Job Description
Job Description
???? We're Hiring: Director of Grants Strategy & Impact
Location: Providence, RI
Reports To: Chief of Philanthropy & External Affairs
Employment Type: Full-Time - Monday- Friday 8 hour shifts
Join a Mission That Changes Lives. Lead Funding That Fuels Impact.
At Children's Friend, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. For more than 190 years, we've been strengthening families and building brighter futures through innovative programs that support children from birth through adulthood.
We're looking for a strategic, collaborative, and passionate Director of Grants Strategy & Impact to lead our institutional fundraising efforts and help secure the resources that make our mission possible.
If you're an experienced grant professional who enjoys building relationships, managing complex projects, crafting compelling proposals, and translating meaningful outcomes into funding opportunities, we'd love to meet you.
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
As the Director of Grants Strategy & Impact, you'll serve as a key leader within our Philanthropy team, shaping the strategy behind a diverse portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government grants.
You'll collaborate closely with program leaders, finance, executive leadership, and community partners to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and ensure successful stewardship of grant-funded programs.
Even better—you'll step into this role through a thoughtful leadership transition, working alongside the current Director to gain valuable insight into our funders, grant portfolio, internal processes, and collaborative culture before taking full ownership.
???? What You’ll Do:Lead Grant Strategy
- Research and identify public and private funding opportunities.
- Evaluate funding prospects for strategic fit and organizational capacity.
- Develop and lead high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and renewal applications.
- Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting.
- Build systems that keep grant information organized, accessible, and compliant.
Drive Cross-Department Collaboration
- Partner with Program Leadership to understand community needs and program outcomes.
- Collaborate with Finance to develop accurate grant budgets.
- Coordinate internal review processes and manage proposal timelines.
- Keep stakeholders informed and projects moving forward.
Strengthen Funder Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation, corporate, and government funders.
- Coordinate meetings, site visits, and ongoing communications.
- Identify future funding opportunities that align with agency priorities.
Ensure Compliance & Stewardship
- Oversee grant reporting and compliance requirements.
- Track deliverables, outcomes, and reporting deadlines.
- Share the impact of grant-funded programs through meaningful stewardship communications.
Lead & Inspire
- Supervise and mentor the Program Development Coordinator.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-focused team environment.
- Serve as a member of the Philanthropy leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and fundraising success.
???? What You Bring:
We're looking for someone who is equal parts strategist, storyteller, collaborator, and project manager.
You'll be successful if you have:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
- 6+ years of grant writing, nonprofit fundraising, program development, or related experience
- Demonstrated success securing grants from foundation, corporate, and/or government funders
- Exceptional writing, editing, research, and communication skills
- Experience managing multiple deadlines and complex projects
- Strong organizational and relationship-building skills
- Ability to translate data, outcomes, and community impact into compelling funding narratives
- Experience collaborating with finance teams on grant budgets is preferred
- Experience in human services, healthcare, early childhood, education, or community-based organizations is highly valued
We're Looking For Someone Who Is
✔ Strategic and forward-thinking
✔ An exceptional writer and communicator
✔ Organized and detail-oriented
✔ Collaborative and relationship-driven
✔ Curious, innovative, and solutions-focused
✔ Passionate about making a lasting impact in the community
???? Why Join Children’s Friend?
At Children’s Friend, we believe every child deserves a strong start. As part of our team, you’ll have the chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your efforts matter every day.
???? Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to equity and diversity in the workplace. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at talent@cfsri.org.
Children’s Friend offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:
- Medical Dental and Vision coverage
- Employer contributions to the 403(b) plan
- Employer-paid Life and Disability insurance
- Flex Spending Accounts
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Competitive Vacation Benefits
- Training and Professional Development
- Education Assistance
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance