Job Description

Organization: United Way of the Midlands

Job Title: Grant Manager (Prospect Development)

Department: Strategy

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Omaha, NE (on-site)

About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government, and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – including JAG Nebraska, 211, and the Weatherization Assistance Program – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential, and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering integrity, inclusion, and responsibility across our work where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.



UWM’s Mission:
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.



Guiding Principles:

At United Way of the Midlands, we…

• Build TRUST in everything we do.
• Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
• Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
• Be OPEN to embracing others’ differences.
• Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing .
• Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.

Summary:
United Way of the Midlands is seeking a motivated and strategic Grants Manager (Prospect Development) to support our continued organizational growth and evolution. This role offers a unique opportunity for an early- to mid-career professional to contribute meaningfully to the development of new funding streams that expand our local impact.


In this role, you’ll take the lead on identifying and cultivating new grant opportunities with creativity, urgency and discipline in a highly collaborative environment. This position partners closely with an experienced Grants Manager focused on recurring grants, and collaborates with teams across Donor Engagement, Finance, Analytics and Programming. Grants are reviewed by multiple internal stakeholders for alignment and precision.


The ideal candidate brings a strong spirit of research, persistence and strategic thinking, along with a desire to uncover funding opportunities that align with UWM’s mission and four impact areas: Healthy Community, Financial Security, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resilience. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic landscape, can build compelling arguments with data and program insights, and is eager to grow professionally in a purpose-driven environment.



Responsibilities:

• Identifies and research new grant prospects, with a goal of submitting at least three new proposals per month.
• Develops and manage high-quality grant proposals, budgets, and narratives in collaboration with internal teams.
• Writes and adapts compelling content across a variety of formats including grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, executive summaries, and tailored funder communications.
• Tracks and manages the grants pipeline, ensuring accuracy and transparency in reporting and updates.
• Coordinates efforts across departments to align on funding strategies and avoid duplication.
• Builds and maintains relationships with funders, program officers, and community stakeholders
• Leads grant strategy meetings, offering research-backed insights and fostering alignment across teams.
• Supports reporting requirements, compiling relevant data in partnership with Finance and Data teams.
• Evaluates grant outcomes and refine strategies based on results and funding trends.
• Maintains deep knowledge of UWM’s programs and data to inform persuasive, well-aligned proposals.
• Offers and accepts feedback to continuously improve the quality and clarity of grant submissions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into persuasive proposals.
• Ability to structure proposals in a variety of formats: grants, letters, corporate proposals, etc. that best fits project and donor.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proven experience in grant writing and management, with a track record of successful grant awards.
• Demonstrated experience and success with federal, state and other government proposals and reporting.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and best practices, particularly in the context of grant funding.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with grant management software and databases is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access).
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:
The Prospects Grant Manager will be expected to demonstrate the ability to generate additional, new revenue to the organization. Performance will be evaluated based on both quantitative metrics (e.g., funds secured, proposal success rate) and qualitative factors (e.g., collaboration with team members, relationship management with funders). Additionally, adherence to administrative duties, such as pipeline updates, and timely and compelling reporting will be essential for successful performance evaluation.



Collaborative Responsibilities:
This role works in peer partnership with UWM’s existing grant manager for renewable grants to manage the entire portfolio of UWM grants. Additionally, this role works very closely with the donor engagement team who may, through their independent interactions, identify new prospects that require a grant, letter or other proposal. A grant accountant is in place to support financial reporting needs, and this position will also work collaboratively with this staff member.



Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, public administration, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in grant writing or nonprofit fundraising; experience with federal, state, or government proposals preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits:

• Shared health, dental and vision insurance
• Generous 401(k) Retirement plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

How to Apply:


Please submit your cover letter and resume to resume@UWMidlands.org


United Way of the Midlands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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