| Job Title: | Grant Writer & Foundation Relations Specialist |
| Reports To: | Senior Director of Advancement |
| Location: | Flexible |
| Pay: | $19.88 – $24.12/Hour |
About Denver Seminary
Denver Seminary is a vibrant, multidenominational graduate school dedicated to preparing men and women to address the world’s needs with the redemptive power of the gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. With a commitment to academic excellence, biblical faithfulness, and personal growth, we serve a diverse student body representing over 50 denominations from around the world. Our mission shapes every role at the Seminary, uniting our work with a greater purpose.
General Statement of Job Function
The Grant Writer & Foundation Relations Specialist plays a critical role in advancing Denver Seminary’s mission through strategic grant acquisition and stewardship. This part-time position (15–20 hours per week) is responsible for researching funding opportunities, coordinating the preparation and submission of grant applications, maintaining strong relationships with foundations, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting. Working in close partnership with the Advancement Team, President’s Office, and project stakeholders, the Specialist ensures that all grant-related communications reflect the Seminary’s priorities, voice, and values. This role requires a highly organized, self-motivated individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and can effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines.
This is a part time position requiring approximately 15-20 hours a week.
Essential Functions
Grant Strategy & Research
- Identify and evaluate foundation and grant opportunities aligned with Seminary priorities and programs.
- Maintain a funding pipeline and calendar to manage deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements.
Proposal Development & Submission
- Coordinate the end-to-end grant process: identification, qualification, writing support, submission, and follow-up.
- Draft, edit, and refine proposals to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with budgets and Seminary messaging.
- Manage funder portals, documentation, signatures, and correspondence with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements and internal standards prior to submission.
Foundation Relationships & Stewardship
- Support relationship-building with foundation partners, including coordinating meetings with the Senior Director of Advancement, President, and key stakeholders.
- Partner with internal teams to prepare timely, accurate grant reports and impact updates.
- Tracking & Reporting
- Maintain an up-to-date grant database/tracking system (e.g., Instrumentl or similar), including proposals, contacts, reporting schedules, and outcomes.
- Prepare tri-annual summary reports for Advancement leadership and/or Board updates on submissions, awards, and trends.
- Coordinate public acknowledgments (press releases or announcements) for major awards, securing funder approvals when required.
Secondary Functions:
- Proofread and format Advancement communications as needed.
- Participate in team meetings and planning sessions supporting shared fundraising goals.
- Attend donor or foundation-related events as appropriate.
- Provide occasional administrative support for Advancement initiatives.
- Stay current on grant trends and best practices through professional development.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, communications, or a related field.
- 2–3+ years of grant writing and/or grants management experience with demonstrated success (submissions, awards, renewals, reporting).
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling ability—clear, persuasive, and detail-accurate.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); comfort learning and using funder portals and grant tracking tools.
- Experience researching funders using databases and online resources.
- Experience in higher education and/or faith-based nonprofit environments preferred.
Faith Commitment (Required):
Denver Seminary is a religious institution. Employment requires:
- A commitment to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- A lifestyle consistent with the Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments, including the statement on human sexuality.
- Agreement with Denver Seminary’s Statement of Faith
Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the world’s needs with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through our educational programs and mentoring process, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, equipping them to lead God’s people in accomplishing His mission in the world. The position of Grant Writer & Foundation Relations Specialist supports this mission by:
Outcomes
- Submit timely, high-quality grant proposals and reports
- Secure new or renewed grant funding annually
- Maintain accurate and organized grant tracking records
- Ensure compliance with all grant terms, conditions, and reporting requirements
- Collaborate with Finance to track grant expenditures and budget adherence
- Maintains knowledge of current foundation trends and gives priorities
- Build strong relationships with foundation partners
- Provide transparent, on-time reporting to internal stakeholders
- Ensure proposals reflect Denver Seminary’s mission and voice
Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Normal office working conditions, including computer usage, may require occasional standing, walking, long periods of sitting, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Equal Opportunity & Faith Commitment
Denver Seminary is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence in all areas of ministry and operations. As a faith-based institution, Denver Seminary exercises its legal rights to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Statement of Faith and Community Values, consistent with applicable religious exemptions under federal law.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who require accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources.
Note: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.
Application Process
Willingness to support Denver Seminary’s vision, sign the National Association of Evangelicals Faith Statement, and abide by the Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments is required.
Please complete our online application form.
Please send your resume and CV to [email protected].
Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time (MT).
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.