Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!
Job Description:
The Grants and Service Development Specialist (GSDS) will prepare and submit grant applications to state, federal, local governments, foundations, and other sources of funding. Develop and draft documents for grant applications that will facilitate analyses and outcome reports appropriate for publication; Research and draft persuasive, succinct documents using statistics (e.g., census data, health statistics, etc.); Research and draft summaries of Funding Availability, Requests for Applications/Proposals, etc., related to behavioral healthcare; Correlate funding opportunities with agency needs and work closely with senior management and program staff to submit funding proposals within strict grant guidelines and deadlines.
Job Requirements:
Must have satisfactorily achieved all competencies necessary to advance from the probationary employee to a GSDS Level 1, as defined on the following pages. Please Note: Minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for a GSDS position at any level are as follows:
- Minimum B.A./B.S. in the behavioral sciences, communications, or related field, and
- 2 years of experience in researching, identifying, analyzing, summarizing, and coordinating proposals for federal, state, local governments, foundations, and other funding opportunities.
- Evidence of funding success strongly preferred.
- Knowledge/understanding of program evaluation practices and familiarity with statistical methods, data collection, and research tracking methods.
- Must be a skilled technical writer and communicator with the ability to compile and present data and statistics and to utilize the internet as a research tool.
- Possess working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently and as member of a team, and to work efficiently under deadlines.
Grants and Service Development Specialist 1 (GSDS 1): Foundational and Functional Competencies to Be Achieved at 90 Days
At the end of the 90-day introductory period, the GSD Specialist 1 will demonstrate the following foundational competencies:
I. Teamwork
- Works cooperatively with others toward a common objective
- Expresses positive attitude toward work and respect for fellow employees and Centerstone managers and leaders
- Signals commitment to grant writing processes by being personally present and involved in projects
- Listens attentively to others’ ideas and concerns, and responds constructively
- Provides assistance, information, and support to others when needed
- Uses all available channels (phone, email, meetings, texts) to communicate important messages
- Is prompt and attentive in meetings, work sessions (e.g., Group Edits), submitting timesheets, etc.
- Expresses support for and loyalty to Centerstone’s mission and strategic goals
- Adheres to Centerstone and Grant Writing policies and procedures
II. Personal Development
- Works independently and efficiently under deadlines
- Aligns own goals and desire to progress on the job with the strategic direction of Grants Office and Centerstone
- Exhibits an open and inquiring mind with strong commitment to explore factual information and scientific data (i.e., seeking to know “why?”), interpret accurately to increase understanding, and apply critical thinking and reasoning skills
- Identifies limitations of own skills, learnings needed, and when to ask for help
- Is responsive, communicable, and open-minded in weekly supervisor meetings
- Prepares Professional Development Plan with specific goals and timeline for accomplishment
- Clarifies expectations about what will be done, how, and by when
- Determines appropriate priorities and plans tasks accordingly
- Promptly notifies supervisor about any problems that affect ability to accomplish planned goals or assigned tasks
- Informs others involved in a project about plans and status of work toward project
- Uses list of competencies, performance review form, supervisor feedback, etc., to learn job skills and performance expectations, and takes significant action to develop skills required for effectiveness in current job and progression to next job level
- Commits and adheres to timely work results and to attendance as required in order to complete high quality results
- Exhibits professional attire and grooming that meet Centerstone and GW workplace standards
- Exhibits high level of attention to detail and accuracy, and meets established timelines
- Plans and organizes tasks and follows through effectively to achieve desired results
- Exhibits flexibility and completes unexpected extra assignments willingly
- Builds relationships with key Centerstone staff (program, leaders, etc.) whose cooperation and support is needed
III. Oral Communication
- Speaks clearly and can be easily understood
- Uses appropriate grammar and choice of words when speaking
- Organizes and expresses ideas clearly and concisely when speaking
- Maintains eye contact when speaking with others
- Verifies understanding of what others have said by summarizing or paraphrasing
- Listens well and clarifies questions/concerns
IV. Written Communication
- Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in writing
- Organizes written ideas clearly and logically, and signals such organization to the reader via headings, first sentence in paragraphs, flow to next paragraph/section, etc.
