This position requires a physical presence at the work location. 

Please refer to Important Information at the end of the page.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

GRANT WRITER
SHAKMAN EXEMPT

 Job Summary

The Grant Writer is a full-time, Shakman Exempt, position responsible for identifying, researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for the programs and initiatives of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. This role involves collaboration with internal stakeholders to align grant opportunities with organizational priorities, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and managing all phases of the grant application and reporting processes.

Essential Duties
•    Research and identify grant opportunities from federal, state, local, and private funding sources that align with the Clerk’s Office objectives.
•    Monitor grant availability schedules and maintain a calendar of application deadlines.
•    Write, edit, and prepare high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding applications, tailoring content to meet the specific requirements of each funder.
•    Work with program managers and leadership to gather necessary information, data, and supporting documentation for grant applications.
•    Collaborate with departments to develop grant proposals that align with operational needs and strategic goals.
•    Serve as a liaison between the Clerk’s Office and funding organizations, ensuring clarity and accuracy in communication.
•    Manage and ensure compliance with grant requirements, including deliverables, financial reporting, and deadlines.
•    Prepare progress and final reports for funders, summarizing grant activities, outcomes, and financial expenditures.
•    Maintain an organized database of grant opportunities, applications, and awards.
•    Track and document the status of submitted applications and funding received.
•    Stay updated on grant writing best practices and funding trends relevant to court systems and government agencies.
•    Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the Clerk’s Office.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration or a related field.
•    Three (3) years of experience in grant writing, proposal development, or a related role.

Preferred Qualifications
•    One (1) year of experience in grant writing, proposal development, or a related role in public sector or government agency.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling and persuasive proposals.
•    Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities to evaluate funding opportunities and identify solutions.
•    Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, grant management software, and data reporting.
•    Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
•    Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
•    Commitment to the mission and values of the Clerk’s Office.
•    Strong interpersonal skills, including professional interaction with the public, attorneys, and court personnel.
•    Effective oral and written communication, with the ability to deliver clear presentations and facilitate meetings.
•    High-level customer service skills and a dedication to achieving goals and deadlines.

Physical Requirements
•    Ability to sit, stand, walk or move for extended periods of time.
•    Ability to repetitively use hands to operate standard office equipment and handle documents.  
•    Must be able to lift 10 lbs.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) 

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/ 

 Important Information:

1. You must include all work experience in your application for it to be considered.  Work experience included in your resume and not in your application will not be considered.

2. Proof of education, accreditation, certification, licenses, or other documents required under Minimum or Preferred Qualifications must be uploaded to your employment application or presented within five days of the interview request.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by a foreign credential evaluation agency qualified by the Illinois State Board of Education (currently approved agencies can be found here).  All documents will be reviewed for authenticity.  Failure to provide required documents by time the posting closes will result in disqualification from the position.

3. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

4. This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a criminal background check, drug screen and medical examination.

5. Falsification of any information in the application process or failure to comply with any of the requirements in the job notification will result in disqualification for the position, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the Clerk’s Office’s Ineligible for Hire/Rehire List.

6. Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action.

7. For more information on how to apply, please visit https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/employment and follow the link to fill out an application.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Veterans Preference
When applying for employment with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time.   

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
•    Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
•    Identify themselves as a veteran by checking “yes” under veteran status on the diversity/self-identification page of their employment application.
•    Upload a copy of their dd 214, dd 215 or ngb 22 (notice of separation) at time of application filing.  if you have multiple dd 214's, 215's, or ngb 22's, please submit the one with the latest date. coast guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the department of transportation (before 911) or the department of homeland security (after 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact [email protected]