Grants Writer

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Development Team!

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

About the Role
The Grants Writer works to leverage public and private funding opportunities to support free civil legal services for vulnerable individuals and families residing in LA County through prospecting and proposal writing.

This position is an integral part of NLSLA’s Development team, developing the expertise in grant research and writing specific to local, state, and federal governments. Work with private foundations will be limited to program specific work to support the Development team’s focus on raising general operating support.

In this role, you would report to the Director of Development. This position is exempt.

What You’ll Do

· 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.

· Partner with advocates to learn about programs and emerging needs and be able to translate into a strong written narrative.

· Write and submit letters of inquiry, concept papers and grant proposals to federal, state, and city/county government agencies, seeking to support NLSLA’s legal advocacy priorities.

· Utilize database systems to track grant applications and progress.

· Work with NLSLA Development and Fiscal Staff to develop materials and budgets for proposals.

What You’ll Need

· Undergraduate degree in journalism, English, related field, or comparable work experience.

· Certification or continuing education in grant writing, proposal development and/or fundraising preferred.

· At least three (3) years of professional experience in grant writing/fundraising with an emphasis on government grants.

· Demonstrated record of developing successful grant proposals with an emphasis on government agencies.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook.

· Have experience leveraging AI tools to enhance grant research, drafting, and editing processes.

· Knowledge of and familiarity with grant research using and other fundraising sourcing resources.

· Excellent writing, research, organizational, and oral skills.

· Fluency in written and spoken English.

· Self-directed.

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a team.

· Strong attention to detail.

· COVID-19 vaccination is required, which is a condition of employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Competitive Salary:$70,000–$80,000, based on experience.
• Work-Life Balance: Our standard work week is 35 hours, and we offer a hybrid work schedule      after an initial probationary period. Some weeks may require additional hours to meet programmatic or organizational needs.
• 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.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

Apply Today
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable families in Los Angeles?

Apply now to join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to justice and equity. 

We are excited to hear from you!

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. 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.