Grants + Funding Manager (Contract)
Contract Period: One year, with the potential for renewal
Estimated Time Commitment: Between 25-30 hours/ week, but will fluctuate based on our giving timeline
Location: Remote
Compensation: $40,000 (contract position; does not include benefits)
— Position Overview —
The Waymakers Collective seeks a Grants and Funding Manager to support the administration and growth of the Collective’s grantmaking work. This role combines grant program management and strategic funding development, ensuring that the Collective’s resources are administered responsibly while also strengthening the organization’s ability to secure new philanthropic support.
The Grants + Funding Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and AppalCore governance representatives to maintain effective grant management systems, support grantees, and contribute to developing funding opportunities aligned with the Collective’s mission.
This contract role is designed for an experienced grant professional who can balance grant program administration and strategic funding development in a collaborative, relationship-driven environment.
The ideal candidate will have experience working within Appalachian communities or organizations connected to the region and will understand the importance of relationship-based philanthropy and community-centered funding approaches.
— Key Responsibilities —
Grants Administration and Program Operations (Approximately 60%):
The majority of this role focuses on managing the Collective’s grantmaking infrastructure and supporting the administration of its funds.
Grant Program Management:
Manage the lifecycle of the Collective’s grant programs, including application intake, review coordination, award processing, and grant closeout.
Maintain organized documentation for grant applications, awards, and reporting requirements.
Grant Operations and Systems:
Develop and maintain efficient systems for managing grant applications, grantee records, and program data.
Maintain and update the Collective’s grantee database and internal grant documentation.
Grantee Communications and Support:
Serve as a point of contact for grantees throughout the grant process.
Coordinate communication with grantees and assist in identifying technical assistance needs.
Governance and Reporting:
Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and AppalCore representatives regarding grant administration, timelines, and progress.
Support preparation of materials and updates for Voting Member meetings and other governance convenings.
Administrative Coordination:
Coordinate with leadership on grant budgets, contracts, purchasing, accounts payable and related administrative tasks connected to the grant programs.
Ensure that grants are implemented in accordance with the operational, governance, and financial policies of the Collective and its fiscal sponsor.
Strategic Funding Development (Approximately 40%):
This portion of the role focuses on strengthening the Collective’s funding pipeline and contributing to long-term sustainability.
Funding Prospect Research: Conduct ongoing research to identify philanthropic funding opportunities aligned with the Collective’s mission, including foundations, collaborative funds, and values-aligned philanthropic initiatives.
Grant Writing and Proposal Development: Prepare and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and other funding requests in partnership with the Executive Director.
Relationship Development: Support relationship-building with foundations, philanthropic partners, and funding networks that support arts, cultural work, and social justice initiatives in Appalachia.
Funding Pipeline Development: Assist in developing and maintaining a pipeline of prospective funding opportunities to support the Collective’s sustainability and growth.
Strategic Awareness: Demonstrate awareness of the current political and philanthropic landscape and contribute insight into how the Collective may position itself within evolving funding opportunities.
— Priorities —
Work with the Executive Director and AppalCore representatives to strengthen and refine grants administration systems and processes.
Partner with the Executive Director to pursue additional philanthropic support through grant applications and aligned funding opportunities.
Support the development of transparent and effective grant management processes that align with the Collective’s mission and governance structure.
— Qualifications —
Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in grants management and grant proposal development within nonprofit, philanthropic, or community funding environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities independently and meet deadlines.
Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Slack.
Ability to travel throughout Central Appalachia when required.Preference will be given to candidates who:
Have a demonstrated connection to Appalachian communities.
Have experience working with arts, cultural, or social justice organizations.
Have familiarity with collaborative or community-centered philanthropic models.
Have experience securing philanthropic funding or contributing to successful grant
proposals.
— Required Meetings —
The Grants + Funding Manager must be able to:
Meet weekly with the Executive Director
Participate in biweekly AppalCore calls
Attend quarterly Voting Member meetings
Provide support for Waymakers Collective convenings as needed
— Application Instructions —
If you are interested in applying for this contract position, please submit the following materials to waymakerscollective@gmail.com by April 24, 2026.
Required Materials:
Resume
Cover Letter addressing the following:
What is your connection to Appalachia?
What is your experience in grants management or grant writing?
What is your experience working both independently and collaboratively with groups?
Funding Strategy Statement (1 page)
Please include a brief written response describing (Please note: This brief statement is intended to help us understand how candidates approach funding strategy and navigate the current philanthropic environment. We are not seeking detailed operational plans or proprietary research, and applicants should not feel obligated to provide specific prospect lists or tactical implementation details)
How would you identify and pursue philanthropic funding opportunities for the
Waymakers Collective in the current philanthropic environment?
What types of foundations, funds, or philanthropic partnerships do you believe may align with the Collective’s work?
— Timeline —
Deadline for Application Materials: April 24, 2026
Decision Timeline: Final decision by May 29, 2026
Start Date: June 8th, 2026