📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Special Projects/Grant Writer
🔹 Company: North Iowa Area Community College
🔹 Location: Mason City, IA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Identifying and securing funding sources to support college programs
- Leading the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals
- Managing special projects and initiatives directed by the President
- Collaborating with faculty/staff to discuss funding needs and opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and a keen eye for detail to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research and identify new funding prospects to match college priorities
✅ Generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documents
✅ Coordinate and follow up on progress of submitted proposals
✅ Maintain primary responsibility for grant schedules and tracking grants
✅ Serve as a liaison to all funding agencies and organizations
✅ Work with appropriate personnel to research, develop, write, and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers, and grant proposals
✅ Develop and maintain a master file on pending grants and contracts
✅ Remain up-to-date on current issues relative to grant proposals
✅ Inform staff and answer questions regarding allowability of proposed expenditures related to all specific grants
✅ Maintain confidentiality of information exposed in the course of business
✅ Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience preferred
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing and verbal 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, preferably with an education focus
- Previous grant budget development and management
- 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: While a Master's degree is preferred, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience may be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $50,600 to $61,900 per year
Benefits:
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield major medical health insurance
- Eye care
- Dental insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- A choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans
- A variety of additional 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 and is typical for a grant writer role in the education sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: North Iowa Area Community College is a government agency focused on education administration programs, offering continuing education, workforce preparation, and certificates.
Company Size: The college has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: The college was founded in 1918 and has since grown to offer a wide range of educational programs and services.
Company Description:
- NIACC Continuing Education enriches lifelong learning, pathways to higher education, and career or personal development
- Offers short-term training, professional development, workforce preparation, and certificates
- Provides tuition assistance for some classes to help students make the next move in their careers
Company Specialties:
- Continuing education
- Workforce preparation
- Certificates and professional development
Company Website: https://www.niacc.edu/continuing-education/
ASSUMPTION: The company description and specialties provided are based on the information available on the company's LinkedIn page and may not cover all aspects of their operations.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree.
Reporting Structure: The Special Projects/Grant Writer will report directly to the President of the college and collaborate with various faculty and staff members.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the college's administration or other departments
- Opportunities to develop and refine grant writing skills and expand knowledge of funding sources
- Possibility to take on additional responsibilities and special projects as the role evolves
ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities may vary depending on the individual's performance, the college's needs, and available resources.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The college has a single campus location in Mason City, IA.
Office Location(s): 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
Geographic Context:
- Mason City is located in northern Iowa, with a population of approximately 28,000
- The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
- Mason City is home to several other educational institutions and businesses, providing a strong network of professional connections
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for special projects or events.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or attend events.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening interview
- On-site interview with hiring manager and/or panel
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Research and analytical skills
- Organization and time management
- Cultural fit and alignment with college values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your grant writing experience and achievements
- Demonstrate your understanding of the college's mission and values in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Grant writing, research, proposal development, budget management, data analysis, collaboration, communication, organization, Microsoft Office, database management, self-starter, attention to detail, compliance, project management, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement
ASSUMPTION: The application process and interview questions may vary depending on the hiring manager and the college's current needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Database management software (e.g., Access, SQL, or other relevant tools)
- Research and data analysis tools (e.g., statistical software, online databases, or other relevant tools)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the individual's role and the college's needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Lifelong learning and personal growth
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence in teaching and learning
- Respect and inclusivity
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Self-motivated and organized
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to the college's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the college's values, and how can you contribute to its mission?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including faculty and staff members?
- How do you balance working independently and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is essential for success in this role, as the Special Projects/Grant Writer will work closely with various stakeholders across the college.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines for grant proposals and special projects
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in funding priorities and regulations
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed may vary depending on the individual's skills, experience, and the college's current needs.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other grant writer roles, this position may require a broader range of responsibilities, including special projects and initiatives
- This role may have more autonomy and independence than other grant writer positions, as the Special Projects/Grant Writer will work closely with the President and other stakeholders
- Career progression may involve moving into other administrative roles within the college or pursuing opportunities in related fields
ASSUMPTION: The comparison points provided are based on general trends in the grant writing field and may not reflect the specific details of this role or other similar positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive grant proposal for a new workforce development program
- Researching and identifying new funding opportunities to support existing college programs
- Managing the grant application process for a federal grant, including budget development, submission, and management of funds
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are based on the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description and may not reflect the specific details of the projects assigned to the successful candidate.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the college's long-term strategic plan?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the college's funding efforts, and how can this role address them?
- How does the college support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the expectations for collaboration and communication with faculty, staff, and external partners?
- How does the college measure the success of its grant writing efforts, and what metrics are used to evaluate performance?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview may vary depending on the individual's interests, experience, and the college's current needs.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your grant writing experience and achievements to discuss during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
