Writing Associate Jobs in Chatham, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

You know how to turn impact into funding. As Associate Manager, Institutional & Government Grant Writer, you will translate Uncommon Schools' work into clear, compelling proposals that secure critical funding for our mission. You will partner closely with program, finance, and development teams to gather insights, shape narratives, and ensure every submission is accurate, timely, and aligned to funder priorities. This role sits at the center of our fundraising efforts, helping to sustain and grow the resources that power our schools.

Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

• Write and edit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for institutional and government funders
• Translate program data and outcomes into clear, compelling narratives
• Tailor submissions to align with funder priorities and requirements

Project Management & Submission Execution

• Manage multiple grant timelines, ensuring all submissions are complete and on time
• Track deadlines, deliverables, and compliance requirements across a portfolio of grants
• Coordinate internal inputs and approvals to support high-quality submissions

Research & Funding Strategy Support

• Identify and research prospective funding opportunities aligned to Uncommon's mission
• Support the development of strategic approaches to pursue new funding sources
• Maintain organized records of opportunities, submissions, and outcomes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal teams to gather information needed for proposals and reports
• Build strong working relationships across internal departments to support efficient information flow
• Communicate clearly and proactively to move projects forward and meet deadlines

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3 to 5 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, persuasive, and well-structured content
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities at once
• Experience working with data and translating it into accessible narratives
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing institutional or government grants
• Familiarity with nonprofit or education environments
• Experience collaborating across teams to gather information and meet shared goals

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply-we're excited to learn what you bring.

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. 

Compensation:
The full compensation range for this role is $82,500-$97,000. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $87,300. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed. Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.

Work Environment:
Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan (100 Church Street).

Benefit Highlights: 

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].