Grants Associate

Grants Associate

For over 100 years, Easterseals Central Illinois has been helping children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs to reach their full potential. The vision that drives us into our second century of service is a future in which all children are 100% Included. 100% Empowered.

The expected pay range for this position is $23.00 to $27.00 per hour. The actual rate offered will be based on a variety of individualized factors, including relevant experience, role responsibilities, qualifications, talent availability, and organizational needs. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Compensation is just one part of the total rewards package at Easterseals Central Illinois. We offer a comprehensive benefits program to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick, and personal time
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• Long-term disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Life insurance: both employer paid and employee paid options are available
• 401(K) with employer match
• Easterseals qualifies for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program

All benefits are subject to eligibility, terms, and plan guidelines.

Position Objective

The Grants Associate is responsible for researching, developing, and securing funding opportunities that advance Easterseals Central Illinois' mission and strategic priorities. This role leads the grant application process from prospect identification through submission, ensures compliance with funder requirements, and supports the successful implementation and reporting of funded programs.

Job Functions

• Prospecting & Planning
  • Research and evaluate potential funding sources, including new opportunities.
  • Develop and implement a long-term grant strategy that aligns with organizational priorities.
  • Maintain a master calendar of deadlines, proposals, and reporting requirements.
• Proposal Development
  • Prepare compelling and accurate grant proposals in collaboration with internal teams.
  • Analyze funder requirements and facilitate program concept discussions.
  • Coordinate the full grant writing process to ensure timely submission.
• Grant Management & Compliance
  • Track awarded grants, monitor expenditures, and prepare financial and progress reports.
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with all grant regulations and reporting obligations.
  • Collaborate with leadership on budget development and annual audits.
• Relationship Management
  • Maintain effective relationships with funders, auditors, internal staff, and external partners.
  • Serve as liaison with community organizations as appropriate.

Marginal Responsibilities include all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or grants management preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Competency Requirements

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling proposals and clear reports.
• Analytical skills to interpret data, budgets, and funder requirements for alignment with organizational goals.
• Knowledge of human services program development and delivery, with the ability to link funding opportunities to program needs.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and cultivate potential funding sources across government, corporate, and foundation sectors.
• Proficiency in managing the full lifecycle of grants, including proposal development, budget preparation, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning new grant management or CRM systems.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and build strong relationships with internal and external partners.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please call 309.686.1177.