Grant Writer & Fundraising Specialist (Monthly Fixed-Price Retainer)

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to making STEM education engaging, accessible, and hands-on for K-12 students. We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated Grant Writer and Fundraising Specialist to join our team on an ongoing, fixed-price monthly retainer. Our goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of funding to scale our educational programs, student internships, and digital resources. We need a proactive professional who can take ownership of our funding strategy in one of two ways each month: identifying and submitting high-quality grants, or designing and coordinating targeted fundraising initiatives. This is a fixed-price, milestone-based contract structured on a monthly basis. Key Responsibilities Depending on our organizational focus for a given month, your deliverables will focus on one of the following key areas: Option A: Grant Research & Submission (Target: 1 High-Quality Grant/Month) Strategic Research: Search for and vet local, national, and corporate foundation grants aligned with K-12 STEM education, youth development, and educational technology. Prospect Pipeline: Maintain and update a rolling pipeline of upcoming grant opportunities, deadlines, and requirements. End-to-End Proposal Writing: Write, edit, and assemble compelling letters of inquiry (LOIs), grant proposals, budget narratives, and supporting documents. Submission Management: Ensure 100% compliance with funder guidelines and manage the submission of one high-quality, polished grant application per month. Option B: Fundraising Event Design & Coordination Event Strategy: Design and pitch a creative digital, hybrid, or local community fundraising campaign/event tailored to our mission (e.g., peer-to-peer campaigns, donor drives, interactive events). Execution & Outreach: Draft donor outreach materials, event copy, and promotional assets. Coordination: Manage the logistics and execution of the fundraiser, working alongside our internal team to maximize donor engagement and reach target funding goals. Required Qualifications Proven Track Record: At least 2-3+ years of experience in grant writing and/or nonprofit fundraising, with a history of secured funding (experience with youth education or STEM-focused nonprofits is a major plus). Exceptional Writing & Storytelling: Ability to convey technical, educational, and social impact concepts in a highly persuasive, emotionally resonant, and clear manner. Self-Directed & Organized: Strong project management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work independently to meet strict deadlines. Strategic Thinker: Ability to assess whether a grant or fundraising strategy is a strong return on investment (ROI) for our team's time and resources. Project Structure & Budget Project Type: Ongoing / Retainer-based. Pricing Model: Fixed-Price Monthly Retainer. Note: Please submit your proposed monthly rate to deliver either one fully submitted grant proposal (including research) or coordinate one fundraising campaign/event per month. How to Apply To be considered, please submit a proposal containing: A brief summary of your experience in the nonprofit sector, specifically focusing on STEM, youth outreach, or education. Your track record: What is the approximate size/type of grants you have successfully secured in the past, and what are some examples of successful fundraising events you have coordinated? A brief writing sample (such as a previous grant narrative, LOI, or fundraising appeal letter). Your proposed monthly fixed-rate fee for this ongoing scope of work.