Organization: United Way of the Midlands
Job Title: Grants Coordinator
Department: Strategy
FLSA Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Location: Omaha, NE (on-site)
About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government, and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our communitys most impactful health and human service programs. UWMs funded programs and direct services including JAG Nebraska, 211, and the Weatherization Assistance Program focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential, and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
UWMs Mission:
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our communitys CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.
Guiding Principles:
At United Way of the Midlands, we
Build TRUST in everything we do.
Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
Be OPEN to embracing others differences.
Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing.
Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.
Grant Coordinator Summary:
United Way of the Midlands is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Grants Coordinator (Prospect Development) to support our continued organizational growth and evolution. This role offers a unique opportunity for a professional with strong research and writing skills to expand their knowledge of the grants and nonprofit landscape. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, persistence, and an eagerness to grow in a purpose-driven environment.
In this role, you will support the identification and development of new grant opportunities, working closely with an experienced Grants Director and collaborating with teams across Donor Engagement, Finance, Analytics, and Programming. You will focus efforts on UWMs growing program portfolio, with emphasis on 211 and Jobs for America's Graduates proposals, contracts, grants and corporate gifts.
This position is ideal for someone curious, organized, and eager to grow professionally while contributing to United Ways four impact areas: Healthy Community, Financial Security, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resilience.
Responsibilities:
Proactively identify and research new grant opportunities that align with UWM's mission and impact areas.
Develop and submit at least three new grant proposals per month, coordinating the development of narratives, budgets, supporting materials and required documentation.
Develops and manages proposal timelines, coordinating subject matter experts, finance staff and leadership to ensure high-quality, on-time submissions.
Drafts compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, reports and other funder communications, including backgrounders and briefing materials for meetings with program officers.
Collaborates with internal teams to gather information, clarify program goals, and ensure consistency and alignment across narratives, budgets, outcomes, timelines and supporting documentation while meeting funder requirements.
Maintains the grant prospecting pipeline and tracking systems to ensure accuracy and timely follow-up.
Coordinates internal proposal reviews, incorporating feedback and ensuring alignment with UWM strategy.
Prepares grant reports and compliance materials.
Stays informed on philanthropic trends and funder priorities related to UWM's impact areas.
Participates in regular grant strategy meetings to review funding prospects, discuss proposal priorities, refine funding strategies and provide updates on the grant pipeline and administrative status of active opportunities.
Initiates grant kickoff meetings for newly awarded grants, bringing together internal stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition from proposal to implementation, and confirm alignment on grant requirements.
Supports continuous improvement by participating in proposal debriefs and applying lessons learned to future submissions.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities:
Strong writing, editing, and research skills
Ability to synthesize information into clear, mission-aligned content
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify inconsistencies and ensure alignment across proposal narratives, budgets, outcomes, and supporting documentation.
Ability to collaborate effectively with program, finance, and leadership staff to synthesize technical information into cohesive, funder-ready proposals.
Curiosity and initiative in learning about funding opportunities
Strong organization and attention to detail with ability to manage multiple deadlines
Effective communication and collaboration skills
Familiarity with nonprofit or grant environments preferred but not required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel); Salesforce or grants systems familiarity a plus
Openness to feedback and commitment to professional growth
Performance Expectations:Success in this role will be evaluated based on:
Funds raised in collaboration with grants team
Quality and timeliness of research and proposal support
Accuracy and consistency of prospect tracking and documentation
Accuracy and consistency across proposal narratives, budgets, work plans, evaluation measures, and supporting documentation
Contribution to proposal development processes
Collaboration with internal stakeholders
Demonstrated growth in grant writing and research skills
Completion of administrative and reporting responsibilities
Education and Experience:
Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, public administration, or related field.
Experience in technical writing, grant writing or nonprofit fundraising preferred
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
United Way of the Midlands isan equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
