North Lawndale Employment Network
Director of Grants (Chicago)
North Lawndale Employment Network, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Director of Grants & Research
The Opportunity The Director of Grants & Research will lead North Lawndale Employment Network's (NLEN) strategy to secure and sustain diverse funding streams
from competitive public awards to transformative private investments
while deepening authentic, longterm partnerships with funders.
This role blends strategic vision with handson execution: translating complex program models into compelling proposals, anticipating shifts in philanthropy and workforce development, and collaborating across teams to turn opportunities into measurable results. The person in this seat will be equally adept at engaging in thoughtful conversations with funders and working sidebyside with colleagues to shape budgets, track outcomes, and ensure compliance.
Responsibilities include: Lead and grow NLENs grants portfolio
by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with institutional funders, corporations, and government agencies. Develop persuasive, datadriven proposals and reports
that reflect NLENs mission, impact, and strategic priorities. Build and manage detailed proposal workplans
ensuring timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities are clear and met. Convene and facilitate crossdepartmental meetings
to align program, finance, and leadership teams on proposal content, budgets, and reporting requirements. Prepare and deliver highquality donor reports
that demonstrate impact, accountability, and alignment with funder priorities. Monitor agency funding gaps
and work with leadership to prioritize program funding needs. Maintain an annual grant cycle calendar
to track state, federal, and foundation opportunities, ensuring timely, complete, and competitive submissions. Maintain comprehensive, uptodate records
on all funders, including contacts, funding history, requests, secured awards, and reporting requirements. Conduct targeted research
to identify emerging funding opportunities, sector trends, and policy developments relevant to workforce development and social enterprise. Represent NLEN with credibility and warmth
in meetings, site visits, and sector convenings. Ensure excellence in execution
by managing deadlines, compliance, and reporting with precision.
What Were Looking For Demonstrated success in securing significant public and private funding Strong relationshipbuilding skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders Strategic thinker who anticipates opportunities and brings actionable ideas forward Collaborative, emotionally intelligent communicator who navigates complex dynamics with diplomacy Proven ability to deliver highquality work under tight deadlines Knowledge of philanthropic trends, government funding processes, and workforce development issues Commitment to equity, inclusion, and NLENs mission
Qualifications: BA/BS degree and a minimum of 5 years of related grant management and writing experience with public and private (federal, state, and foundations) grant proposals and applications is required. A proven track record of success in securing gifts from foundations and corporations Excellent self-management and organizational skills motivated by outcomes and goals Proven leadership and management experience delegating and creating clarity for team members and direct reports Strategic thinker who has the ability to build consensus across a diverse organization Highly organized, attention to detail, goaloriented, and capable of multitasking Experience with Salesforce or other donor management software preferred Experience with MailChimp or other email marketing software preferred Demonstrated success in information management and project management Budget planning and financial management experience a plus Experience with staff or intern supervision a plus Passion for NLEN mission and goals A commitment to social and economic justice Excellent time management skills and communications follow-up habits
Status: Exempt Reports to: Senior Director of Development Salary: $80,000
90,000/year
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes: Medical, vision, and dental plans Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays (11 days) Hybrid work schedule 401K participation, day one of employment Life Insurance
Company Overview: NLEN recently celebrated 25 years of transformative service to community members who are unemployed, formerly incarcerated, asset-limited, and/or income-constrained. The organization assists these individuals in securing employment and developing the skills to successfully navigate the job market, maintain fulfilling long-term employment, achieve educational ambitions, and build household wealth. NLEN empowers low-income job seekers with access to financial tools, digital literacy, and other supports, and partners with employers in recruiting and retaining employees. In 2024, NLEN served 1,642 clients, offered 921 financial services and workshops, and hired 40 transitional workers. Three out of five clients increased their monthly income, net worth, and FICO score. NLEN has an FY25 operating budget of $7.5 million and 46 permanent employees, more than 20 percent of whom are NLEN program graduates. Of fundamental strategic importance to NLENs mission are its groundbreaking Social Enterprises, Sweet Beginnings, LLC, and the beelove caf. Sweet Beginnings is a wholly owned subsidiary of NLEN offering full-time transitional jobs to citizens returning from incarceration who face barriers to employment. Sweet Beginnings manages apiaries (bee farms) throughout Chicagoland, produces honey for consumption, and manufactures and sells all-natural honey-based skincare products. Sweet Beginnings honey is an essential ingredient at the beelove caf, opened at NLENs headquarters in 2021. The caf has become a cherished community hub, providing a friendly gathering space and critical work opportunities to transitional employees.
