Grant Manager

Grant Manager

Position Description

RISE is seeking a passionate and skilled Grant Manager to join our dynamic team. The Grant Manager will play a crucial role in securing funding to support RISE's mission. This position will be responsible for writing compelling grant proposals, managing the grants process, collaborating with a range of RISE staff in the grant writing and management process, and ensuring timely and accurate grant reporting. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to social justice and rehabilitation. This position reports to the Vice President of Development and External Relations and works closely with the CEO and program directors.  

About RISE 

RISE is the largest nonprofit organization in Nebraska focused solely on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. At RISE, transformation starts pre-release and continues post-release. Our inside/out model bridges incarceration to the community and considers all the critical steps in that journey. We prepare and train people for each phase through intensive character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship, family programming, and case management. We transform people in the community by building awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. These connections heal families, create employment pathways, and lower recidivism. The mission of RISE is to break generational cycles of incarceration.

RISE has received a “Best Places to Work in Omaha” award from Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber. RISE is a recipient of the Non-Profit Association of the Midlands Catalyst Award, honoring non-profits that inspire action, advance excellence and innovation, and drive transformation while making a meaningful impact. In 2025, RISE received the Roger Baldwin Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ACLU of Nebraska.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Writing and Proposal Development:

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities that align with RISE’s mission and programs.
• Write, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals to foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other funding sources.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather necessary information and data to support grant applications.
• Develop persuasive narratives that clearly articulate RISE’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Work with RISE’s Director of Finance on all required grant budgets for proposals and reporting.
• Research and pursue federal funding opportunities and prepare proposals in accordance with federal agency guidelines and Notice of Funding Opportunity Requirements.

Grants Management:

• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, including deadlines for proposals, reports, and other key dates. Lead the internal Grants meeting.
• Track and monitor the status of submitted grants and follow up with funders as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all grant-related documents and communications.

Grant Reporting:

• Prepare and submit timely and accurate grant reports to funders, detailing program achievements, outcomes, and financial expenditures.
• Collaborate with program staff and Director of Data & Research to collect and analyze data for grant reporting purposes.
• Ensure all reports are in compliance with funder requirements and reflect the impact of RISE’s programs.
• Prepare federal and financial performance reports in compliance with agency-specific timelines and formats. 

Relationship Building:

• Facilitate monthly Grant Management Meetings with all internal stakeholders present. 
• Build and maintain relationships with current and potential funders.
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and other activities to engage funders and showcase RISE’s work. Ability to build trust and work closely with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Non-Profit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, Journalism or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising, including 2 years writing and managing federal grants, preferably within a non-profit organization.
• Proven track record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Knowledge of funding prospects.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders in the grant writing and management process is required.
• Experience managing sensitive and confidential data. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Impeccable attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using grant management software and other relevant tools.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive and complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Must maintain strict adherence to the confidentiality policy and ethical practice.
• Strong commitment to RISE’s mission to break generational cycles of incarceration is required.

Other

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, occasionally working evenings and weekends.
• Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance.
• RISE is a background-friendly employer and seeks to employ those who have lived experience within the system we serve; background checks may be run on final candidates as a compliance measure. 

RISE Offers

RISE offers a competitive total compensation package including market based wages and benefits. 

• Health Insurance and Employee and Dependent Coverage - 90% Premium Employer Paid
• Dental and Vision Insurance Employee and Dependent Coverage - 100% Premium Employer Paid
• Retirement 403(b) Plan with 3% Employer Match
• Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Other Optional Insurance Selections
• Unlimited Paid Time Off plus 8 Paid Holidays and Winter Office Closure (Dec 23 - New Years Day)
• EAP and No Co-Pay Mental Health Visits through Health Insurance Plan

Submit Resume, Cover letter, and writing sample on our website at www.seeusrise.org/careers