Grant Writer

CPEX seeks a full- or part-time Grant Writer who will play a critical role in CPEX’s organizational growth. This role has three core focus areas: (1) writing and editing grants, proposals, and grant reports (2) supporting the proposal development process for philanthropic grants, responses to RFPs, and other proposals, and (3) writing and copy-editing other organizational materials. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer who has experience developing proposals and compelling narratives tailored to specific funding opportunities and a talent for clearly communicating complex concepts, strategies, processes, outputs, and impacts. Organized and process-oriented, the Grant Writer should have high capacity for managing complexity and internal protocols for proposal development. We are looking for a candidate that is a successful collaborator and also excels at diving into detail-oriented independent work. And importantly, we are looking for someone who is aligned with and passionate about CPEX’s mission!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Writing (approximately 40% of effort)

• Develop and write clear, concise, and compelling proposals and applications that align with the organization's mission and priorities.
• Ensure that all proposals and applications are well-organized, persuasive, and adhere to the specific requirements of each funding opportunity.
• Research and synthesize data and information necessary to support the proposals, such as program plans, evaluation reports, or budget information.
• Edit and proofread proposals for accuracy, consistency, and clarity.
• Assist in preparing project progress narratives required pursuant to any awards.
• Communicate with funders as needed to clarify details related to grant proposals.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in grant writing and fundraising.

Support Proposal Development Process (approximately 40% of effort)

• Support proposal development processes at all stages, including
  • Coordinating efforts across the team, convening and leading meetings with relevant Team members at each stage of the proposal development process.
  • Overseeing proposal revisions.
  • Ensuring on-time and high-quality proposal submissions.
• Monitor proposal requirements and ensure compliance with submittal deadlines and other requirements.
• Maintain and update database of proposal opportunities applicable to CPEX, including researching new opportunities and tracking those identified by CPEX staff.
• Develop and maintain proposal templates and tools, such as boilerplate content, graphics, and project summaries, and staff resumes, to streamline the proposal development process and ensure consistency and quality across proposals.
• Monitor and report on proposal development metrics and outcomes, such as win rates, proposal quality, and client feedback, to inform continuous improvement efforts.

Writing and Copyediting (approximately 20% of effort)

• Partner with CPEX’s communications department and/or CPEX leadership to:
  • Produce written and visual materials, including community partner appeals and marketing collateral, to support CPEX’s external communications.
  • Edit and proofread written materials for accuracy, clarity, and consistency, ensuring that all content meets the organization's standards for quality and messaging.

Cross-Organizational Support (as needed)

• Contribute to and participate in regular staff and board meetings, events, and retreats.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The following skills and qualifications represent our ideal candidate. We encourage potential candidates to apply even if they do not meet all below criteria.

• At least 3-5 years of experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields, with a proven track record of success in securing funding from public and private sources.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling proposals and other written materials.
• Experience managing complex processes, including working with multiple stakeholders, developing proposal strategies, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize and present data and information in a compelling and persuasive manner.
• Excellent organizational skills, including managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Passion for CPEX's mission and a deep commitment to equity and sustainability.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Location: CPEX’s office is located in downtown Baton Rouge and offers a flexible work environment. After an initial fully in-office period, CPEX employees may work some days remotely as the role allows. As a CPEX employee, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in some CPEX workshops and events, occasionally on evenings and weekends with advance notice.
• Compensation: The Grant Writer can either be a part-time, hourly position, or a full-time, salaried position with a competitive benefits package. Salary for a full-time position ranges from $55,000 to $65,000. The hourly rate for a part-time position would be commensurate.
• Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio if desired, to Liz Goad at
• lgoad@cpex.org, and must be authorized to work in the United States. Qualified candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews on an ongoing basis and the position will remain open until filled.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT CPEX

CPEX is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and we aspire to do so intentionally, in every aspect of our work. We recognize that sustainable prosperity and community resilience cannot be realized in the absence of equity and inclusion for all Louisiana residents, and we strive to lift all voices in our efforts to ensure that all Louisianans are included in the decisions that impact their communities, region, and state. CPEX is committed to integrating DEI into the fabric of our organization and our work, from our internal culture to how we partner with communities, to how we use our resources, and we are continually seeking ways to expand our impact and improve our performance on these measures. A successful candidate will be equally committed to these goals and values.