Contract Grant Writer

PJI seeks an experienced grant writer to work with PJI’s Director of Development and Program Staff on the conceptualization, coordination, and drafting of a variety of grant proposals that advance the mission and visibility of PJI. The grant writer will serve as the primary author for competitive proposals, will identify and analyze funding opportunities; convene and facilitate interdisciplinary teams of staff to shape ideas into fundable projects; and develop narratives, budgets, timelines, and supporting materials that meet funding requirements. The grant writer will ensure that all proposals reflect the intellectual rigor and strategic priorities of PJI. We anticipate this contract will not exceed six months but may extend the contract based on the needs of the organization. Note: Experience working in the criminal legal sector is preferred but not required.

Grant Writing Services Needed:

• Lead the full lifecycle of institutional grants, including prospect research, letters of intent, proposals, renewals, interim and final reports.
• Serve as the primary point person for grant development, coordinating inputs across departments and managing deadlines.
• Develop clear, persuasive narratives that reflect PJI’s litigation, community impact, and storytelling/narrative change.
• Work with Director of Development in maintaining and managing the grants calendar to track deadlines, reporting requirements, and follow-ups.
• Research and identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities using grant databases, funder communications, and professional networks.
• Support funder compliance, reporting accuracy, and internal documentation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience of successfully writing and managing multiple grant proposals.
• Strong alignment with social justice values.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and cross-departmental communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience with institutional funders supporting legal services, criminal legal systems, and racial justice.
• Familiarity with multi-year grants and complex reporting requirements.