Grant Writer

About This Role

This part-time Grant Writer position is crucial for securing competitive funding that advances regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, agricultural education, workforce development, and applied research throughout California. The role involves working closely with directors, faculty, and partners to identify funding opportunities, develop proposals, and support post-award reporting. This position plays a critical role in expanding the organization's portfolio of grants and contracts and building long-term partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify funding opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and private-sector sources
• Develop compelling, competitive grant proposals, concept papers, letters of inquiry, and funding applications
• Coordinate proposal development among faculty, researchers, project partners, and university administration
• Prepare project narratives, budgets, work plans, timelines, logic models, and supporting documentation
• Gather and synthesize technical information into clear, persuasive proposals for diverse audiences
• Ensure proposals meet sponsor requirements, deadlines, and university compliance policies
• Maintain a grant opportunity calendar and proposal pipeline
• Assist with post-award reporting, progress updates, and impact reporting
• Develop and maintain relationships with funding agencies, philanthropic organizations, and collaborative partners
• Support strategic fundraising initiatives that align with CRARS

Requirements

• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, research, and project management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into accessible proposal narratives
• Budget development and project planning experience
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and grant management platforms
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Bachelor

Nice to have:

• Master
• Three or more years of successful grant writing experience
• Demonstrated record of securing competitive grants
• Experience with higher education, nonprofit organizations, or public agencies
• Ability to manage multiple proposals and deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong computer skills, including experience with proposal management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, natural resources, sustainability, workforce development, local food systems, or agricultural research