Grants Manager
Coastal Roots Farm
Position Title: Grants Manager
Reports To: Director of Grants and Impact
FLSA Status: Exempt/Full-Time
ABOUT COASTAL ROOTS FARM
Coastal Roots Farm is a nonprofit community farm and education center guided by Jewish values. The Farm’s mission is to cultivate healthy, connected communities by integrating sustainable agriculture, food justice, and ancient Jewish wisdom.
The Farm’s impact initiatives include 1) regenerative agriculture, 2) equitable food access, 3) environmental education, and 4) Jewish life. We grow organic food in a climate-smart way, donate the majority of our harvests to those who need it most, inspire youth to be the next generation of environmental stewards, and connect people of all backgrounds to Jewish holidays, values, and traditions through farming and food.
Jewish values guide the Farm’s Jewish values include Adam v’Adamah (Interdependence), Tikkun Olam (Repair), Arevut (Mutual Care), Peleh (Wonder), Kodesh (Sacred Time), which inform our strategy, approach, and priorities.
Coastal Roots Farm is located in Encinitas, CA on approximately 18 acres of land which we recognize as indigenous to the Kumeyaay and Luiseño peoples. Coastal Roots Farm was incubated by the Leichtag Foundation in 2014 and received 501(c)(3) public charity status in 2015. .
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Grants Manager, under the supervision of the Director of Grants and Impact, assists in managing the full lifecycle of institutional funding, from prospect research and cultivation through proposal development, submission, reporting, and stewardship. This role helps ensure the organization maintains strong relationships with foundations, corporations, and government funders while securing and growing grant revenue to advance the mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Strategy & Management
- Grow a comprehensive grants strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
- Research and identify new funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
- Maintain a robust grants calendar to ensure timely submission of proposals, renewals, and reports through Instrumentl.
- Track application and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Proposal Development & Reporting
- Write compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, and grant reports that effectively communicate impact.
- Collaborate with program, finance, and leadership staff to gather data and stories for applications.
- Ensure all grant budgets are accurate, aligned with organizational priorities, and meet funder requirements.
Funder Relations & Stewardship
- Assist with cultivation and management of strong relationships with institutional funders.
- Atten site visits, meetings, and funder communications.
- Provide timely updates and stewardship materials to demonstrate impact and build trust.
Data & Administration
- Maintain accurate grant records, files, and communications in the donor database and Instrumentl.
- Generate regular reports for leadership, development team, and board members.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or grant-writing certification a plus.
- Minimum 3-5 years of grant writing and management experience.
- Proven track record of securing and managing grants from private, corporate, and government funders.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to translate program goals, data, and outcomes into compelling narratives.
- Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Experience with budgets and financial reporting related to grants.
- Proficiency in donor databases and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Collaborative, proactive, and mission-driven team player.
Preferred:
· Knowledge of grant funding sources and grant application processes.
· Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and their operations.
· Knowledge of Instrumentl.
· Understanding of program evaluation and outcome measurement.
· Familiarity with the Farm’s impact initiatives.
Compensation
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($70,000-$80,000 range).
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Typical Working Conditions
The Grants Manager will work inside an office as well as outdoors on occasion. There will be exposure to Southern California outside temperatures, chemicals used in the agricultural industry, and loud noises.
Essential Physical Tasks
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Continuous walking, standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs., cutting, and carrying.
· Able to walk a minimum of .5 miles on uneven narrow trails with elevation gain.
Application Process
Please go to https://coastalrootsfarm.org/job-opportunities/ and click on “Job and Internship opportunities” to apply online. All applicants must submit:
· Cover letter
· Resume
· Job questions
Coastal Roots Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce. We welcome and strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information will be considered for this position.