Grants Research Analyst

Position Overview

The Grants Research Analyst is an entry-level position designed for a curious, driven individual eager to build expertise in the federal and state grants landscape. This role is central to our mission of connecting clients with funding opportunities that advance meaningful projects and community outcomes. The ideal candidate brings intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for helping organizations secure the resources they need to thrive. This position works in a modern, AI-assisted research environment; candidates should be comfortable using AI tools as part of their daily workflow and enthusiastic about leveraging technology to work smarter and faster. No prior grants experience is required; we will train the right person. What we cannot teach is drive, coachability, and a hunger to learn.

Beyond the qualifications, we are looking for someone who:

• Is genuinely excited about the idea of connecting clients with funding that makes a real difference.
• Asks questions, digs deeper, and is not satisfied with surface-level answers.
• Takes feedback well, applies it quickly, and improves with every project.
• Shows up prepared, follows through on commitments, and takes ownership of their work.
• Embraces technology, including AI tools, as a way to work more effectively, not as a shortcut to avoid thinking.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment and sees challenges as opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Learn and develop working knowledge of federal and state grant programs, funding cycles, and eligibility requirements across a range of sectors.
• Research and identify grant opportunities that align with client project needs, funding priorities, and organizational capacity.
• Utilize research and analysis tools to accelerate grant identification, synthesize program information, and surface relevant funding trends efficiently.
• Analyze funding trends across grant programs, tracking award patterns, funding priorities, and competitive landscapes to inform client strategy.
  
• Prepare clear, concise research summaries and funding opportunity profiles for internal review and client delivery.
  
• Support client intake and service processes, learning how to understand client goals, translate them into funding needs, and communicate findings professionally.
  
• Maintain organized records of grant research, client projects, and program databases in internal tracking systems.
  
• Collaborate with senior staff to develop and refine research methodologies, continuously improving the quality and relevance of funding recommendations.
• Stay current on changes to federal and state grant programs through agency announcements, Federal Register notices, and other primary sources.
• Contribute to a culture of excellence, responsiveness, and client-first service delivery.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, economics, communications, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Exceptional research skills with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information quickly and accurately. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable summaries.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); comfort working in digital research environments.
  
• Working proficiency with AI tools (such as Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, or similar platforms); ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, and apply AI assistance to research and analytical tasks.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to learning new subject matter.
  
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to team goals and client outcomes.

Preferred (Not Required) Qualifications

• Familiarity with government grant databases (Grants.gov, SAM.gov, USASpending.gov) or similar research platforms.
• Experience using AI tools for professional research, writing, or data analysis tasks.
• Experience with data analysis, even in an academic context.
• Prior internship, coursework, or project experience in government, nonprofit, or public finance settings.
• Exposure to client services, consulting, or advisory roles.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with work experience and qualifications.
• Robust benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and advance career growth.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
  

Please note that the compensation information is a good faith estimate, and is provided pursuant to Equal Pay Laws. The Ferguson Group intends to offer the selected candidate base pay dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, such as experience. Our team will provide more information about the total compensation package for this position during the interview process.