Grants Manager

Organization Background

Aeon is a nonprofit developer, owner, and manager of affordable homes in the Twin Cities. Since 1986, we have been a leader in creating and preserving quality, affordable housing that provides residents with long-term stability and opportunity. As we approach our 40th anniversary, Aeon continues to push the boundaries of innovation in affordable housing, integrating technology-driven solutions, resident-focused services, and data-informed decision-making to enhance community impact.

Our approach goes beyond housing-we are building resilient, thriving communities where residents can connect to resources that support their success. From pioneering sustainable housing models to leveraging analytics for better operational efficiency, Aeon is shaping the future of affordable housing. Learn more at www.aeon.org.

Position Summary

The Grants Manager is responsible for leading the full grants lifecycle-from prospecting and strategy to proposal development, compliance, and reporting. This role manages a robust portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funders, with a strong focus on housing, community development, and resident services. The ideal candidate is an experienced grant professional who combines strong writing and analytical skills with project management expertise and a strategic approach to growing institutional funding. The Grants Manager reports directly to the Interim Director of Advancement and Resident Formation.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Grant Strategy & Prospecting:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grants strategy to grow and diversify funding.
• Research, evaluate, and cultivate relationships with new foundation, corporate, and government funders.
• Maintain and oversee a master grants calendar to track all deadlines and deliverables.

Proposal Development & Writing:

• Lead the preparation of high-quality, competitive proposals, LOIs, and applications.
• Work with finance and program staff to develop accurate budgets, data-driven narratives, and impact stories.
• Tailor proposals to funder priorities, communicating impact and outcomes while reflecting organizational voice.

Grant Management & Compliance:

• Manage the organization's portfolio of awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Oversee reporting processes, ensuring timely submission of narrative and financial reports.
• Maintain complete and accurate grant files, documentation, and communications.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Partner with senior leadership, finance, and program staff to align funding opportunities with organizational goals.
• Provide regular updates and reports on grant progress, pipeline, and performance to leadership.
• Support cultivation and stewardship activities, including funder briefings, site visits, and communications.
• Manage junior development staff or contractors as needed.
• Participate as an active member of the Advancement Team, including supporting other activities as needed, including special events, donor communications, etc.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing and management, preferably in housing, community development, or nonprofit sectors.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure awards.
• Strong understanding of affordable housing, including funding streams (e.g., HUD, MHFA, CDBG).
• Proven ability to manage complex grant portfolios, including federal, state, and local government contracts.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience working with program budgets.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management software (e.g., Salesforce, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to engage in interpersonal communication that is culturally responsive, ensuring consideration for differing needs and expectations.
• Must have a commitment to learning and participating in Aeon's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Ability to lift up to 10lbs.
  • Ability to reach above and below the shoulder height.
  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to conduct property visits: Includes walking through hallways, stairwells, leasing offices, common areas, and vacant or occupied apartment homes. This may involve navigating multiple floors and uneven surfaces.
  
  
  
  

Compensation, Hours & Location

This position has a range of pay between $70,000-$90,000 annually depending on qualifications and skillset. Aeon offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, retirement plan, generous paid time off and an employee assistance program.

This full-time position offers mostly Monday-Friday, daytime hours. Typical work schedules are 8:30am-5pm, but there is some flexibility in these hours to accommodate the needs of the position and the staff person. Variations to this schedule may occur given the needs of the position.

This is a hybrid position and will office out of Aeon's Central Office in the North Loop of Minneapolis with regular on-site visits to Aeon's properties throughout the Twin Cities. Most weeks this position will be in-person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This position may office remotely from time to time. When working remotely, the candidate is required to travel to and from Aeon properties for urgent or unplanned matters and for regularly planned on-site visits, trainings, and meetings. As such, candidates must either currently reside in and around the Twin Cities metro area, or plan to relocate to accommodate regular planned and unplanned on-site needs.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit: https://aeonmn.applicantpro.com/jobs/3845667

Position is open until filled.

Aeon values a diverse work environment. Individuals with disabilities, persons from BIPOC communities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Aeon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Employees and residents are encouraged to apply.