We are seeking a Grants Specialist to join our client on a contract-to-hire basis. This role is responsible for administering childcare referral services and providing consumer education to parents and guardians in accordance with the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) requirements and organizational policies and procedures.
The Grants Specialist serves as a key resource in connecting families with programs and services across health care, early childhood education, family support, and social services to help meet the diverse needs of young children and their families.
Additionally, the Grants Specialist manages provider service grant funds by:
- Providing technical assistance to childcare providers throughout the grant process
- Receiving and reviewing grant applications for completeness and eligibility
- Making funding recommendations and awarding grant funds in accordance with program guidelines
- Collecting and maintaining all required documentation to ensure compliance
- Conducting site visits to monitor grant implementation and verify program requirements
- Ensuring grant activities comply with IDEC regulations and organizational policies
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with childcare providers and community partners to support successful program outcomes
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting high-quality early childhood services through effective grant administration and exceptional customer service.
Hours: 8:30am to 5pm, M-F; occasional work outside of regular business hours
Pay:$20.50/hour with an increase to $21.00 when hired in
Grants Specialist Additional Responsibilities:
- Input Community Systems Development data in standardized and computerized format of the statewide CCR&R system within five business days of the event
- Coordinate and collaborate with CCR&R Emergency Preparedness team
- Represent and manage CCR&R Emergency Preparedness events
- Support literacy partnerships with childcare providers
- Maintain and develop community collaborations
- Participate in community activities including community events, media campaigns, and community presentations
- Participate in staff meetings, working to uphold the company’s mission
- Communicate with impartiality and respect regarding all parents’/guardians’ childcare choices
- Respond with sensitivity to families’ socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, individual needs, and capabilities
- Reflect agency image in appropriate manner, behavior, and dress
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality
Grants Specialist Requirements:
- Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology/Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education Child Welfare, or Family Services) OR Associates Degree with minimum of two years’ experience in an ECE field
- Knowledge of childcare and childcare practices
- Strong knowledge of community resources
- Comfortable with networking and establishing collaborations
- Organized and able to multi-task and prioritize effectively
- Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Technical proficiency with a personal computer and various software packages
- Enjoy working as a team member as well as independently
- Ability to type at least 40 words per minute
- Ability to lift 30 pounds, sit, stand, bend, and twist
- Current Illinois driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance
- Must become Gateways to Opportunities Registry member within two (2) months of employment
- Obtain and document a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional development annually
- Completion of INCCRRA CSD training within one year of hire
Apply here, or if already registered with Furst, call Denessa or Courtney at 815-229-7810.
