BGC Ottawa Job Board
Government Relations and Grants Specialist
Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
As one of Ottawa’s largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, BGC Ottawa provides FREE, subsidized, and cost-saving Community-based services, and life-changing programs to an annual average of 4,500 young Members each year. We provide safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. From anti-Racism to Reconciliation to LGBTQ2S+, food security to scholarships to job readiness, our programs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions—equity, acceptance, support, opportunity.
As a growing team that embraces different ways of thinking, abilities, and experiences we aim to make our staff feel safe. We want you to feel heard, respected, and empowered. We believe in our diverse shared power as being the key to serving our members, volunteers, community, and each other with the utmost care.
BGC Ottawa is about building positive and inclusive environments for all.
JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Government Relations & Grants Specialist leads the stewardship and administration of government and public foundation funding opportunities that support BGC Ottawa’s strategic priorities and program delivery. The Specialist will also take on an advocacy role facilitating engagement opportunities with local government officials to help showcase BGC Ottawa offerings that address the positive youth development needs of BGC Ottawa members.
This role serves as the organization’s primary internal resource for securing and maintaining funding from government and public foundations. Working in collaboration with the Programs, Advancement and Finance teams, the Specialist is responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing high-quality proposals and reports, managing funding-related processes and timelines, grant compliance and supporting strong relationships with government officials and public foundation staff.
The role requires a high degree of initiative, judgment, accountability, and collaboration, with responsibility for managing complex funding processes, coordinating organizational responses to funding opportunities, and supporting revenue sustainability through effective grant management and funder engagement. While the position includes relationship management responsibilities, the role is primarily focused on strategic coordination, writing, administration, reporting, and behind-the-scenes funding operations.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Major Responsibility 1: Grant Development & Management
- Support the implementation of BGC Ottawa’s grant strategy developing clear grant themes and messages for use in future funding submissions.
- Research, assess, and monitor government and public foundation opportunities aligned with organizational priorities, programs, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead the development, coordination, and submission of grant applications, funding proposals, letters of intent, and supporting documentation.
- Develop compelling, accurate, and strategic funding narratives tailored to funder priorities, organizational impact, and program outcomes.
- Coordinate cross-departmental input required for applications, including program information, budgets, data, evaluation metrics, and supporting materials.
- Provide guidance and recommendations to leadership regarding funding opportunities, eligibility, timelines, and strategic fit.
- Maintain organizational grant calendars, submission schedules and tracking systems.
Major Responsibility 2: Government Relations & Funder Stewardship
- Support the implementation of BGC Ottawa’s government relations strategy facilitating positive working relationships with government officials, public foundation staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate ongoing funder communications, information requests, meetings, updates, and stewardship activities.
- Support the preparation of briefing notes, presentations, reports, impact summaries, and other materials for Senior Leadership, funders and stakeholders.
- Monitor funding agreements and ensure compliance with reporting requirements, deliverables, timelines, and funding conditions.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen government engagement, stewardship practices, and long-term funding relationships.
- Represent the organization in meetings and collaborative discussions with government funders and community stakeholders as appropriate.
Major Responsibility 3: Reporting, Compliance & Funding Administration
- Lead the coordination and preparation of interim and final grant reports in collaboration with internal departments.
- Collect, analyze, and organize program data, financial information, participant outcomes, and evaluation metrics required for funding applications and reporting.
- Maintain accurate records related to grants, agreements, reporting schedules, funder communications, stewardship activities, and funding outcomes.
- Monitor funding utilization, reporting obligations, and compliance requirements to support organizational accountability and risk management.
- Develop and improve administrative systems, templates, workflows, and tracking tools related to grants management and reporting processes.
- Support audit, evaluation, and documentation requirements related to funded projects and initiatives.
Major Responsibility 4: Collaboration & Organizational Support
- Work collaboratively with program, advancement, finance, operations, and leadership teams to support funding initiatives, reporting requirements, and organizational priorities.
- Provide expertise and guidance to internal staff related to funding processes, grant requirements, and reporting expectations.
- Participate in organizational planning discussions, cross-functional initiatives, and committees as required.
- Contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and mission-focused team environment.
Performs other related duties as required.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Post-secondary education in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Business, English, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in grant writing, government relations support, fundraising, nonprofit development, or related work.
- Demonstrated experience preparing successful grant applications and managing complex funding processes.
- Experience working with government funding programs, foundations, and/or public sector stakeholders.
- Experience coordinating reporting, compliance, and funding administration processes.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and grant tracking or CRM systems.
- Experience in the nonprofit or community sector preferred.
- Bilingualism (French/English) is considered a strong asset.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
- Strong project management, organizational, and administrative coordination abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple complex priorities and deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to interpret funding guidelines, agreements, and reporting requirements.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement mindset.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Hybrid work model (remote administrative work and on-site clubhouse presence)
- Some evening and weekend availability required
- Combination of desk-based administrative work and active on-site coordination
- Moderate physical activity including walking, standing, and occasional lifting
Most work is performed in a clean, quiet, and comfortable office environment. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, lift, or crouch. The role involves prolonged computer use and screen time. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for Club or donor events.
BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Bgc Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however we will only be contacting those selected for an interview.
Compensation
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year