Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

At KinderCare Learning Companies, you’ll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we’re all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.  

The Grants Specialist will work with the Manager of Grants and Contracts to help drive KinderCare's strategic growth in government programs. As part of the Government Affairs team, the Grants Specialist will research and vet government funding opportunities in early childhood education, build strong relationships with internal and external partners, and create high-quality grant proposals. This job is great for people who are analytical, accountable, goal-oriented, and enjoy working with others, creating new systems, telling powerful stories about an organization's work, and are passionate about high-quality child care.
Responsibilities:
•    Thoroughly research grant opportunities, including collecting and organizing information to vet the opportunity, identifying eligible KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC) centers, and ensuring alignment with KLC’s goals.
•    Work with internal teams to collect information to write compelling grant proposals that clearly explain the project’s purpose, plan, and expected results, ensuring they meet the grant guidelines.
•    Partner with internal teams to create accurate budgets for grant proposals, ensuring they comply with grant guidelines.
•    Facilitate internal communications to support informed decision making and identify possible risks with grant applications, contracts, and funded projects, and recommend potential solutions.
•    Submit all grant applications on time, complying with all rules set by the funding agencies.
•    Collect, input, and report on data related to grant opportunities and organize all relevant files into shared drive.
•    Support successful post-award transitions to KLC’s government programs team by providing relevant grant information and liaising with funding agencies. 

Qualifications:
•    3-5 years of experience in grant writing or program management/implementation roles that included grant writing.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to both internal teams and external partners.
•    Proven problem-solving abilities
•    Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.
•    Holds self accountable for achieving goals, meeting deadlines, and delivering measurable results.
•    Excellent organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects, maintain attention to detail, and meet tight deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively.
•    Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships, adapt communication styles, and foster teamwork in a diverse work environment.
•    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing workflow and prioritizing effectively.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
•    Preferred: Experience with stakeholder management, project management, government grant writing, public pre-K grant writing, Smartsheet, and Asana or similar project management platforms.

Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.

- Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.
- … and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people. 

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.