The Opportunity The Director of Grants & Research will lead North Lawndale Employment Network's (NLEN) strategy to secure and sustain diverse funding streams
from competitive public awards to transformative private investments
while deepening authentic, longterm partnerships with funders.
This role blends strategic vision with handson execution: translating complex program models into compelling proposals, anticipating shifts in philanthropy and workforce development, and collaborating across teams to turn opportunities into measurable results. The person in this seat will be equally adept at engaging in thoughtful conversations with funders and working sidebyside with colleagues to shape budgets, track outcomes, and ensure compliance.
Responsibilities include: Lead and grow NLENs grants portfolio
by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with institutional funders, corporations, and government agencies. Develop persuasive, datadriven proposals and reports
that reflect NLENs mission, impact, and strategic priorities. Build and manage detailed proposal workplans
ensuring timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities are clear and met. Convene and facilitate crossdepartmental meetings
to align program, finance, and leadership teams on proposal content, budgets, and reporting requirements. Prepare and deliver highquality donor reports
that demonstrate impact, accountability, and alignment with funder priorities. Monitor agency funding gaps
and work with leadership to prioritize program funding needs. Maintain an annual grant cycle calendar
to track state, federal, and foundation opportunities, ensuring timely, complete, and competitive submissions. Maintain comprehensive, uptodate records
on all funders, including contacts, funding history, requests, secured awards, and reporting requirements. Conduct targeted research
to identify emerging funding opportunities, sector trends, and policy developments relevant to workforce development and social enterprise. Represent NLEN with credibility and warmth
in meetings, site visits, and sector convenings. Ensure excellence in execution
by managing deadlines, compliance, and reporting with precision.
What Were Looking For Demonstrated success in securing significant public and private funding Strong relationshipbuilding skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders Strategic thinker who anticipates opportunities and brings actionable ideas forward Collaborative, emotionally intelligent communicator who navigates complex dynamics with diplomacy Proven ability to deliver highquality work under tight deadlines Knowledge of philanthropic trends, government funding processes, and workforce development issues Commitment to equity, inclusion, and NLENs mission
Qualifications: BA/BS degree and a minimum of 5 years of related grant management and writing experience with public and private (federal, state, and foundations) grant proposals and applications is required. A proven track record of success in securing gifts from foundations and corporations Excellent self-management and organizational skills motivated by outcomes and goals Proven leadership and management experience delegating and creating clarity for team members and direct reports Strategic thinker who has the ability to build consensus across a diverse organization Highly organized, attention to detail, goaloriented, and capable of multitasking Experience with Salesforce or other donor management software preferred Experience with MailChimp or other email marketing software preferred Demonstrated success in information management and project management Budget planning and financial management experience a plus Experience with staff or intern supervision a plus Passion for NLEN mission and goals A commitment to social and economic justice Excellent time management skills and communications follow-up habits
Status: Exempt Reports to: Senior Director of Development Salary: $80,000
90,000/year
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes: Medical, vision, and dental plans Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays (11 days) Hybrid work schedule 401K participation, day one of employment Life Insurance
Company Overview: NLEN recently celebrated 25 years of transformative service to community members who are unemployed, formerly incarcerated, asset-limited, and/or income-constrained. The organization assists these individuals in securing employment and developing the skills to successfully navigate the job market, maintain fulfilling long-term employment, achieve educational ambitions, and build household wealth. NLEN empowers low-income job seekers with access to financial tools, digital literacy, and other supports, and partners with employers in recruiting and retaining employees. In 2024, NLEN served 1,642 clients, offered 921 financial services and workshops, and hired 40 transitional workers. Three out of five clients increased their monthly income, net worth, and FICO score. NLEN has an FY25 operating budget of $7.5 million and 46 permanent employees, more than 20 percent of whom are NLEN program graduates. Of fundamental strategic importance to NLENs mission are its groundbreaking Social Enterprises, Sweet Beginnings, LLC, and the beelove caf. Sweet Beginnings is a wholly owned subsidiary of NLEN offering full-time transitional jobs to citizens returning from incarceration who face barriers to employment. Sweet Beginnings manages apiaries (bee farms) throughout Chicagoland, produces honey for consumption, and manufactures and sells all-natural honey-based skincare products. Sweet Beginnings honey is an essential ingredient at the beelove caf, opened at NLENs headquarters in 2021. The caf has become a cherished community hub, providing a friendly gathering space and critical work opportunities to transitional employees.