Grants Specialist

Position Summary

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County (Orange Habitat) is seeking a Grants Specialist to join the Development Department and support the organization's growing grants program. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this full-time, non-exempt role will help secure funding for affordable homeownership initiatives across the community.

This role is ideal for an early-career professional with strong writing and organizational skills who is eager to grow in nonprofit fundraising. The Grants Specialist will support the full lifecycle of grants-including research, proposal development, submissions, and reporting-while working closely with the Vice President of Development and cross-functional teams.

This is a hands-on role that offers the opportunity to build experience in institutional fundraising while contributing directly to programs such as new home construction, mixed-income communities like Auman Village, and critical home repair and disaster recovery efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Grants Coordination & Execution

• Maintain and manage the grants calendar, including deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements. 
• Prepare and submit grant applications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Track grant requirements and maintain organized records of proposals, reports, and funder communications.
• Support the preparation of grant reports, including collecting data and drafting content.

Proposal Writing & Content Development

• Draft grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports using templates and guidance from the Vice President of Development.
• Collaborate with program and development staff to gather program information, outcomes, and budgets.
• Assist in translating Habitat's work into clear, compelling narratives for funders.
• Partner with the Communications Manager to refine messaging and storytelling.

Prospect Research

• Conduct research to identify potential foundation and corporate grant opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective funders and track opportunities in the CRM.
• Monitor deadlines and eligibility requirements for new funding opportunities.
• Attend funder meetings and calls to determine eligibility and meet foundation staff.

Funder Stewardship Support

• Assist with maintaining relationships with foundation and institutional funders through timely communication and follow-up.
• Support the preparation of stewardship materials, updates, and impact reports.
• Track funder engagement and requirements to ensure strong stewardship practices.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Development Associate to track grant revenue, reporting requirements, and data accuracy.
• Collaborate with program staff to collect data, success stories, and outcomes.
• Support alignment between grants, events, corporate partnerships, and major gifts efforts.
• Provide administrative support for data entry, donor stewardship, event logistics, and other development team duties as necessary.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, nonprofit management, public policy, or related field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience (internships or relevant coursework considered).
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel).
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly.

Preferred

• Experience in grant writing, research, or nonprofit fundraising.
• Familiarity with affordable housing, community development, or social impact work.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT).

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in proposals, reports, and data tracking.
• Initiative: Takes ownership of tasks and follows through on deadlines.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams to gather information and complete projects.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn and develop skills in fundraising and nonprofit development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods of time.

• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through virtual platforms.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written documents, including grant applications, reports, and other materials.

• Ability to occasionally move throughout the office and attend meetings or events within the community.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds, such as files, documents, or event materials.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

THIS COMPANY IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER AS ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE STATE LAW.

THIS MEANS THAT REGARDLESS OF ANY PROVISION IN THIS APPLICATION, IF HIRED, THE COMPANY OR I MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE.