Part-Time Consultant Grant Writer

About Santa Monica Mountains Fund

Santa Monica Mountains Fund is the nonprofit partner to the National Park Service and California State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. We support habitat restoration, native plant production, climate resilience, education, and workforce development programs across public lands in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

As our programs continue to expand, we are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Grant Writer to support proposal development and grant submissions across a diverse funding portfolio.

Position Summary

The Grant Writer works closely with the Executive Director and program staff to develop clear, compelling grant proposals that accurately reflect our programs, partnerships, and impact. This role focuses on writing, editing, and managing grant submissions for foundation, corporate, and government funders. The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit grant writer who can work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain consistency in organizational voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and track grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities
• Write, edit, and refine grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting narratives
• Collaborate with staff to gather program descriptions, budgets, timelines, and outcomes
• Ensure proposals meet funder guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements
• Maintain grant calendars and submission tracking
• Support interim and final grant reports as needed
• Uphold accuracy, clarity, and consistency across all grant materials

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a grant writer, with a track record of successful awards
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex programs into clear narratives
• Experience with environmental, conservation, education, or workforce development funding preferred
• Familiarity with foundation and government grant processes
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a small team
• Familiarity with public lands, the National Park Service, California State Parks, or public–private partnerships is a plus

Work Style

Flexible, part-time, project-based engagement. Work may be performed remotely, with a preference for consultants based in or near Westlake Village to allow for occasional in-person collaboration. This role works directly with the Executive Director and program leads and requires strong communication, reliability, and the ability to manage deadlines independently.

Independent Contractor Status

This position is structured as an independent contractor engagement. The Grant Writer will provide services on a project and deliverables basis and will retain discretion over work methods, scheduling, and workflow, subject to agreed-upon deadlines and collaboration needs. This role does not include employee benefits.

Compensation

Compensation will be hourly and based on experience, particularly in grant writing for public lands, environmental programs, and government funding.

Typical ranges in Southern California may include:

• Early career grant writers approximately $35–$45 per hour
• Experienced grant writers approximately $45–$65 per hour
• Advanced experience with public land, state, or federal grants approximately $65–$85+ per hour

Applicants are encouraged to include their desired hourly rate or rate range in their cover letter, reflecting their experience and the scope of work.