Development Writer Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Grant Writer needed to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, coordinate cross‐departmental input, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, exceptional writer, and detail‐driven project manager who thrives in deadline‐driven environments and has proven experience securing grants of $5 million or more.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Strategy & Opportunity Identification

• Research, track, and evaluate federal, state, county, and municipal RFPs, NOFAs, and government grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Analyze eligibility criteria, funding trends, and competitive landscapes to guide leadership on strategic pursuit decisions.
• Maintain a pipeline of upcoming opportunities and communicate timelines and requirements to the Executive Director.

Proposal Development & Writing

• Lead the full lifecycle of government grant submissions, including intent-to-apply forms, narratives, budgets, attachments, and required certifications.
• Write clear, compelling, and data‐driven proposals tailored to each funder’s priorities and scoring criteria.
• Collaborate with program, finance, and leadership teams to gather information, develop program designs, and ensure accuracy and alignment.
• Translate complex program models, outcomes, and evaluation plans into persuasive, funder‐ready language.

Project Management & Compliance

• Develop and manage proposal timelines, ensuring all components are completed, reviewed, and submitted on time.
• Ensure all submissions meet technical requirements, formatting standards, and compliance guidelines.
• Support post‐award processes, including contract execution, reporting requirements, and coordination with program and finance teams.
• Maintain organized records of submissions, awards, feedback, and reporting deadlines.

Data, Evaluation & Storytelling

• Incorporate quantitative data, community needs assessments, and evidence‐based practices into proposals.
• Work with program teams to refine logic models, outcome measures, and evaluation frameworks.
• Present complex information in a way that is accessible, persuasive, and aligned with government scoring rubrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, English, Communications, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–8+ years of experience writing government grants or responding to RFPs, preferably in the nonprofit or public sector.
• Demonstrated success securing federal, state, or local government funding in amounts of $5 million or more.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Familiarity with government grant portals (e.g., Grants.gov, SAM.gov, state/county procurement systems).
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance.
• Experience developing program budgets and working with finance teams.
• Knowledge of outcome measurement, logic models, and evaluation frameworks.
• Understanding of human services, housing, workforce development, early childhood, or related fields (customizable).
• Ability to interpret RFP language and translate requirements into actionable proposal components.

On-site childcare, generous vacation package, health benefits, and 401k plan available. Salary for this position is $100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with previous experience, references, and other factors.           

Send resume and cover letter to Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director, Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street, Newton, NJ 07860; or fax to 973-940-3501; or apply online at https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/jobs-newton-sussex-county-nj.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a non-profit organization located in semi-rural northwestern New Jersey which has assisted low-income families along the path to economic self-sufficiency for more than 35 years. The agency is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve economic independence and self-reliance, providing a safe and inclusive environment that fosters growth, learning, and opportunity. Services include career guidance and assessment, computer classes, high school diploma instruction, parenting workshops, childcare, legal assistance and education, help with emergency basic needs such as clothing and food, health education, support groups, life skills classes, family activities, home visitation, and more.