Grant Writer & Development Specialist

TEDCO is an independent entity established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998 to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State. TEDCO's role is to be Maryland's leading source of funding for technology commercialization and seed capital and to provide other entrepreneurial business assistance to early-stage technology businesses. TEDCO connects emerging technology companies with federal laboratories, research universities, business incubators, and specialized technical assistance.

Position Summary

The Grant Writer & Development Specialist plays a key role in advancing the mission of TEDCO by driving the success of its development and fundraising efforts. This role involves writing compelling grant proposals, developing slide decks, conducting thorough research, and producing stakeholder engagement reports to support TEDCO's initiatives. Additionally, the specialist will support cross-departmental collaboration, contributing to marketing projects such as writing press releases, drafting and editing content, and assisting with graphic design and website updates. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player who thrives in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.

Essential Work Functions

• Report to and works closely with the Chief Development & Marketing Officer to implement TEDCO's development, outreach, and marketing strategies.
• Write clear, persuasive proposals and create supporting materials (e.g., slide decks, fact sheets) to secure funding and support development initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain repositories, procedures, and templates to streamline the proposal development process, ensuring consistency and efficiency in grant submissions.
• Regularly conduct research on industry trends, barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, and potential funding sources to align with TEDCO's development strategy.
• Coordinate and conduct research related to needs assessment and background information for the proposal development process, including compiling data and drafting relevant sections of the proposal.
• Organize and manage the proposal submission process, including identifying and curating a repository of both internal and external funding opportunities that align with TEDCO's mission.
• Proofread and format proposals to ensure adherence to all submission deadlines and compliance with requirements.
• Create and maintain development activity reports, track grant opportunities, and assist in building a grants portfolio to present to external collaborators.
• Utilize Salesforce to track information on stakeholders, contacts, and opportunities and provide reports as necessary.
• Provide marketing support by drafting and editing content for press releases, blog posts, social media, and other communications, while assisting with graphic design and website updates as needed.
• Assists with planning and executing various in-person and online events, including TEDCO's annual Entrepreneur Expo, various pop-up events, and more.
• Represent the department in program meetings, managing projects and status reports.
• Undertakes daily administrative tasks to ensure the functionality and coordination of the Development & Marketing Department's activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Business, Finance, Public Relations or a related discipline
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing, development, or a related field. Experience in grant/proposal writing is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Salesforce (or similar CRM systems) to track stakeholder information and opportunities. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Basic knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically
• Exceptional attention to detail in all tasks, ensuring accuracy and quality in both written materials and data management
• Skilled at discretion and confidentiality
• Strong research, data analysis, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
• Excellent project management skills, detail-oriented, collaborative mindset, and experience coordinating many projects simultaneously
• Strong internal and external customer-service orientation; recognizing the importance of responsiveness and resourcefulness
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small and motivated team
• Ability to understand, interpret, and execute complex instructions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Be passionate about going the extra mile to achieve results
• Work in accordance with the company's policies and procedures

Work Environment

This position will require in-office work at least two days per week to foster collaboration and team engagement. The role is dynamic, with the opportunity to contribute to both development and marketing initiatives, supporting TEDCO's growth and success.

TEDCO offers a highly competitive total compensation package and an enriching work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all facets of the employment relationship and we do not discriminate based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation or any non-merit characteristics.