Grant Writer

Position Overview

The Center for Election Science (CES) is seeking an experienced and results-driven Grant Writer to join our team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support our mission of advancing democracy through better voting methods and improving electoral systems. The Grant Writer will play a critical role in securing funding from private foundations, federal and state grants and other grant-making institutions to sustain and expand our work.

This is a contract position for a term of six months to one year with the potential for renewal.

Contract Length: 6 months to 1 year with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials to prospective funders.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship to refine messaging and ensure alignment with organizational priorities and goals.
• Maintain a comprehensive grant calendar to track deadlines, submission dates, and reporting requirements.
• Participate in development calls and granting organizations prep calls to ensure submissions align with grantors priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all grant guidelines, budgets, and funder expectations.
• Prepare progress reports and updates for funders as needed.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of securing transformational grants from large private foundations, government and public policy institutions.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of grantwriting experience, preferably in the fields of democracy promotion, political nonprofits, or accountable governance.
• Strong writing, and editing skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse funders.
• Familiarity with grant cycles and reporting requirements for major private foundations.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills to balance multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Experience collaborating with nonprofit leadership to develop cohesive and compelling grant submissions and letters of inquiry.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with electoral reform and/or voting methods is a plus.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape in democracy and governance-related fields.
• Strong technical skills including knowledge of Salesforce, Adobe, Google workspace.

The Center for Election Science is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.