Development & Grant Writing Consultant
cjcChicago (IL)
About the role
Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is a workforce development intermediary that keeps jobseekers at the center of all we do. CJC advocates for jobseekers, by researching current pressing matters for the field, develop recommendations and share them broadly to create systemic change. CJC builds capacity for the workforce development field, by developing curriculum that’s offered through trainings, cohort learning and leadership academies based on our research of best practices. CJC influences City, State and Federal Policies related to increasing funding for our public workforce system, creating equitable pathways and eliminating barriers to employment. Our Mission: Together with community and institutional leaders, Chicago Jobs Council is re‑imagining our workforce system so all people can thrive through employment. Our Vision is to create an anti‑racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty. of all we do. CJC advocates for jobseekers, by researching current pressing matters for the field, develop recommendations and share them broadly to create systemic change. CJC builds capacity for the workforce development field, by developing curriculum that’s offered through trainings, cohort learning and leadership academies based on our research of best practices. CJC influences City, State and Federal Policies related to increasing funding for our public workforce system, creating equitable pathways and eliminating barriers to employment. Our Mission: Together with community and institutional leaders, Chicago Jobs Council is re‑imagining our workforce system so all people can thrive through employment. Our Vision is to create an anti‑racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty.
Position Summary:
Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Development & Grant Writing Consultant to support core fundraising operations. This contractor will focus on grant research, proposal writing, funder reporting, and database management to ensure CJC maintains consistent funding. Key Responsibilities & Deliverables Prospect Research & Pipeline Development Proactively research, identify, and evaluate new local, regional, and national foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities aligned with CJC's mission. Maintain and update CJC’s funding calendar to ensure all deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities are met. Proposal Development & Grant Writing Write, edit, and submit persuasive grant applications, letters of inquiry (LOIs), proposals, budget narratives and reports for foundation, corporate and public funders. Collaborate with the CEO and Programmatic Leadership team for special campaigns & strategy sessions to develop proposal concepts and narratives that may include data, program metrics, and operational details. Grant Management & Compliance Monitor active grants to ensure all programmatic deliverables, reporting milestones, and financial compliance standards are met. Work with the Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives to submit comprehensive progress reports to funders and dashboard reporting for board meetings.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience:
3+ years of proven success in nonprofit grant writing, prospect research, and grant management (experience within workforce development, human services, or policy advocacy in Illinois/Chicago is a strong plus).Skills: Excellent persuasive writing & editing skills, budgeting literacy, organizational skills, and strict attention to detail. Commitment to CJC’s mission and vision.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
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