VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most. Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.

-The Community Development Specialist will play a key role in supporting the organization’s sustainability and growth

through partnership development, community engagement, and funding research. This position is responsible for

identifying and cultivating relationships with external stakeholders, researching grant and funding opportunities, and

assisting with proposal development to secure ongoing program support. The role aligns with ARPA priorities by

strengthening long-term sustainability planning and expanding access to resources that promote continued program

success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● Community Engagement and Networking:

○ Actively engage with community stakeholders, including probation officers, referral sources, and

local agencies, to strengthen partnerships and promote collaboration.

○ Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and coalition gatherings to increase

visibility and foster goodwill.

○ Maintain an updated network of community contacts and potential partners.

● Funding and Resource Development:

○ Research and identify grant, funding, and contract opportunities aligned with organizational goals.

○ Develop, write, and edit proposals, applications, and supporting documentation.

○ Collaborate with leadership to create budgets and narratives that accurately reflect program

objectives and outcomes.

○ Track submission deadlines, renewal dates, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and

timeliness.

○ Write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals and funding applications, collaborating closely

with cross-functional teams to ensure strong narratives, accurate information, and timely

submissions.

● Strategic Support and Reporting:

○ Gather and analyze community data to identify gaps and opportunities for expansion.

○ Provide written summaries and recommendations to leadership to inform sustainability and growth

initiatives.

○ Maintain detailed documentation of outreach efforts, grant submissions, and outcomes for

reporting and audit purposes.

○ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure grant and partnership activities align with program goals

and regulatory requirements.

● Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public outreach.

● Excellent research, analytical, and organizational abilities.

● Demonstrated ability to build and maintain community partnerships.

● Knowledge of grant funding processes and proposal development.

● Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online grant platforms.

● Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

● Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Administration, Social Services, or related field preferred.

● 2–4 years of experience in grant writing, community engagement, or program development preferred.

● Experience working in nonprofit, social services, or government-funded programs is desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Must be 21 years of age or older.

● Flexible availability to support program operations outside standard business hours.

● Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI

criminal background.