Grant Writer

About the role

NLSLA seeks a highly skilled, strategic, and mission-driven Grant Writer who will play a critical role in securing the resources necessary to sustain and grow our work servicing low-income communities across Los Angeles County.

Responsibilities

• Research and assess funding opportunities to support provision of civil legal services in all areas that most impact low-income people including affordable housing and eviction defense, access to public benefits, support for domestic violence victims, access to healthcare, worker and consumer rights, and employment and training.
• Utilize and know how to navigate platforms, which identify possible funding opportunities.
• Partner with advocates to learn about programs and emerging needs and be able to translate into a strong written narrative with case story examples.
• Write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers, and grant proposals to federal, state, county, and city government agencies to support NLSLA’s legal advocacy priorities.
• Create and utilize database systems to track grant applications and progress.
• Work with NLSLA Development and Fiscal Staff to develop materials and budgets for proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, English, or related field, or comparable work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in grant writing with a demonstrated track record of securing public local, state and/or federal funding, and managing the full lifecycle of government grants, including prospecting, proposal development, and submission.
• Exceptional research, writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex legal, policy, and programmatic information into clear, persuasive and fundable proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities with precision, organization, and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance grant research, drafting, and editing processes.
• Familiarity with grant research using other fundraising sourcing resources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, outcomes, and program metrics to strengthen proposals and reports.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Self-directed with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a team.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgment, particularly in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

Qualifications

• Certification in grant writing, proposal development, and/or fundraising preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional research, writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Self-directed with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a team.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgment, particularly in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

Benefits

Competitive Salary: $71,000–$89,000, based on experience.

Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave.

Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.

403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.

Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.

Note: Qualified employees with bilingual proficiency are expected to provide in-language assistance when feasible to support language access and in furtherance of NLSLA’s mission.

A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.

NLSLA’s Commitments

• We Are Committed To Fostering a Culture Of Inclusion And Belonging Within Our Organization And The Communities We Serve.
• We Achieve This Through Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.
• Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.
• Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities.
• Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.
• A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.