HARBOR HOPE CENTER

Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelters | Gig Harbor / Tacoma, WA

POSITION: GRANT WRITER

Full-Time | Exempt | Reports to Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Grant Writer is a full-time, exempt position responsible for securing and sustaining public and private funding for Harbor Hope Center's mission of providing transitional housing and emergency shelter to young adults ages 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness in the Pierce County region. The Grant Writer will build and maintain relationships with county agencies, HUD representatives, and Washington State funding bodies, while also cultivating and stewarding private foundation partnerships. This position plays a critical role in advancing Harbor Hope Center's capacity to serve more young adults on their path from crisis to stability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Government & Public Agency Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact with Pierce County agencies, including the Department of Human Services and the Continuum of Care (CoC) structure.
• Maintain active relationships with HUD representatives and stay current on YHDP (Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program) requirements, reporting cycles, and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with Washington State Department of Commerce and other relevant state agencies on housing, homelessness, and young adult services funding streams.
• Monitor federal and state regulatory changes affecting housing grants and ensure organizational compliance with all grant terms.
• Represent Harbor Hope Center at relevant county and regional funder convenings, meetings, and stakeholder tables.

Grant Writing & Management

• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from government sources, private foundations, and corporate giving programs aligned with Harbor Hope Center's programs.
• Write compelling, accurate, and timely grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for all funding sources.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle: prospecting, proposal development, submission, award management, reporting, and renewal.
• Maintain a grant calendar tracking all deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal windows.
• Collaborate with program staff and the Executive Director to gather data, narratives, and outcome documentation required for grant applications and reports.
• Ensure grant budgets align with organizational financial records and work closely with the finance team on grant reconciliation.

Private Foundation Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with private foundations interested in youth homelessness, transitional housing, workforce development, and related issue areas.
• Develop individualized cultivation and stewardship strategies for foundation funders, including site visit preparation and follow-up.
• Craft tailored proposals and reports for foundation grants that authentically reflect Harbor Hope Center's work and client outcomes.
• Track foundation giving trends and proactively identify new private funding prospects in the Pacific Northwest and nationally.

Data, Outcomes & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of all grant activity in the organization's donor and grant management system.
• Work with program staff to ensure outcome data collection aligns with grant requirements.
• Prepare interim and final grant reports with narrative and financial components as required by funders.
• Support the Executive Director in preparing board reports related to grant revenue and pipeline.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum three (3) years of grant writing experience, preferably in the nonprofit housing, homelessness, or social services sector.
• Demonstrated track record of securing grants from government agencies and/or private foundations.
• Experience with HUD funding programs, particularly those serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to translate complex program information into compelling narratives.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with grant tracking or donor management software.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Pierce County's Continuum of Care, HMIS data systems, and coordinated entry processes.
• Experience with Washington State Department of Commerce housing and homelessness grant programs.
• Knowledge of YHDP (Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program) or comparable federal youth housing initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Grant Professional Certification (GPC) or equivalent credential is a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: Commensurate with experience; competitive within the nonprofit sector.
• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Some evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required.
• Benefits package includes health stipend, paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Hybrid work environment with regular in-person weekly meetings at Harbor Hope Center facilities in Tacoma and Gig Harbor.

ABOUT HARBOR HOPE CENTER

Harbor Hope Center is a nonprofit organization serving young adults ages 18 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness in the Gig Harbor and Tacoma, Washington area. Founded on the belief that every young person deserves a stable foundation, Harbor Hope Center operates emergency shelter and transitional housing programs designed to help clients build the skills, stability, and community connections needed for lasting independence. Our programs include partnerships with Bates Technical College for workforce certification and a coordinated referral system through Pierce County's youth homelessness infrastructure.

Harbor Hope Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Harbor Hope Center's Executive Director.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gig Harbor, WA 98335