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- Grants, Research and Communications Manager
Grants, Research and Communications Manager
Utica, NY
Posted Jul 1, 2026
- Position Status:
- Full Time
- Hours Per Week:
- 35
- Starting Pay Rate:
- $62,353 - $65,000
- Travel Required:
- Yes
- Purpose:
The Grants, Research and Communications Manager is responsible for identifying opportunities that align with RCIL's mission and strategic priorities; conducting research; developing grant proposals and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs); preparing business plans, reports, and organizational planning documents; and creating internal and external communications that advance RCIL's programs, services, advocacy efforts, and strategic initiatives. The position works to secure funding from foundations, governmental agencies, corporations, and other sources while supporting organizational growth through research, strategic planning, partnership development, and professional communications.
RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.
RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
Job Duties
- Identify and research federal, state, local, and private grant opportunities that align with RCIL’s mission, values, and programs. Provide summaries of grants opportunities to Leadership for consideration.
- Analyze Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and eligibility requirements to determine fit and strategic value. Provide summaries of RFPs to Leadership for consideration.
- Conduct organizational, programmatic, community, market, and funding research to identify emerging opportunities, trends, partnerships, and strategies that support RCIL's mission and long-term sustainability.
- Develop, write, and assist with business plans, strategic plans, concept papers, program development documents, and other planning materials that support organizational growth, innovation, and funding initiatives.
- Prepare and manage external communications, including partnership proposals, presentations, reports, correspondence, marketing and informational materials, stakeholder communications, and other written content that promotes RCIL's programs, services, and strategic objectives.
- Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to track application deadlines, renewal schedules, reporting obligations, and outcomes.
- Write clear, compelling, and customized grant proposals and applications, including narratives, logic models, budgets, and supplemental materials.
- Collaborate with program staff, finance, and leadership to gather data and information required for each application.
- Work collaboratively with the Marketing Coordinator to support organizational marketing, branding, outreach, and public awareness initiatives by providing content, research, program information, and strategic input as needed. The Grants, Research and Communications Manager retains primary responsibility for conducting organizational and funding research; developing business plans, grant proposals, and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs); pursuing funding and contracting opportunities; preparing external communications; and producing strategic documents that advance RCIL's mission, programs, services, and organizational objectives.
- Track grant outcomes, deliverables, and deadlines to ensure compliance and successful implementation of awarded projects.
- Prepare and submit accurate and timely interim and final reports to funders in coordination with program and finance teams
- Support leadership and staff in cultivating funder relationships and coordinating site visits or presentations when needed
- Identify existing institutional and community resources applicable to projects in development and link to funding opportunities and potential partnerships.
- Collaborate with staff to develop program concepts suitable for external funding by conducting project development meetings and providing proposal development support.
- Schedule, facilitate, organize, and coordinate the flow of work, production, and submission of all grant applications.
- Must be flexible when needed to accommodate meetings/events outside regular business hours.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional written communication skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
- Strong research and analytical skills to identify, evaluate, and align funding opportunities.
- Knowledge of grant proposal structures, logic models, and budgeting principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and grant management tools or platforms.
- Familiarity with disability rights, Independent Living Philosophy, and related legislation (e.g., ADA, IDEA, Olmstead Decision).
- Knowledge of nonprofit program design, impact measurement, and outcome-based evaluation.
Education and Experience
- Advance degree preferred. Bachelor’s Degree required; preferred fields include English, Communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, or a related field. Proof of degree required.
- One year prior successful grant writing and program development/research experience including coordinating development teams, researching funding sources, interpreting requests for proposals, and funding guidelines.
Benefits
- PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.
- Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.
- Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.
- 401K with up to 10% employer investment.
- Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays.
- Vision and Dental insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.
- Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)
- Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims.
- Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.
- Free covered parking.
- Additional benefits available.