding of the grant application process.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Research and identify new government, corporate, foundation, and private funding prospects to match College priorities

βœ… Generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documents in response to solicitations

βœ… Generate revenues for NIACC programs through timely submission of well-researched, well-written, and well-documented grant proposals

βœ… Maintain primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants

βœ… Serve as a liaison to all funding agencies and organizations

βœ… Work with appropriate personnel to research, develop, write, and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers, and grant proposals

βœ… Coordinate with the Business Office to create expenditure and income budgets to accompany proposals

βœ… Develop and maintain a master file on pending grants and contracts

βœ… Remain up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals

βœ… Meet regularly with faculty/staff to discuss current and new funding needs

βœ… Become cognizant of regulations and other matters of compliance with all grants

βœ… Inform staff and answer questions regarding allowability of proposed expenditures related to all specific grants

βœ… Inform supervisor on the progress of all grants and issues that may arise with each grant

βœ… Maintain confidentiality of information exposed in the course of business regarding students, supervisors, or other employees

βœ… Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The successful candidate will be able to work independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve results.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in grant writing, preferably with an education focus

Required Skills:

  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes
  • Proficient in research, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel)
  • Database management skills
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively and independently

Preferred Skills:

  • Master's degree
  • Three years of experience as a successful grant writer
  • Previous grant budget development and management
  • A proven record of securing major grants with certifiable references
  • Knowledge of grant application process, scoring criteria, and funding cycles
  • Previous federal grant application, submissions, approval, and management of funds

ASSUMPTION: The preferred qualifications listed are not strict requirements but would significantly strengthen a candidate's application.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,600 to $61,900 per year, based on experience

Benefits:

  • Major Medical Health Insurance
  • Eye Care
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Retirement Plans (IPERS or TIAA)
  • Optional Benefits

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing. However, it is always recommended to verify the salary and benefits package directly with the employer.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a public community college located in Mason City, Iowa. It offers a wide range of academic and continuing education programs, as well as workforce development and training services.

Company Size: NIACC has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: NIACC was founded in 1918 and has a long history of serving the educational needs of the North Iowa region.

Company Description:

  • NIACC is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education and training opportunities to support the economic and social development of the region
  • The college offers a comprehensive range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development courses
  • NIACC is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that values the unique contributions of all students and employees

Company Specialties:

  • Associate Degrees
  • Certificates
  • Workforce Development
  • Continuing Education
  • Transfer Programs

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

ASSUMPTION: NIACC is a well-established community college with a strong commitment to its mission and the communities it serves. The college values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in its pursuit of excellence in education and training.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the intermediate to senior level, requiring a combination of relevant experience and strong skills in grant writing and research.

Reporting Structure: The Special Projects/Grant Writer will report directly to the President of NIACC and work closely with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to identify and secure funding opportunities.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours. However, the nature of the role may require some flexibility in work hours to meet deadlines and attend meetings or events.

Growth Opportunities:

  • As NIACC continues to grow and expand its programs and services, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on additional responsibilities or leadership roles within the grants and special projects area
  • The college offers professional development opportunities to support the growth and advancement of its employees
  • Working closely with faculty and staff may provide opportunities to learn about and contribute to various academic and continuing education programs

ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities for this role will depend on the individual's performance, the needs of the college, and the availability of suitable positions within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: NIACC's main campus is located in Mason City, Iowa, with a rural setting that offers a peaceful and scenic work environment.

Office Location(s): 500 College Drive, Mason City, Iowa 50401, USA

Geographic Context:

  • Mason City is located in northern Iowa and has a population of approximately 28,000 residents
  • The city offers a mix of urban and rural amenities, including parks, museums, and cultural attractions
  • Mason City is conveniently located near major highways and is approximately 1.5 hours from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is primarily Monday through Friday, with some flexibility to accommodate meetings, events, or deadlines as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at NIACC is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. The college values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening interview
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other stakeholders
  • Background check and reference verification
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Writing and communication skills
  • Research and analytical skills
  • Grant writing experience and knowledge of the grant application process
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently
  • Alignment with NIACC's mission, values, and culture

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant grant writing experience and skills
  • Provide specific examples of successful grant proposals you have written and the outcomes achieved
  • Demonstrate your understanding of NIACC's mission and the role of the Special Projects/Grant Writer in supporting the college's goals
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the organization

ATS Keywords: Grant Writing, Research, Proposal Development, Budget Management, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Communication, Organization, Microsoft Office, Database Management, Self-Motivation, Attention to Detail, Compliance Knowledge, Stakeholder Engagement, Problem Solving

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring manager and the availability of suitable candidates. It is always recommended to follow up with the employer after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Database management software (e.g., Access, SQL)
  • Grant management software (e.g., Foundant, GrantHub)
  • Research and data analysis tools (e.g., Google Scholar, academic databases)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the college and the preferences of the hiring manager. The successful candidate should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools and technologies as needed.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Excellence in Education
  • Student Success
  • Collaboration
  • Innovation
  • Integrity

Work Style:

  • Results-driven
  • Collaborative
  • Adaptable
  • Detail-oriented
  • Strong communication skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do your personal values align with NIACC's core values?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal?
  • How do you approach learning and adapting to new tools and technologies?

ASSUMPTION: NIACC values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the college's values and work style preferences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • The workload may fluctuate depending on the number of active grants and special projects
  • Deadlines for grant proposals may be tight, requiring the ability to work effectively under pressure
  • The successful candidate may need to travel occasionally to attend meetings, conferences, or site visits
  • The role may require some evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or attend events

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are manageable and can be effectively addressed by a motivated and organized individual with strong communication and time management skills.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other grant writer positions in education, but may have a broader scope of responsibilities, including managing special projects and initiatives
  • The successful candidate should have a strong understanding of the grant application process and the ability to navigate the complexities of federal, state, and private funding agencies
  • Career progression in this role may include taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a leadership role within the grants and special projects area

ASSUMPTION: The comparison of this role to similar positions in the industry will depend on the specific needs of the college and the availability of suitable candidates. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate their ability to meet the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this role.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a comprehensive grant proposal for a new workforce development program in collaboration with local industry partners
  • Researching and writing a successful grant application for a federal funding opportunity to support the expansion of an existing academic program
  • Managing the budget and timeline for a multi-phase special project aimed at improving campus facilities and infrastructure

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects provided are intended to give a sense of the types of responsibilities and initiatives that may be undertaken by the successful candidate in this role. The actual projects and initiatives will depend on the specific needs of the college and the availability of suitable funding opportunities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the typical timeline for the grant application process and how it aligns with the college's academic calendar?
  • How does the college support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
  • Can you provide an example of a successful grant proposal submitted by the college and the impact it had on the institution and its students?
  • How does the college engage with its community partners and industry stakeholders to identify and secure funding opportunities?
  • What is the college's approach to managing and tracking grants and special projects, and how will this role contribute to that process?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions provided are intended to help the successful candidate better understand the role, the college, and the opportunities for growth and development. The actual questions asked during the interview may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring manager and the availability of suitable candidates.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the NIACC Career Site
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant grant writing experience and skills
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the organization
  • Follow up with the employer after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position
  • If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide specific examples of successful grant proposals you have written and the outcomes achieved

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