Grant Writer/Coordinator Job Description, Career as a Grant Writer/Coordinator, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Median Salary: $51,967 annually

Job Prospects: Good

Job Description

Grant writers and coordinators develop appropriate proposals and programs for many different organizations. This is a role that is two-fold. It involves a great deal of coordination among different parties, as well as the ability to effectively write proposals.

In the grant coordination role, this individual works with people within the supporting organization itself, government agencies, and outside supporters to understand requirements. Keeping on top of budget requirements and developing an appropriate program is at the forefront of this role. This involves a great deal of communication and coordination between the various parties. All of this coordination goes into the grant proposal itself, so it’s important for grant coordinators to understand all requirements and follow them.

Once all of the literature is reviewed and information is gathered in terms of funding and the parameters of the program, the grant writer begins to develop the proposal. This encompasses all the different points gathered and budgets for the program. Although the grant coordination and writing happen in two different phases, this is usually a role for one person who wears two different hats. It’s important to have skills in both writing and communication because both will come into play.

The proposal for grant funding is developed and takes some time as it involves very detailed writing. This is what the grant program will be based off of and will be consulted with throughout the process, so the grant writer is heavily involved at the beginning and throughout the grant program. This is a pivotal role within a government sector, institution, school system, or other organization.

Training/Educational Requirements

Usually grant writers have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as marketing or communications, although this is not a requirement. Individuals in this position may have a higher education, although it is not a requirement. Most grant writers/coordinators have a writing background since it is required to create appropriate proposals.

Grant writers/coordinators often have a background in nonprofit environments, although this is not a needed requirement. Oftentimes when an organization or government sector brings on a grant writer or coordinator, they send them to a training course. There are many different training programs to prepare individuals for this role. Even a seasoned grant writer benefits from a training course in this area to keep up with their education.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired into a role as a grant writer/coordinator is to have experience. Having a writing background is one surefire way to get your foot in the door, although this is a different and more specialized type of writing. Any writing experience can transfer well, although training in this specialization is often required once hired.

Working in a similar type of environment is another excellent way to get hired as a grant coordinator/writer. They can work for a school system, municipality, government sector, nonprofit company, or other organization that has the need for grants. Gaining experience helps prepare grant writers/coordinators to move onto more responsible roles.

Working in a coordination role in a different job helps to get hired as a grant writer/coordinator. Having the ability to interact with government officials and high level executives prepares an individual for this role. Organizations want to see that grant writers/coordinators can handle all aspects of coordination and writing, so anything in this capacity will help in getting hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

As more organizations are looking for outside funding for various programs, the need for grant writers/coordinators continues to grow. More government sectors continue to require funding and programs to outline this funding. More organizations and nonprofit agencies have a need for grant funding. This means the role of a grant writer/coordinator continues to evolve and stay in high demand.

There is an increase for grant writers to work on their own, offering their services to a variety of clients or organizations. Grant writers/coordinators with proven experience can find a lucrative career working to provide their services as a standalone company, often owning their own business. This is a newer trend, but has become quite popular as more companies look to grant writers for the experience they need in putting together programs. This may be a common trend since work can be temporary in nature, and it wouldn’t entail companies to pay overhead for a one time grant requirement.

Working Environment

The typical work environment for a grant writer is an office. Usually the office is situated in the midst of other members of the team. Although grant writers/coordinators work in their own office, they keep a rather hectic pace as people come in and out quite frequently.

Grant writers/coordinators spend time in their office when working on budget requirements or performing the actual writing services. However, as they work to coordinate everything, they travel to various sites to meet with involved parties. They also are involved in higher level meetings to gain insight and information required for the grant proposal. With so many things going on, their days are far from typical.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for grant writers is generally about $51,967 per year. However, it can range anywhere from $46,484 and $60,538 a year. Having experience as a grant writer/corrdinator, or within a nonprofit environment allows the opportunity to earn more money. The range is often attributed to the size of the organization, the requirements of the job, and the geographical location. Grant writers/coordinators usually receive standard benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, as well as medical coverage.