Ann Arbor, Michigan
East Orange, New Jersey
Posted: 05-Nov-25
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 500676
Job Summary:
The Grants and External Funding Manager is responsible for supporting the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development’s (KPICD) mission by identifying opportunities for and obtaining competitive external funding; developing proposals; and supporting institute staff throughout the life cycle of the project. This role serves as a liaison between KPICD and its external partners who support the institute’s work through grants, contracts, and philanthropic donations. The ideal candidate brings a relationship-centered approach to grant writing and community engagement, cultivating meaningful partnerships to ensure that proposals are aligned with the institute’s mission, applications are responsive and of high quality, and that funder/donor relationships and data are well maintained.
Duties & Essential Job Functions:
Grant Writing and Proposal Development
1. Contributes to and coordinates the writing of research and foundation grant proposals by reviewing funding announcements, researching funding/donor websites and databases, conducting literature reviews, and crafting proposals both independently and in collaboration with KPICD leadership and staff.
2. Provides grant writing and editing services for research and philanthropic proposals and submissions, including technical writing for project narratives, scopes of work, and supporting documents required by funding agencies (e.g., biographical sketches, documents demonstrating organizational capacity).
3. Edits and reviews proposal narratives and supporting documents for grammar, appropriate and inclusive language, alignment with KPICD values, and responsiveness to the funding announcement, request for proposal, or solicitation notice.
4. Assists with administrative proposal information and budget development including large, interdisciplinary or multi-institutional applications and serves as primary resource for pre-award proposal questions.
Collaboration and Coordination
5. Works with the KPICD leadership to identify potential funding opportunities and align partnership/grantmaking goals with KPICD’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
6. Coordinates closely with the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs, Advancement, and Strategy & Innovation offices to ensure that funding proposals adhere to university, federal/foundation/grantor policy and are strategically aligned with KPICD and University priorities and values.
7. Contributes to the creation of compelling funding proposals, reports, and impact updates in partnership with university communications and institute leadership (e.g., annual reports and impact storytelling in coordination with relevant teams).
8. Provides ongoing education and support to KPICD staff on grant requirements and specifications, university procedures and submission protocols, federal regulatory standards, etc. to ensure strong communication and coordination in grant development, submission, and compliance.
Administrative Support for Grant Development and Donor/Foundation Relations
9. Provides administrative guidance and support throughout the grant preparation process.
10. Maintains calendars and timelines for grant submissions, report due dates, and other milestones.
11. Ensures compliance with all necessary regulations and guidelines from relevant organizations.
12. Prepares and maintains accurate documentation as required for grants and funding.
13. Collects and analyzes data to produce reports for funders and the study team, and supports manuscript preparation for journal submission and other dissemination activities.
14. Researches and analyzes funding requirements and opportunities relevant to organizational needs.
15. Coordinates with the KPICD Assist Dir of Operations to update and monitor donor and foundation gift logs, receiving, scanning/copying, filing and routing all gifts and grants.
16. Works closely with the KPICD Director to prepare funder correspondence (e.g. funder letters, Gift Officer acknowledgements); works closely with administrative support team to track, produce and mail.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in child development, psychology, communications, business, English or a related field
• 4 years’ experience in grant writing, grant administration, or related grant/external funding role
Preferred Education & Experience:
• None.
Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:
• None.
Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Grant Professional Certified (GPC), or similar credentials.
• TBRI Practitioner
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Knowledge of with academic research processes, institutional advancement, or public-private partnerships.
• Skill in descriptive writing and editing, specifically for grant writing and professional communication.
• Skill with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in professional communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Ability to show passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to community-centered work.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and thrive in collaborative environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, and maintain confidential files.
• Ability to learn and adapt to evolving policies and systems.
• Ability to draft grammatically correct correspondence.
• Ability to assume administrative tasks and make independent decisions regarding daily activities.
TCU Core Competencies:
University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.
Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):
• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.
Work Environment:
• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• The position requires regular interaction with university departments and external agencies.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
Employment Values Statement:
Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.