Grant Development Director

Purpose of the position

The Grant Development Director leads EO Companies’ funding strategy and grant development efforts. This role is responsible for identifying, securing, and stewarding foundation, corporate, state, and federal grant funding to support both existing initiatives and future growth.

This role blends strategic funding leadership with hands-on proposal development. The Director personally writes and leads the development of complex, high-priority, competitive grant proposals while overseeing external grant writing contractors to expand EO’s overall grant portfolio and funding capacity.

The Director oversees the grant database to ensure all grant-related information, records, and compliance obligations are accurately maintained.

Essential functions
Grant Strategy & Pipeline Development

Lead EO’s institutional funding strategy by maintaining a strong and diversified grant pipeline aligned with organizational priorities and growth goals. Manage the grants calendar, identify renewal and multi-year opportunities, and provide funding insight for new and expanding initiatives.

Proposal Development & Submission

Personally lead and write high-quality grant proposals, including foundation, corporate, state, and federal applications. Coordinate internal teams and oversee external grant writing contractors to expand EO’s grant portfolio and increase funding capacity. Ensure proposals are strategically aligned, financially sound, and outcome-driven.

Grant Database 

Oversee the grant database to ensure all grant-related information, records, and compliance obligations are accurately maintained. Ensure organized tracking systems monitor funding performance and provide leadership with clear visibility into grant activity, deadlines, and trends.

Program Sustainability & Design Support

Partner with program leaders to align initiatives with funding opportunities and strengthen long-term sustainability planning.

Institutional Relationship Support

Partner in the stewardship and cultivation of institutional funders alongside the VP of Programs, VP of Development, and President and CEO, helping position EO as a strong and investment-ready organization.

Competencies

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills


• Ability to manage and scale grant production through both personal writing and external contractors


• Demonstrated success writing and securing competitive foundation, corporate, and government grants


• Ability to synthesize complex programmatic, financial, and evaluation information into compelling narratives


• Strong budget literacy and ability to collaborate effectively with finance teams


• Understanding of grant compliance standards and reporting structures


• Strategic thinker who aligns funding strategy to long-term organizational growth


• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment


• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail


• Experience managing external consultants or contractors in grant development work


• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skill


• Proficiency with CRM systems and grant search/tracking tools


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Work environment

This position is based in the Abingdon, Virginia office.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position type and expected hours of work

Employee should be able to work core hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional meetings, events, and possible emergencies outside of core hours.

Travel required

The ideal candidate will be available to attend early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings in person and should be able to travel independently where needed.

Certificates, licenses, registrations required

• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance


• Reliable high-speed home internet

Required education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited four-year college or university in communications, nonprofit management, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience).


• 5+ years of progressive grant writing and grants management experience


• Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and/or government funding


• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder proposals

Preferred education and experience

• Experience in nonprofit, education, workforce, or community development sectors


• Master’s degree from accredited four-year college or university in communications, nonprofit management, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

EO is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for vacancies without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, or status as a veteran or other category protected under applicable state or municipal law. EO will reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants to permit them to perform the essential functions of the subject position.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.