Specialist, Grant Writing
Vacancy Status: New Vacant Position
Position Type: Full-Time
Goodwill is hiring, join our growing organization today! We are looking for people just like you!
The Specialist, Grant Writing is responsible for identifying, researching, developing, and submitting funding proposals that advance Goodwill's mission and strategic priorities. This role works collaboratively across the organization to develop high-quality, competitive submissions and ensure funding requirements, reporting commitments, and funder relationships are effectively managed.
If you are a strong writer and researcher who enjoys developing compelling proposals, building relationships, and helping secure resources that make a meaningful difference in our communities, come join Goodwill! We are a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to improving lives through our mission of WORK.
We welcome all backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and perspectives. We will help train, coach, and support your path to success. We welcome newcomers to the region to apply. Grow your career, skills, and reach your full potential.
About Us
Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is a leading non-profit organization committed to changing lives and communities through the power of WORK. Ready to work or not, a job at Goodwill is a path to work readiness. Our organization strives to create a workplace which is welcoming and respectful to all where every employee and member feels valued and supported.
Mission
To strengthen people and communities through the power of work.
Vision
Everyone working and thriving in inclusive, sustainable communities.
Values
Mission-Driven Impact: Focusing on results that strengthen people and communities.
Inclusion: Embracing diversity and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Dignity: Treating every person with respect and humanity.
Compassion: Leading with empathy, care and understanding.
Resilience: Embracing change as an opportunity to evolve, adapt, innovate and thrive.
Accountability: Taking ownership of our actions and commitments.
Why You Will Love Goodwill:
Competitive Compensation Package includes:
- Benefits (dental/health) available for full-time and some part-time positions (based on hours worked).
- Registered Pension Plan opportunity for various roles.
- Employee discount at retail locations.
Exciting career training and coaching:
- Equitable access to skills training & coaching, scholarships, and educational credentials.
Supportive Life and Work Opportunities:
- Personal and professional development support with Life Coach & Employee Assistance Program.
- Work-life balance.
- Building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live.
We have an amazing team and workplace:
- Employer of choice across Southwestern Ontario who meets the Federal Government's 50/30 challenge for diversity in leadership.
- Commitment to accessibility and mobility.
- Mission-driven organization committed to the Power of Work.
- Environmentally committed to meeting our goal of zero waste on planet earth.
- Respectful, fun, and supportive team and leadership.
- Accredited through CARF International.
What You Will Do:
Grant Research & Prospecting
- Research and assess funding opportunities from government, foundation, corporate, and community funders.
- Evaluate funding opportunities for alignment with Goodwill's mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
- Recommend funding opportunities to pursue in alignment with Goodwill's fund development strategy.
- Monitor emerging funding opportunities and trends that may support organizational priorities.
Grant Development & Submission
- Write high-quality and compelling grant applications, letters of intent, concept papers, proposals, and supporting narratives.
- Maintain the grant calendar and funding pipeline, including application deadlines, review dates, submission requirements, and reporting obligations.
- Collaborate with teams across Goodwill to understand programs, gather information, and coordinate contributions and supporting documentation for funding proposals.
- Ensure funding submissions are complete, accurate, timely, and compliant with funder requirements.
- Communicate professionally with current and prospective funders regarding funding opportunities, applications, reporting requirements, organizational information, and follow-up.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with funders in collaboration with the Chief Mission Advancement Officer.
- Maintain an up-to-date library of organizational information, program descriptions, statistics, outcome data, and stories of impact to support funding applications.
Reporting & Stewardship
- Prepare interim and final grant reports that meet funder requirements and accurately communicate program activities, outcomes, and impact.
- Track grant commitments, deliverables, and reporting requirements to support compliance with funding agreements.
- Collect, organize, and analyze program information and outcome data to support grant reporting and demonstrate impact.
- Support the cultivation and stewardship of funder relationships in collaboration with the Chief Mission Advancement Officer and other organizational leaders.
Fund Development Support
- Provide administrative support for fund development activities, including responding to funder correspondence, completing forms, and maintaining organizational profiles on funding platforms.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date information in the Donor Management system and other grant-tracking tools.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of grant processes, templates, tracking tools, and reporting systems.
- Support special projects related to fundraising, research, fund development, and organizational priorities.
- Represent Goodwill professionally and positively in interactions with funders, community organizations, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
What We Are Looking For:
- Three to eight years of experience in grant writing, fund development, policy writing, program evaluation, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successful grant submissions and funding acquisition.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt writing style and tone for different audiences and funder requirements.
- Strong research and prospecting skills, with the ability to identify, assess, and recommend funding opportunities.
- Excellent organizational, time-management, and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple applications, requirements, contributors, and deadlines.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate professionally with funders.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when preparing funding applications and reports.
- Ability to analyze complex information and develop clear, compelling, and evidence-based narratives.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive organizational, financial, and participant information with discretion and professionalism.
- Experience working with government, foundation, corporate, and community funders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with grant-tracking, donor management, or similar systems.
- Post-secondary education in communications, public administration, nonprofit management, business, social sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Familiarity with the Ontario funding environment is considered an asset.
- Ability to manage changing priorities and work effectively within funding and reporting deadlines.
- Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as required to meet funding deadlines or attend organizational events.
- Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, networking events, or funder engagement activities.
Goodwill Industries OGL thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
We use automated AI resume screening tools to help assess applications. Final interview selection is made by human staff.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 19, 2026