Listed: 03/17/2026
Listing Expires: 05/15/2026
Job Description
Organization Overview
About United Way of Union County
United Way is a national network of locally governed organizations that work to create lasting, positive change in communities and people's lives. United Way has been in existence for more than 120 years and in Union County since 1962, originally known as the El Dorado Community Chest beginning in 1933.
A board of local community leaders governs United Way of Union County and makes decisions based on local needs and values. Last year alone, United Way partner agencies served tens of thousands of citizens across Union County. In 2025, local contributions helped United Way of Union County raise more than $1.4 million for local agencies. Hundreds of programs have been made possible in our community through the United Way of United County’s efforts over the past 92 years. 100% of donations remain in Union County and go directly to support programs at our partner agencies.
Mission Statement
The United Way of Union County is an effort to increase the organized capacity of people who care for one another.
Position Overview
The Community Grant & Resource Development Specialist plays a key role in strengthening Union County's nonprofit ecosystem by helping local agencies identify and secure new funding opportunities.
This position focuses primarily on increasing non-local funding flowing into Union County nonprofits, particularly through grants and external funding sources. The role provides hands-on coaching and technical assistance to partner agencies throughout the grant lifecycle, including opportunity identification, application support, compliance, reporting, and post-award administration.
In addition to grant development support, the position will work collaboratively with partner agencies to strengthen fundraising strategies, donor development efforts, and event-based fundraising, creating a more coordinated and effective approach to community fundraising.
This position requires strong communication skills, grant research ability, nonprofit knowledge, and the ability to build relationships with agencies, grantmakers, community leaders, and funders.
Job Requirements
Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions
Grant Development & Funding Strategy (Primary)
- Identify local, regional, state, and national grant opportunities applicable to United Way partner agencies.
- Maintain a regularly updated pipeline of potential grant opportunities relevant to community needs.
- Provide direct coaching and technical support to partner agencies during the grant development process.
- Assist agencies with proposal development, narrative structure, budget preparation, supporting documentation, and application strategy.
- Review and provide feedback on grant applications before submission.
- Track grant deadlines and funding opportunities for agencies.
- Support agencies in post-award compliance, reporting requirements, and grant administration.
- In limited cases, prepare and submit grant applications directly on behalf of United Way of Union County when appropriate.
Nonprofit Capacity Building (Primary)
- Strengthen the grant readiness and fundraising capacity of partner agencies.
- Guide agencies on program evaluation, outcome measurement, data collection, and grant reporting systems.
- Assist agencies in improving grant competitiveness and sustainability.
- Share best practices and tools to improve nonprofit effectiveness.
- Maintain awareness of emerging philanthropic trends and funding opportunities.
- Serve as a connector between community needs and potential funding sources.
Collaborative Fundraising Support (Secondary)
- Work with partner agencies to strengthen overall fundraising strategies.
- Guide donor development, stewardship, and event-based fundraising.
- Help agencies identify ways to align fundraising efforts and reduce duplication across the community.
- Assist United Way leadership in developing strategies to increase overall community philanthropic investment.
Experience / Position Requirements
- A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit work, grant writing, fundraising, program management, or related fields.
- Experience researching or preparing grant proposals.
- Strong written communication and editing skills.
- Ability to coach and support nonprofit partners with varying levels of grant experience.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders across nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
- Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building ability.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with nonprofit grant administration and reporting.
- Familiarity with nonprofit financials and program budgeting.
- Experience supporting nonprofit fundraising strategies or events.
- Public speaking or training experience.
- Familiarity with rural nonprofit challenges and community-based work.
Candidates should demonstrate integrity, accountability, strong judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to improving community outcomes.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. Equivalent nonprofit or grant-related experience will be considered.
Work Environment
- Regular meetings with nonprofit partners.
- Occasional regional grant trainings or conferences.
- Frequent local travel to partner agencies.
- Physical requirements may include bending and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Normal business hours apply, though occasional evening or weekend events may occur.
Position Details
- Full-time position.
- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience.
- Paid time off, sick time, parental leave, and holidays.
- Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Plan (QSEHRA) offered.
- Simplified Employee Plan (SEP) retirement savings.
- Must pass a background check.
Next Steps: Submit a Resume & Writing Sample
- Please submit your resume and a 300–500-word sample describing a potential grant opportunity that could benefit nonprofits in Union County and how you would help a partner agency pursue it.
United Way of Union County is an equal opportunity employer. Send resumes, writing sample, and any supporting materials to
employment@unitedwayunioncounty.com. Learn more about United Way of Union County at
unitedwayunioncounty.com.
Job Info
Job Category: Non-Profit
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: El Dorado, AR
Compensation: $50,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience.
Contact Info
Name: Tyler Turner