Grants & Innovation Manager at Literacy Mid-South in Memphis, TN

GRANTS & INNOVATION MANAGER Location: Memphis, Tennessee About Literacy Mid-South For more than 50 years, Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has remained committed to one core belief: literacy changes lives. Founded in 1974 to help adults strengthen essential reading skills, LMS has expanded to serve learners of all ages across the Mid-South. Our mission is to ensure that individuals and families have access to the literacy skills needed to thrive academically, economically, and personally. Through direct programming and regional collaboration, LMS works to break cycles of limited literacy and expand opportunity for generations to come. At LMS, literacy is not simply an educational outcome—it is a pathway to empowerment and long-term community transformation. We are a passionate team of educators, advocates, partners, volunteers, and community leaders working together to create a future where everyone has abundant opportunities through the freedom literacy provides. Who We Are Looking For We are seeking a creative and results-oriented professional who combines strong grant-writing expertise with strategic thinking and relationship-building skills. The ideal candidate is an innovative problem-solver who can identify opportunities, manage complex projects, communicate compelling impact stories, and collaborate effectively across teams and community partners. This individual thrives in a mission-driven environment, enjoys turning ideas into action, and is passionate about creating sustainable solutions that expand educational opportunities and strengthen communities. Key Responsibilities Grant Development & Management • Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities. • Lead the development, writing, submission, and management of grant proposals and reports. • Maintain grant calendars and ensure compliance with funder requirements and deadlines. • Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop narratives, budgets, outcomes, and evaluation plans. • Monitor grant performance and support departments in meeting reporting and deliverable requirements. Program Innovation & Strategic Development • Assess existing programs to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and areas for growth. • Develop recommendations using data, stakeholder feedback, research, and best practices. • Partner with staff and stakeholders to design new initiatives, pilot programs, and service expansion opportunities. • Create project frameworks, implementation plans, logic models, and sustainability strategies. • Ensure new initiatives align with organizational goals, community needs, and strategic priorities. Data, Evaluation & Impact Measurement • Support data collection, analysis, and reporting across programs. • Strengthen systems that improve data quality, consistency, and accessibility. • Collaborate with leadership to enhance outcome measurement and impact reporting. • Use data insights to inform funding proposals, strategic planning, and program improvements. Storytelling & Organizational Communications • Develop compelling narratives that communicate LMS's mission, impact, and outcomes. • Gather success stories, testimonials, and performance data for funders and stakeholders. • Support consistent messaging across grant proposals, reports, presentations, and external communications. • Help strengthen LMS's organizational story and value proposition. Partnership Development & Community Collaboration • Develop and manage partnership agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). • Support strategic partnerships that advance literacy outcomes and organizational goals. • Collaborate with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation and growth. Research & Organizational Stewardship • Monitor trends in literacy, education, philanthropy, workforce development, and nonprofit innovation. • Research emerging funding opportunities and evidence-based practices. • Facilitate strategic conversations and innovation planning efforts. • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational information. • Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Education Required • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, education, communications, public administration, business, or a related field. Preferred • Master's degree in a related field. Experience Required • Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, or a related field. • Demonstrated success securing and managing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. • Experience developing reports, proposals, budgets, and outcome-focused narratives. • Experience working with data, evaluation, and performance measurement. Preferred • Experience in literacy, education, youth development, workforce development, or nonprofit organizations. • Experience supporting strategic planning, innovation initiatives, or organizational growth efforts. Skills & Competencies • Grant writing and fund development expertise • Strategic thinking and problem-solving • Project management and organizational skills • Strong written and verbal communication • Data analysis and impact measurement • Relationship building and partnership management • Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines • Continuous improvement mindset and adaptability Other Requirements • Must be able to pass a background check. • Availability to work evenings and weekends, as required. • Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs and sit or stand for extended periods. Work Environment • Hybrid role with a combination of in-office work, remote work, community engagement, and on-site school visits. • Flexible scheduling with occasional evening and weekend commitments for meetings, events, training, or community activities. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range $70,000 – $80,000 annually New hires are typically brought in between the range minimum and midpoint, depending on qualifications, internal equity, and budget considerations. Benefits • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance • Generous paid time off (PTO) • Competitive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being Schedule & Location Schedule: Monday–Friday Work Locations: Multiple locations including school sites, Literacy Mid-South offices, and designated training or meeting locations Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt Why Literacy Mid-South? At Literacy Mid-South, you'll join a mission-driven organization with a rich history of transforming lives through literacy. Our team believes in the power of learning, collaboration, and community impact. We value innovation, celebrate growth, and work together to create opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across the Mid-South. If you're looking for meaningful work where your ideas, expertise, and leadership can help shape the future of literacy and educational opportunity, we encourage you to apply and become part of our story.