Join Our Team!

 
 

Opportunity: Grant Writer (Contractor)
Organization: Q Center (4115 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217)
Opportunity Type: Independent Contractor (limited duration: 12 months; 15-25 hours monthly)
Compensation: $30,000 annually
Benefits: None (contractor position)

About Q Center
Q Center is committed to advancing social justice through community-centered programs and advocacy. Our work focuses on creating inclusive spaces and supporting marginalized communities through direct services, education, and systemic change initiatives.

Mission: The Q Center celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by building equitable structures to foster intersectional safety, joy, mutual aid, and holistic wealth throughout the state of Oregon.

Contractor Opportunity Overview
We are seeking an experienced grant writer to join our team as an independent contractor on a project basis to deliver high-quality proposals while working autonomously within our mission-driven framework. This role will be instrumental in securing funding to support our mission-driven programs and organizational sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful grant writing and a deep understanding of social justice funding landscapes.

Core Deliverables

  • Research and identify potential funding opportunities aligned with Q Center’s mission

  • Development of compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding applications

  • Collaborate with program staff to gather necessary information and data for proposals

  • Maintain grant calendar and tracking systems for deadlines and reporting requirements

  • Preparation of grant reports and compliance documentation

  • Report to Board on funding trends in social justice, community development, and related fields

  • Strategic consultation on funding approaches and organizational development

Project Parameters

  • This position is limited duration (12 months) with an opportunity for renewal based on funding outcomes

  • Estimated Monthly Commitment: 15-25 hours (varies by grant cycle and deadlines)

  • Initial 3-month term with renewal options

  • Independent execution with collaborative input from Q Center staff

  • Monthly strategy sessions plus project-specific consultations

Contractor Qualifications

  • Minimum 3-5 years of professional grant writing experience preferred

  • Proven track record of securing significant grant funding (foundation, corporate, or government), with measurable results in past roles

  • Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills

  • Experience navigating foundation and/or government grant processes, including compliance and reporting requirements

  • Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

  • Familiarity with social justice funding priorities and inclusive language

  • Proficiency with grant management databases and research tools

  • Experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, racial justice groups, or similar mission-driven nonprofits

  • Knowledge of federal, state and local funding programs supporting community organizations

  • Background in program evaluation and outcome measurement

  • Experience with collaborative grant writing and coalition proposals

Compensation Structure
This opportunity offers a competitive hybrid compensation model designed to reward both consistent effort and successful outcomes:

  • Base Project Fee: $2,500 monthly retainer for a limited duration of 12 months, including research, proposal development, and administrative services. 

Working Relationship

  • Contractor maintains autonomy over work methods and schedule

  • Q Center provides strategic direction and organizational information

  • Contractor responsible for own workspace, equipment, and professional development

  • No employee benefits, taxes, or workers' compensation provided

  • Contractor may serve other clients provided no conflicts of interest with Q Center's mission or work 

Collaboration Framework

  • Monthly planning meetings to align on priorities and deadlines

  • Access to program staff for proposal content and data gathering

  • Shared project management tools for deadline tracking and communication

  • Quarterly performance reviews to assess outcomes and adjust scope

To be considered for this position, please email joelle@pdxqcenter.org with the following:

  • Cover Letter

  • Resume

  • 2 writing samples that reflect your expertise as a grant writer

Q Center is committed to anti-racist, inclusive, and non-discriminatory practices. We value building teams with all kinds of different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds and will give equal consideration to applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from historically marginalized communities.

Job posted: August 25, 2025

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.