Grant Writer

About the role

The Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) at California State University, Chico advances research, education, technical assistance, and workforce development that support regenerative agriculture and resilient food systems. Working with farmers, ranchers, government agencies, nonprofits, Tribal communities, and industry partners, CRARS develops science-based solutions that improve soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and agricultural profitability across California. This part‑time, hourly, non‑exempt position is based on the Chico State campus in a hybrid work environment, requiring approximately 50% of time spent in the office. The role involves securing competitive funding to advance regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, agricultural education, workforce development, and applied research throughout California.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify funding opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and private‑sector sources.
• Develop compelling, competitive grant proposals, concept papers, letters of inquiry, and funding applications.
• Coordinate proposal development among faculty, researchers, project partners, and university administration.
• Prepare project narratives, budgets, work plans, timelines, logic models, and supporting documentation.
• Gather and synthesize technical information into clear, persuasive proposals for diverse audiences.
• Ensure proposals meet sponsor requirements, deadlines, and university compliance policies.
• Maintain a grant opportunity calendar and proposal pipeline.
• Assist with post‑award reporting, progress updates, and impact reporting.
• Develop and maintain relationships with funding agencies, philanthropic organizations, and collaborative partners.
• Support strategic fundraising initiatives that align with CRARS’ mission and long‑term priorities.

Requirements

Strong writing, editing, storytelling, research, and project management skills; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into accessible proposal narratives; budget development and project planning experience; familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and grant management platforms; ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates must be California residents; Chico State Enterprises does not sponsor H‑1B visas for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. A degree in agriculture or ecological sciences is a plus.
• Three or more years of successful grant writing experience.
• Demonstrated record of securing competitive grants.
• Experience with higher education, nonprofit organizations, or public agencies preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with proposal management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture, climate‑smart agriculture, natural resources, sustainability, workforce development, local food systems, or agricultural research is highly desirable.
• Experience writing proposals for organizations such as: USDA (NIFA, NRCS, AMS, FSA, AFRI), CDFA, CNRA, DOC, CARB, U.S. Department of Energy, NSF, and foundations supporting agriculture, climate, conservation, education, and rural communities.

Benefits

• Accrued sick leave: 1 hour earned for every 30 hours worked.

Pay

$35.00 – $38.00 per hour.

Schedule

Approximately 15–25 hours per week, with flexibility based on workload and funding cycles.