About us

The Children’s Advocacy Center of North & Northwest Cook County (CAC) serves as the leading resource to empower and heal children and families who have experienced abuse and prevent violence against children. We provide investigative, advocacy and mental health services for children who have experienced abuse and the non-offending members of their families. All services are provided at no cost to families and in English and Spanish. Since 1989, we have helped over 16,000 children and families.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for sourcing, maintaining, ensuring compliance, and reporting on private foundations and local government grants, while actively seeking new opportunities. This is a hybrid position with at least one day a week in person.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and source private and local government grant opportunities.
• Lead the grant writing process, crafting compelling proposals that communicate CAC's mission and goals.
• Oversee the submission workflow for new and continuation grants.
• Prepare and compile all components of grant submission, ensuring compliance and alignment with each grant agency’s requirements and regulations.
• Collaborate with CAC’s program staff to gather necessary information for proposals and reports.
• Maintain and update supporting documents for proposals, including operating budget, financial statements and reports, board of directors list and donor lists.
• Ensure the timely submission of all required grant reports to funders, including monthly/quarterly reports for local government grants.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders, fostering connections and partnerships throughout the grant cycle.
• Coordinate site visits, tours and meetings with funders.
• Contribute to CAC’s annual report on grant activities highlighting achievements, impacts and challenges.
• Track and implement foundation recognition, including proper credit lines for publications and press releases.
• Attend annual fund hearings as necessary for local government grants.
• Align the grant portfolio with CAC’s strategic plan, ensuring grants support long-term goals and objectives.
• Provide monthly updates to the Director of Development.
• As a member of the Development team, support events, tours and other stewardship activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, English, humanities field, or equivalent required.
• Two years of work experience required, including previous grant writing experience.
• Strong written communication skills: ability to write and edit clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals and reports.
• Outstanding grammar, editing, and research skills. Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to be flexible as well as work independently.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet all deadlines.
• Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies preferred.
• Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for prospect research preferred
• Required to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and tours.
• Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs required, Donor Perfect preferred.

To apply, submit cover letter and resume. Final candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Hybrid work

Experience:

• Nonprofit: 2 years (Preferred)
• Grant writing: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hoffman Estates, IL 60169