Now Hiring: Grant Writer at Direct Relief in Santa Barbara, CA – $70,000 to $80,000 Salary Range
Now Hiring: Grant Writer at Direct Relief in Santa Barbara, CA – $70,000 to $80,000 Salary Range. Are you a strategic communicator and skilled writer with a passion for global humanitarian causes? Direct Relief is seeking a Grant Writer to join its Partnerships & Philanthropy team in Santa Barbara, California. This full-time position offers a competitive annual salary between $70,000 and $80,000 and a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of health equity by securing vital funding for emergency response and medical aid programs. Help power life-saving efforts around the world by applying today!
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Background & Job Description
This article is for informational and promotional purposes only. We are not affiliated with Direct Relief and are simply advertising this opportunity to support global jobseekers.
Direct Relief is one of the world’s most respected nonprofit humanitarian organizations, dedicated to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies. Operating across the U.S. and more than 80 countries, Direct Relief delivers life-saving medical resources and disaster relief with efficiency and compassion.
The Grant Writer plays a vital role in the organization’s Partnerships & Philanthropy (P&P) team by crafting compelling proposals, reports, and other donor communications. As part of a growing foundation engagement division, this position works across departments to align messaging and secure new funding opportunities from institutional donors, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
This position is based in Santa Barbara, California, and supports both domestic and international program initiatives.
Tasks
Research and Identify Funding Opportunities
- Proactively identify and evaluate funding sources aligned with Direct Relief’s programs.
- Conduct strategic donor research to support proposal development and outreach.
Proposal Development
- Draft compelling grant proposals, concept notes, pitch decks, and letters of inquiry.
- Ensure all proposals and documents align with donor guidelines and Direct Relief priorities.
- Tailor messaging to match diverse funding streams and requirements.
Grant Management
- Coordinate all aspects of the grant lifecycle from proposal submission to reporting.
- Maintain accurate documentation and track deadlines using CRM platforms such as Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge: NXT.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with finance, program, and communications teams to gather required data, financials, and program narratives.
- Support collective fundraising efforts and collaborative donor campaigns.
Donor Relations
- Provide high-quality stewardship and customized updates to foundation partners.
- Support donor visits and develop tailored donor materials and updates.
Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders on project impact and compliance.
- Track outcomes and collaborate with internal teams to produce narrative and financial reports.
Organizational Learning and Strategy
- Stay up-to-date with trends in institutional philanthropy and grant-writing best practices.
- Share insights and contribute to long-term foundation engagement strategies.
Now Hiring: Grant Writer at Direct Relief in Santa Barbara, CA – $70,000 to $80,000 Salary Range
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include nonprofit management, communications, business, or public affairs.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience writing and managing grants in a nonprofit environment.
- Proven record of securing large institutional grants.
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional writing, research, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Strong project management and deadline-driven mindset.
- Able to collaborate effectively across teams and cultures.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Technical Requirements
- Experience with Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge: NXT is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT is a plus.
Additional Requirements
- Passion for humanitarian work.
- Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends.
- Clear background and toxicology checks.
Additional Information
Location
- Santa Barbara, California (in-office position)
Compensation
- Annual salary range: $70,000 to $80,000 USD
- Salary based on qualifications and relevant experience.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
Physical Demands
- Desk work with extended computer use.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
Reporting Structure
- Reports to senior leaders within the Partnerships & Philanthropy team.
Employment Type
- Full-time
- Regular
- Professional Level
Equal Employment Opportunity
Direct Relief is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The organization is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Important Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with Direct Relief and do not accept applications for this position. Please visit the official Direct Relief careers page to apply.
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