Closes: 8/25/2026

Lead Grant Writer

Reports to: Planning and Development Director

Salary (Grade): D.O.E.

Status: Reg. Full-Time (Exempt)

Location: Planning and Development Office, 112 Bluff St. Winnebago Ne.

Job Purpose & Position Overview

The Lead Grant Writer serves as the senior grant development professional within the Planning and Development Department and is responsible for leading the Tribe's grant development efforts. This position supervises Project Development Officers, coordinates departmental grant development activities, oversees the preparation and submission of competitive grant applications, and provides strategic leadership in identifying funding opportunities that support the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska's priorities.

The Lead Grant Writer works closely with department directors, program staff, funding agencies, and external partners to develop high-quality funding proposals and advance Tribal initiatives. This position also establishes grant development standards, provides technical assistance, ensures application quality, and assists the Planning & Development Director with departmental operations and strategic planning.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Project Development Officers and Nonprofit Project Development Officers.
Assign workloads and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of grant development activities.
Research and identify federal, state, Tribal, and private funding opportunities.
Lead the development, review, and submission of competitive grant applications.
Review and approve grant narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation for quality and compliance.
Coordinate project planning meetings with Tribal departments and leadership.
Develop strategic funding approaches that align with Tribal priorities.
Provide technical assistance and grant writing guidance to Tribal departments and Planning & Development staff.
Coordinate internal approvals, Tribal resolutions, and grant submission requirements.
Develop and maintain grant development templates, procedures, and tracking systems.
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Human Resources, and other departments during project development.
Represent the Planning & Development Department with funding agencies, partners, and other stakeholders.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive Tribal information, grant applications, proprietary data, and other confidential records in accordance with Tribal policies and applicable laws.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Makes decisions in matters of significance.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

Bachelor's Degree and 2+ years in grant application and writing or a combination of experience and education; knowledge of Winnebago Tribe grant programs preferred
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
Extensive knowledge of federal grant systems (e.g., Grants.gov, SAM.gov, JustGrants, FEMA GO) and compliance requirements.
Capable of identifying when subject matter experts and technical consultants need to be engaged during the project planning process.
Ability to lead multiple grant development projects simultaneously while supervising staff.
Ability to work flexible hours/shifts.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong command of English to read, write, and speak fluently.
Excellent technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Professional communications, appearance, relationships, and responsiveness.
Self-starter with the ability to perform with little or no direct supervision.
Ability to pass drug screen and background checks.
Must have a valid U.S. driver's license.

Education Preference:

Bachelor's Degree and 2+ years in grant application and writing or a combination of experience and education; knowledge of Winnebago Tribe grant programs preferred

Training Requirements:

Must be willing to pursue professional certifications and continuing education related to grant development, leadership, and project management as directed.

Physical Requirements:

Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
Ability to operate a Tribal or Personal vehicle.

Mental Requirements:

Reading, writing, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving.
Leadership and supervisory skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong decision-making and organizational abilities.

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to effectively prepare grant proposals, reports, correspondence, and presentations.
Must demonstrate professional verbal and written communication skills with Tribal leadership, staff, funding agencies, and community partners.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.

As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.