WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS
Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut has land secured and ready to build 65 homes across New London, Windham, and Tolland Counties. The families are waiting. Funding is the only barrier between that vision and reality — and building the infrastructure to pursue it with consistency, urgency, and heart is exactly what this role is here to do.
We are approaching our 40th anniversary and entering one of the most pivotal growth chapters in our history. This is not a position you step into and maintain. It is a position you step into and build — alongside a Director of Development and Executive Director who are doing the same thing.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We will be direct: we are looking for an experienced grant writer. Not someone we can teach to write grants — someone who already knows how, has done it, and can step into a complex grants portfolio with confidence and minimal ramp-up time.
Beyond grants, we need someone who thinks systemically, builds structure, and is genuinely excited about the generalist nature of development work in a small, scrappy, mission-driven organization. Job descriptions here are starting points. The right person for this role will run past theirs.
You understand that in a small nonprofit, your title is one thing and your contribution is another — and you prefer it that way.
THE WORK
Grants Management & Writing (60%)
- Identify and research federal, state, foundation, and corporate grant opportunities aligned with our active construction projects and program priorities
- Write, edit, and submit grant applications — from Letters of Inquiry through full federal proposals — independently and with precision
- Manage a complex grants calendar including deadlines, reporting requirements, compliance obligations, and funder relationships
- Draft interim and final grant reports for all active awards
- Build and maintain grant tracking systems, templates, and SOPs that create institutional memory and reduce decision overhead
- Coordinate with Construction, Finance, and Programs staff to ground every application in accurate project and financial data
Development Department Support (40%)
- Support execution across our Five Development Pillars: Institutional Grants, Corporate Partnerships, Major Gifts, Mass Market Philanthropy, and Planned Giving
- Assist in building donor and sponsor stewardship workflows that create long-term relationships beyond the financial ask
- Provide strategic and logistical support for fundraising events including our annual Golf Tournament
- Conduct prospect research on funders, donors, and corporate partners
- Support CRM data integrity and departmental reporting
- Contribute to SOPs, templates, and documentation that allow the department to operate with clarity and consistency
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Required:
- Demonstrated, independent grant writing experience — you have written and submitted grants, managed a portfolio, and produced reports for funders
- Experience with federal, state, and/or foundation grant programs — familiarity with CDBG, HOME, or HUD programs is a meaningful advantage
- Strong written communication skills — clear, compelling, and capable of translating complex program and financial data into persuasive narratives
- Organizational discipline — you build systems, track details, and manage competing deadlines without dropping the ball
- Collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves mindset — you are as comfortable building a spreadsheet as you are writing a narrative
- Basic office and administrative experience — email, document management, scheduling
Preferred:
- Certified Grant Administrator (CGA) or CDBG certification — if not yet certified, HFHECT will fully fund your training and certification, including all associated travel costs
- Experience with nonprofit CRM or grant management systems
- Event coordination or development operations experience
- Community roots in Eastern Connecticut — New London, Windham, or Tolland County
A NOTE ON CERTIFICATION
The top of our salary range is reserved for candidates who arrive already certified in grant administration and/or CDBG. If you are not yet certified, we will fully fund your Certified Grant Administrator and CDBG Administrator training — including travel to Hartford if required. This is an investment we make in you and in the long-term strength of this department. We expect the new hire to pursue both certifications within their first year.
OUR CULTURE
We are a small staff doing meaningful work across the largest geographic Habitat service area in Connecticut. We don’t have room for ego — but we have a great deal of room for curiosity, initiative, and heart.
We are building a development department that operates like an ecosystem: every role connected, every person contributing beyond their lane, everyone anchored to the same mission. This department is in an active growth phase — the opportunities ahead of us are ones none of us can fully imagine yet. What we can tell you is that this will not be a stagnant role. We grow together.
HOW TO APPLY
In lieu of a traditional cover letter, we invite you to submit a short grant-style narrative making the case for why you are the right investment for this role. Think of us as the funder. Think of yourself as the project. Tell us the problem you solve, the approach you bring, and the impact we can expect if we choose to invest in you.
There is no required format. What we are looking for is instinct — the ability to frame a compelling case with clarity, warmth, and intention. That is the work. Show us you can do it.
Submit your narrative and resume to:
[email protected]
While this position may be listed on job boards for visibility, we warmly encourage direct outreach. We believe the way you apply tells us something about how you work — and we notice.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
This position requires the physical ability to sit, climb a ladder, walk, and/or stand for prolonged periods of time. While the offices are smoke-free and temperature controlled, much of the work may be in non-temperature-controlled conditions, including outdoors, year-round.
The position requires the ability to safely lift and carry at least 50 lbs. on an occasional basis and/or to stand up to 6 hours. Reasonable accommodation can be made for the physical requirements of this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Pay: $62,500.00 - $72,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you managed a grant portfolio including deadlines, reporting requirements, and funder relationships?
- Does the salary range of $62,500–$72,500 align with your compensation expectations?
Experience:
- Grand writing: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
