Environmental Grant Writer Jobs in Rochester, NY

JOB SUMMARY

The Grant Writer serves as the primary grant professional for Homesteads for Hope and is responsible for researching, writing, submitting, and managing grant proposals, reports, and foundation communications that support the organization's mission and strategic priorities.

This position plays a critical role in securing institutional funding from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community funding partners. Working closely with the Development Director, leadership team, and program staff, the Grant Writer gathers information, communicates impact, and develops compelling funding requests that advance organizational growth and sustainability.

Success in this role is measured through timely and high-quality grant submissions, growth in institutional funding, strong funder relationships, accurate reporting, and effective management of the organization's grants pipeline.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Grant Research & Prospect Development

• Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community funding sources.

• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.

• Monitor funding trends and identify opportunities that support programs, operations, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

• Maintain systems for tracking grant opportunities, deadlines, and submission requirements.

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

• Write, prepare, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and supporting materials.

• Collaborate with program staff, leadership, and finance personnel to gather information necessary for grant submissions.

• Translate program outcomes, participant impact, and organizational priorities into compelling funding requests.

• Customize proposals to align with funder priorities, guidelines, and requirements.

• Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and submitted by required deadlines.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar including submissions, reporting deadlines, stewardship activities, and renewal opportunities.

• Prepare and submit interim, annual, and final grant reports as required.

• Track grant awards, restrictions, reporting obligations, and compliance requirements.

• Coordinate the collection of program outcomes, impact data, stories, and supporting documentation needed for reporting.

• Maintain organized grant files and records.

Foundation & Institutional Relations

• Support stewardship and relationship-building activities with foundation representatives and institutional funders.

• Coordinate funder communications, site visits, tours, and meetings.

• Assist in preparing materials for funder presentations and cultivation opportunities.

• Maintain records of funder interactions and stewardship activities.

Data Collection & Impact Reporting

• Work collaboratively with program and leadership staff to collect and organize outcome data, stories, and impact metrics.

• Assist in developing systems that support accurate and efficient collection of program outcomes.

• Help communicate organizational impact through clear, compelling narratives and reporting.

Development Team Collaboration

• Participate in Development Department planning and strategy discussions.

• Provide grant-related updates, reports, and funding forecasts.

• Support long-term institutional funding strategies and development goals.

• Assist with special projects related to foundation and grant funding as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend occasional organizational events, programs, funder meetings, and site visits to maintain familiarity with the mission and impact of Homesteads for Hope.

• Participate in department meetings and planning activities as appropriate.

• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• This position does not supervise staff.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in communications, English, nonprofit management, business, public administration, social sciences, or a related field.

• Minimum of two years of grant writing, proposal development, nonprofit fundraising, communications, or related experience preferred.

• Demonstrated experience writing persuasive, well-organized proposals, reports, or funding requests.

• Experience securing foundation, corporate, or government grants preferred.

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.

• Experience working in a nonprofit environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional written communication and storytelling abilities.

• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.

• Ability to gather information and collaborate effectively with staff across departments.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, online grant portals, and database systems.

• Commitment to inclusion, belonging, and respectful engagement with individuals of all abilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

• Ability to perform administrative, computer-based, and communication-related work for extended periods.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, funders, volunteers, community partners, and organizational stakeholders in a variety of settings.

• Ability to participate in meetings, events, site visits, and organizational activities.

• Ability to access and navigate indoor and outdoor work environments.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based, remote, or hybrid work depending on organizational needs and employee performance.

• Flexible scheduling available, provided grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and organizational responsibilities are met.

• Collaborative nonprofit environment requiring communication with staff, leadership, and funding partners.

• Occasional attendance at organizational programs, events, donor activities, site visits, or funder meetings may be required to gain familiarity with organizational impact and mission.

• Requires strong independent work habits, initiative, accountability, and the ability to manage deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Homesteads for Hope is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications to Kala Saenz, Executive Assistant: kala@homesteadsforhope.org.

Candidates are encouraged to discuss any specific accommodation needs during the application or interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Homesteads for Hope is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.