Grants Manager na IslandWood

Position Overview:

IslandWood is a leader in the field of environmental education, advancing innovative education through a variety of immersive, experiential programs across the Puget Sound region and on our 250-acre Bainbridge Island campus. Our mission is to inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship through exceptional learning experiences.

We’re seeking an experienced Grant Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a strategic storyteller and skilled communicator who can translate our mission and programs into compelling well-written proposals for funders. This role is critical in helping us secure the philanthropic support needed to expand our impact and ensure long-term sustainability.

In partnership with our Philanthropy team, this role will help fund programs ranging from hands-on environmental education for children to teacher professional development, a graduate program with the University of Washington, community events, and advocacy for Washington students and teachers. This is a chance to join a small, dynamic team at an exciting moment in IslandWood’s growth.

Title: Grants Manager

Department: Philanthropy

Reports To: Director of Campaign

Classification: FT- 32

Pay Range: $32.50 to $36.00/HR

Work Schedule: Flexible: 4 days per week Monday through Friday. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule, with a minimum of one day per week onsite (Thursdays) at our Bainbridge Island campus.

Benefit Package:

Full-time Employee benefit package includes:

• 100% IslandWood paid Medical, or a low employee contribution option offered
• 100% IslandWood paid Dental and Vision option
• HSA with IslandWood contribution (based on qualifying medical plan)
• Life/AD&D, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance paid by IslandWood
• Voluntary Employee Benefits: Life/Hospital/Critical Care Insurance, and Pet Insurance.
• Employee Assistance program, Flexible spending accounts and 401k with employer match (after 6 months of employment)
• Variety of Employee Discounts
• Employee Discount for IW Summer Camps

Paid Time off annual benefit:  

IslandWood offers 3 weeks’ paid vacation, floating holidays, 10 annual paid holidays (paid if applicable during contract period) and 80 hours of paid annual sick leave. Prorated based on date of hire and length of service.

Responsibilities: 

• The Grant Manager oversees the full life cycle of grants
• Research and identify grant opportunities, prepare grant proposals, manage awards, complete and submit reporting requirements
• In partnership with the Director of Campaign, manage a portfolio of grants, including complex state & federal funders, research additional opportunities aligned with IslandWood’s mission, programs and strategic goals
• Maintain and grow a robust grant pipeline including foundation, corporate, and government sources
• Draft, edit and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and supporting materials
• Collaborate with program staff, finance, and leadership to gather necessary data, stories and documentation to strengthen proposals
• Ensure timeline submission of all proposals and maintain a calendar of deadlines
• Prepare high-quality grant reports in alignment with funder requirements and deadlines
• Track and analyze grant deliverables, budget usage, and program outcomes in coordination with program staff
• Support relationship management by preparing updates and acknowledgments for funders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders through clear communication and thoughtful stewardship
• Manage grant records in Salesforce
• Facilitate relationships between funders and members of the senior leadership team
• Develop proposal budgets and financial reports in partnership with the accounting department
• Engage other staff members and board members in fundraising efforts
• Keep up with grant writing trends and tools for efficiency to continually streamline and improve processes

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 2–5 years of professional grant writing experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Demonstrated success in securing significant grants ($25,000+)
• Excellent written, verbal, and storytelling skills with sharp attention to detail
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, persuasive narratives
• Familiarity with Sales Force or similar CMR is a plus
• Passion for IslandWood’s mission and commitment to mission, vision, values and goals of IslandWood
• Ability to translate complex programmatic information into compelling proposals
• Basic accounting skills and comfort with program and organizational budgets
• Commitment to support IslandWood’s work towards equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Ability to work well independently with minimal oversight as well as collaboratively as needed
• Proactive mindset, problem-solving and information-gathering skills needed to be successful in this role
• Experience in engaging with diverse communities a plus
• Must be able to comply with and maintain a drug-free work environment
• Must pass child safety screening procedure, post-offer