Overview
Development Manager – Grants & Volunteers Jobs in Denver Metropolitan Area at SparkHope Automotive
Title: Development Manager – Grants & Volunteers
Company: SparkHope Automotive
Location: Denver Metropolitan Area
Reports to: Development Director
Role: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Schedule: Hybrid – on-site 2–3 days per week
About SparkHope Automotive
SparkHope Automotive is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers in the Denver Metro area by ensuring they have access to reliable transportation. Through our services, which include automotive repair, routine annual maintenance, and vehicle placements, we help our moms overcome barriers to safe and reliable transportation.
We are looking for a dedicated Development Manager – Grants & Volunteers who will spend approximately 80% of their time securing and managing grant funding and 20% overseeing our volunteer program. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, mission-driven fundraiser who enjoys both writing strategy and relationship-building.
Key Responsibilities for the Role
Grant Research & Acquisition:
• Identify and research new funding opportunities from federal, state, and local government grants, including appropriations, tax credits, and other legislation impacting nonprofit funding. Track emerging trends and legislative changes to identify new funding sources that align with our mission.
• Research foundations, community and family foundations, funding announcements, and corporate donors that may have opportunities for potential alignment with SparkHope.
• Maintain our existing grant schedule that includes deadlines for applications, letters of interest, and reporting.
Grant Writing & Submission:
•Prepare compelling proposals that clearly articulate the work of our mission and outcomes from safe, reliable transportation.
•Ensure all proposals reflect SparkHope’s mission and programmatic need by using data and stories to demonstrate organizational success.
•Write letters of inquiry, grant applications, budgets, and supporting documents and attachments tailored to specific funding requirements.
Grant Management & Reporting:
•Track grant progress from application to funding to ensure compliance with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
•Prepare and submit reports to funders on the outcomes of funded projects.
•Maintain accurate records of grant submissions, awarded funds, and reporting timelines to ensure smooth and timely reporting processes.
•Work toward a 2026 grant revenue target of $350,000; much of this goal is already secured, with a focus on maintaining existing relationships and pursuing upcoming opportunities.
Collaboration & Strategy:
•Work closely with the Development Director, leadership team, and program team to align funding strategies with organizational goals, mission, and program outcomes. A collaborative, team-first approach is essential to success in this role.
•Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential funders, including government agencies, foundations, and corporate partners.
•Work to engage service groups, churches, corporate partners and other philanthropic groups in funding and volunteer opportunities that align with the mission and vision of SparkHope.
Volunteer Program Management:
•Manage and coordinate the volunteer program using Bloomerang Volunteers, including recruitment, scheduling, onboarding, and recognition.
•Track volunteer hours, engagement, and impact data to support grant reporting and organizational storytelling.
•Partner with the program team to match volunteers with opportunities that align with SparkHope’s mission.
•Maintain up-to-date volunteer records and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
Required Qualifications
•Bachelor’s degree in English, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or a minimum of 5 years equivalent experience.
•3 – 5 years experience in grant writing with proven success in securing federal, state, and local grants and public & private sector funding.
•Individually driven to ensure details about the grant ecosystem are documented, and relationships with funders & volunteers are held in high regard on behalf of the organization.
•Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
•Ability to manage multiple deadlines and track opportunities in a well-organized manner.
•Passion for nonprofit work and commitment to supporting underserved communities.
Preferred Qualifications
•Direct experience with Instrumentl.com (grant management) and Bloomerang Volunteers (volunteer management) is strongly preferred.
•Experience building or overseeing a volunteer program is a plus.
•Knowledge of funding trends, tax credits, appropriations, and legislative changes that impact nonprofit funding.
How to Apply
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
SparkHope Automotive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
