Grant Manager

About Chashama: 

Chashama helps create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world by partnering with property owners to transform unused real estate into artist workspace, presentation space, and space for free art classes. 

Position Summary: 

Chashama is seeking an experienced Grant Manager to lead and evolve our grants program. This is a senior-level role ideal for a strategic thinker with at least 5-10 years of experience in grant writing and/or fundraising, an established network of contacts, and a robust understanding of both the non-profit arts landscape and small business incubation funding opportunities. 

While familiarity with the arts is important, this position is also focused on securing government and foundation funding related to economic development, workforce training, and community engagement—particularly for programs that uplift small businesses, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities through creative space and support. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Grant Planning & Management 

• Develop and manage Chashama’s comprehensive grants calendar, including proposals, reports, LOIs, and renewals. 
• Oversee and refine the seasonal grant strategy in collaboration with executive leadership. 
• Track and report quarterly on grant statuses, funding pipelines, and success metrics. 
• Maintain organized systems for efficient documentation, task lists, and deadlines. 

Grant Writing & Budget Development 

• Write clear, compelling proposals, LOIs, reports, and supporting materials for city, state, federal, and foundation funders. 
• Collaborate with Chashama’s Programs and Accounting departments to create detailed and accurate budgets aligned with grant requirements. 
• Customize narratives to align with funder priorities, particularly for economic revitalization and community development grants. 

Cross-Departmental Collaboration 

• Lead and facilitate weekly meetings with the Grants team and as needed with other departments (Programs, Accounting, Facilities) to ensure alignment. 
• Establish collaboration and knowledge-sharing across departments to strengthen grants strategy and impact storytelling. 

Data Collection & Impact Measurement 

•   Create and distribute surveys to capture data and testimonials from Chashama programs (Space to Present, Space to Create, Space to Connect, and Storefront Startup). 
• Maintain and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to support reporting and evaluation. 
• Organize quarterly updates of data for use in grants, reports, and donor cultivation. 

Funder Relations & Grant Logistics 

• Build and maintain relationships with current and untapped funders through personalized outreach and engagement. 
• Perform prospect outreach to identify new potential funders through prospect research tools and resources such as the Statewide Financial System Opportunity Search. 
• Manage portals such as Grants Gateway, SAM.gov, and HHS Accelerator; oversee application submissions and post-award processes. 
• Draft and send acknowledgment letters and coordinate all documentation for grant awards. 

Leadership & Supervision 

• Establish department protocols and workflows to enhance efficiency and clarity. 
• Hire, train, and manage grants interns to support departmental goals. 

Communications & Organizational Voice 

• Lead the creation and maintenance of Chashama’s core messaging, including mission language, boilerplate content, and public materials. 
• Oversee website copy, press release content, and other written communications. 
• Attend Chashama events, visit artist studios, and gather stories and testimonials to amplify Chashama’s impact. 

Qualifications 

•  A strong interest in NYC’s cultural landscape and a passion for the arts.  
• Familiarity with non-profits, galleries, performance venues and arts administration. 
• Minimum 5-10 years of grant writing, management, or development/fundraising experience, preferably in the non-profit or arts-adjacent sectors. 
• Strong network of funder contacts and deep understanding of the philanthropic and funding landscape. 
• Passion for community arts, social impact, and equitable access to space and resources. 
• Experience securing funding from government and private sources for, workforce development, or entrepreneurship initiatives. 
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with a proven record of successful grant applications. 
• Highly organized, collaborative, and proactive. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and government funding portals. 
• Experience with SharePoint, Adobe Design Suite, Monday or similar tools is a plus. 
• Proven organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills 

Submit your cover letter, resume, and 2 - 3 writing samples to [email protected] with the subject line “Grant Manager.”