Grants Manager

About Girls in the Game

At Girls in the Game every girl finds her voice, discovers her strength and leads with confidence through fun and active leadership, sports and health programs. Girls in the Game empowers all girls to speak up, stand out and inspire future generations. We strive to serve girls year-round and over the long-term and offer a continuum of programs for girls at each stage in their development.

Girls in the Game’s staff comprises full-time staff, part-time staff and interns, and the organization fosters a teamwork-oriented environment where staff are supported in their professional growth goals. We are committed to recruiting staff who are representative of the communities where we work, and many of our staff are alum of our programs. Five of the six senior leadership team members have been with the organization for more than five years, and the Executive Director and Director of Development and Communications have been with Girls in the Game for more than ten years.

Position Summary

Girls in the Game is seeking a full-time Grants Manager to oversee and manage all foundation, corporate, and government grants for the organization. Girls in the Game manages a diverse portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government grants totaling approximately $500,000 annually. This role plays a critical part in supporting the organization’s growth by managing the full grants lifecycle, including researching opportunities, writing proposals and reports, ensuring compliance, managing grant records and deadlines, and building strong relationships with funders and grant monitors. This role is ideal for a strong mid-level grants professional who is looking to deepen their experience managing a full grants portfolio, including government grants, while growing into increased leadership and strategic responsibility over time.

The Grants Manager works closely with program staff, finance staff, the Development Director and the Executive Director to ensure grant-funded programs are effectively implemented, documented, and evaluated. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer and highly organized professional who is able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail. This role reports directly to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Grant Writing & Management

• Oversee all grants for Girls in the Game, including foundation, corporate, and government grants
• Manage the grants calendar, including proposal and reporting deadlines
• Write compelling grant proposals, reports, and supporting materials
• Research and explore new grant opportunities to support current programs and organizational growth
• Oversee government grants from application through compliance and closeout
• Manage monthly and quarterly budget and data reporting requirements for government grants
• Work closely with finance and program staff to ensure accurate reporting and reimbursement documentation
• Ensure programs staff are in compliance with all grant requirements
• Manage grant records and database, staying on top of deadlines and other grant requirements
• Stay informed about research and trends related to girls, youth development, sports-based youth development, and nonprofit funding priorities, incorporating relevant information into proposals and reports

Funder & Grantor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation, corporate, and government funders
• Coordinate funder and grant monitor visits to Girls in the Game programs
• Oversee funder stewardship efforts to ensure grantors feel informed, appreciated, and connected to the organization’s impact
• Serve as a liaison between funders and internal staff as needed

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Work closely with program staff to understand program successes, challenges, and outcomes in order to effectively communicate impact to funders
• Collaborate with program and finance staff to gather data, stories, budgets, and evaluation information for proposals and reports
• Support organizational evaluation and data collection efforts related to grants and reporting
• Assist with additional grant-related projects and organizational priorities as assigned

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission of Girls in the Game
• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least three years of experience in grant writing, grants management, or nonprofit development
• Experience managing government grants, including compliance and reimbursement grants preferred
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience working collaboratively across departments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience with grant databases and data tracking systems preferred
• Ability to work independently and take initiative with limited supervision

Licensing Required

• Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work
• Verification of degree/credentials
• Successful completion of background check and fingerprint clearance
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends for various scheduled events
• Agreement to uphold all Girls in the Game Policies and Procedures

Benefits and Growth

Girls in the Game is committed to the professional development and growth of all of staff. The ideal candidate is somebody who is interested in growing within the role, taking on more responsibility over time and advancing to a higher level within the organization. Teamwork is a core value at Girls in the Game and we strive to create an environment where staff feel supported and valued. Benefits include a hybrid work model and flexible scheduling. Our office is located within a Chicago Park District building with ample, on-site parking and a beautiful park to enjoy on days when staff are in the office. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Compensation

Salary is $55,000. A generous benefits package including health and dental insurance, 401K match, PTO, and more.

For more information, or to apply, please email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Renee Sherrod at rsherrod@girlsinthegame.org. Due to the high volume of applications, PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60623