- Spells correctly
- Uses punctuation correctly
- Writes grammatically
- Writes using concrete, specific language in an appropriate technical writing style
- Uses graphics and other aids to clarify and amplify complex information and statistical data
- Identifies and presents information or data that will have strong effect on readers
- Selects language and examples to illustrate key points in narrative
- Demonstrates consistent improvement in writing skills, accuracy, and thoroughness in narrative sections on staffing and organizational experience/capability
At the end of the 90-day introductory period, the GSD Specialist 1 will demonstrate the following functional competencies:
I. Pre-application
- Writes Fit Analyses accurately, based on Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA), Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA), Requests for Applications/Proposals (RFA/RFP), and other funding announcements, for Grant Writing management staff to consider and determine appropriateness of applying on behalf of a Centerstone entity
- Writes Summaries of FOAs, NOFAs, RFAs/RFPs, and other funding announcements accurately and thoroughly for management and program staff to consider applying for funding
II. Application Process
- Completes required forms accurately and by designated deadline for submission of application to funding agencies
- Coordinates and secures signatures from appropriate Centerstone leaders to be submitted to funding agencies with applications
- Ensures timely receipt of MOUs/LOCs/letters from program staff to be submitted to funding agencies with applications
- Receives, tracks, and assembles MOUs/LOCs/letters to be submitted to funding agencies with applications
- Collects and edits program staff resumes to be submitted to funding agencies with applications
- Compiles and organizes literature citations to be submitted to funding agencies with applications
- Creates/edits graphics, including charts, graphs, maps, etc., to be included in/with narratives
III. Research
- Identifies specific information needed to address FOA instructions/requirements
- Uses the internet as a research tool to form the basis for writing the response to FOA instructions
- Checks multiple academic sources to get more complete and accurate information
- Researches and organizes statistics/data to be included in narrative
- Performs basic mathematics calculations and reasoning (i.e., whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, and ratios/proportions) proficiently, accurately (at least 90% of the time), and quickly
- Identifies knowledgeable people to interview/obtain information from for narratives
- Screens out irrelevant and vague information, keeping high-quality data
- Uses computer software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio, and Adobe Acrobat Standard and Illustrator, to collect and present accurate data
- Follows formatting requirements
- Presents data that is appealing and easy to read for reviewers
IV. Writing the Narrative
- Writes assigned narrative sections (Key Personnel/Staffing and Organizational Experience/Capability at a minimum for GSDS 1) that specifically address the detailed instructions, goals, objectives, and expectations of the FOA
- Uses source material effectively to address FOA instructions/requirements
- Completes narrative drafts that are on time and meet expected level of readiness for review by project lead and Group Edits
- Meets all deadlines for assigned tasks
V. Administrative Duties
- Performs general administrative support duties, including but not limited to submitting requisitions; coordinating meetings; organizing grant writing document hard copy files; stocking supplies for grant applications; making CDs, binders, and tabs; compiling reports, etc.
- Uses Outlook resources efficiently, including address book, scheduling meetings, sharing calendars, setting appointments/time blocks, reminders, etc.
- Helps maintain a schedule of funding sources that support Centerstone’s mission and strategic plan
- Operates office equipment efficiently (email, copier, scanner, fax, etc.)
- Utilizes and navigates resources and files on all pertinent information and statistics related to grant writing on the P drive
VI. Grant Writing Team Results
- Actively contributes to the submission of federal, state, or local grants
- Actively contributes toward obtaining the Grant Writing Department’s goal of $15,000,000 – $20,000,000 in grant awards per year
Candidates will be required to complete assessment quizzes, a questionnaire, and interviews in order to be considered after application.
Time Type:
Full time
Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:
- Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- 403b retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and ten paid holidays
- AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee resource groups
- Continuing education opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Centerstone does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our beliefs toward diversity and inclusion.
Our approach to diversity is simple—it’s about embracing everyone. Together, we continue to develop an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our employees. It powers our innovation and connects us closer to each other, to our clients and the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the growing world around us, and where everyone feels empowered, safe and welcomed.
