Grant Writer & Researcher - Catholic Education Foundation Department

Location: Archdiocese of Los Angeles 

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time 

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grant Writer and Researcher plays a vital role in advancing our Catholic mission by supporting strategic fundraising for the Catholic Education Foundation’s [CEF] and all programs and initiatives. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive foundation relations plan aimed at securing funding to support CEF’s various initiatives. The role includes identifying grant opportunities, crafting compelling and mission-aligned proposals, and overseeing the submission and reporting processes. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to CEF’s mission, with strong skills in research, writing, and relationship-building.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

Because all Archdiocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

• Identify prospective grant opportunities that align with the organization’s mission, programs, and values.
• Research foundations, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Prospect research to identify new donors, create strategies for grants, engagement, and solicitation.
• Create and implement a plan to secure annual and multi-year funding from foundations, corporations, and high-net worth individuals in support of CEF’s annual fundraising goals; manage a portfolio of researched prospects.
• Write and submit high quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, special asks, and compliance reports.
• Steward existing foundations and grow the pipeline of new organizations and corporations.
• Prepare supporting documentation and ensure compliance with all application requirements.
• Tailor messaging to reflect CEF’s mission, faith-based values, and impact.
• Track proposal deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly grant tracking status report for development and board meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of all grants, funding sources, and communication.
• Collaborate with CEF departments [programs, marketing/communications staff] to gather data and success stories for grants and compliance reports.
• Support donor stewardship efforts by helping craft follow-up communications, thank-you letters, and reports.
• Foster positive relationships with grant-making institutions and partners.
• Assist with other fundraising projects/events as needed and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and Experience

 

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as English, Communications, and/or Non-Profit Management.
• Master’s degree preferred, especially in areas related to grant writing, fundraising, and/or education.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of successful grant writing and research experience, preferably within a non-profit or faith-based organization.
• Demonstrated success in securing grants from foundations and corporations.
• Experience in donor communications, proposal development, and grant compliance/reporting.
• Familiarity with Catholic terminology and traditions, with the ability to authentically integrate faith-informed messaging and Church teaching into written materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management tools; experience with donor databases (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, One Drive, Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, Lexis Nexis, NDP) is required.
• Proven track record of raising money from foundations and/or institutional donors.
• Detail oriented and ability to meet deadlines.
• Highly organized and ability to multi-task.
• Collaborative and a team player.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• Solid understanding of grant proposal structure, funding cycles, and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with non-profit operations and program development.