Job Description

Overview

Who We Are

Childrens Law Center is a mission-driven organization focused on providing high-quality legal services to children and families in DC. Our vision is a world in which all children have a strong foundation of family, health and education and are free from poverty, trauma, racism and other forms of oppression. Our mission is to work with DC children and families to use the law to solve urgent problems today, improve systems for tomorrow, and strengthen our community so that change endures. A key part of our mission is to challenge and reduce racism and other biases that prevent children and our systems from helping them thrive.

Our greatest assets are our people. We value diversity, and staff members advance the organizations mission through leadership, results, and cultural humility. We seek individuals who are challenged to grow and who want to make a difference in the community. Childrens Law Centers success depends on recruiting and retaining people who embody these attributes.

Program Description

The Development Team at Childrens Law Center (CLC) raises private dollars to fund the work done each year to carry out the mission. We build relationships with donors from local, regional and national foundations, law firms and corporations, and individuals to receive annual and multi-year gifts. Each year the team raises more than $4 million through campaigns, events and personal solicitations.

Job Summary

The Grants Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Development Team by managing the full lifecycle of institutional grants. This includes coordinating grant applications and reports, tracking deadlines and deliverables, aligning grant budgets with programmatic needs and ensuring compliance with funder requirements. The Grants Manager serves as a central liaison between Development, Finance and Program teams to ensure strategic and effective use of grant funding.

Role Responsibilities

Grants Coordination and Project Management

• Manage the full grant life cycle in coordination with an external grant writing firm, including prospecting, proposal development, submission, reporting and stewardship for foundation, corporate and government grants.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines for proposals, reports, renewals and deliverables.
• Coordinate internal and external workflows for grant submissions and reporting, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Support the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in identifying new funding opportunities and stewarding existing fundraising relationships. Lead cross-functional collaboration to gather necessary data, narratives and financials for grant proposals and reports.
• Lead the internal project management for all funded grants, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the Development, Program and Finance teams.
• Develop clear work plans with the grant writing firm and internal stakeholders to meet grant deliverables and deadlines.
• Facilitate regular meetings with the grant writing firm and program managers to review grant progress, anticipate challenges and develop solutions.
• Monitor progress on grant-funded projects to ensure alignment with stated objectives and timelines.

• Grant Writing and Relationship Management
• Prepare and submit timely, high-quality grant applications for funding opportunities managed internally.
• Prepare and submit timely, high-quality grant reports that clearly articulate program impact and financial expenditures for funding opportunities managed internally.
• Create and maintain relationships with Foundation and Institution contacts to cultivate and steward strong, ongoing relationships.

• Compliance and Deliverables Oversight
• Maintain meticulous records of all grant-related documentation, including original proposals, contracts, reports and correspondence.
• Develop and maintain a robust system for tracking grant performance against key deliverables, outcomes and timelines.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with all funder requirements, terms and conditions, serving as the internal expert on grant reporting and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure grant budgets are accurately developed and aligned with programmatic needs and funder specifications.
• Facilitate regular check-ins with program and finance teams to assess grant performance and compliance.
• Monitor grant expenditures and budget variances, ensuring funds are used appropriately and efficiently according to grant agreements.
• Provide regular financial updates and analysis to the CDO and program staff on the status of grant spending.
• Ensure all grant activities comply with funder requirements and organizational policies.
• Assist in preparing for audits and funder reviews as needed.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of four to seven years of experience in nonprofit grants management, grant writing or institutional fundraising.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or certification in nonprofit management, public administration or related field preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to craft persuasive and clear grant narratives.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency in grant tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Salesforce or similar CRM, (e.g., Donor Perfect) is a plus.
• Experience with Power BI is a plus.

Organizational Competencies

• Cultural Humility an openness to self-reflection and to understanding and respecting other cultural experiences and points of view.
• Giving and Receiving Feedback the ability to be self-reflective and to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Conflict Management a process to guide individuals and groups from conflict to a solution, including identifying facts, exploring equitable solutions, and supporting others.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $65,000-$81,000 annually based on relevant experience. Childrens Law Center offers a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance; retirement contributions; flexible spending plans; and paid time off. Detailed information about benefits is available on the organizations website.

Application Instructions

This position will be starting in January 2026. To apply, submit a resume via CLC's careers page.

Work Conditions and Accessibility

Hybrid working conditions are in place: employees are required to work in-person a minimum of two days per week, with one of those days on Tuesday or Wednesday. The hybrid schedule may change based on organizational needs and role responsibilities. If you need accommodation during the search or application process, please email Jobs@ChildrensLawCenter.org with the accommodation request and job title.

Work Authorization and Background Checks

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor work visas. Candidates with a conditional offer will undergo a background check.

EEO

Childrens Law Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected status. Employment eligibility verification is required upon hire. Visit our careers page for more information.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and anti-racist community with opportunities and equitable outcomes for all. We work toward racial and social justice for children and families in DC.

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