Grant Writer

About CDI

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a non-partisan non-profit dedicated to equipping the next generation of Americans with the skills to communicate and collaborate across lines of difference. Since its founding in 2017, CDI has partnered with more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide, offering an evidence-based suite of programs designed to reach stakeholders at every level of a campus—from presidents to incoming students—to create campus cultures of inquiry and dialogue. CDI was co-founded by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the bestselling author of The Righteous Mind and The Anxious Generation.

About the Role

CDI is seeking an exceptional writer to support our foundation and institutional fundraising efforts on a part-time contract basis. The Grant Writer will lead the drafting and revising of LOIs, proposals, and grant reports; synthesize inputs from staff; and help ensure that all materials reflect CDI’s voice and nonpartisan approach. 

This is a writing-focused role that requires precision, adaptability, and comfort in writing about politically nuanced subject matter. The Grant Writer will report to the Co-Founder and Executive Director initially and later to the VP of Development (once hired). 

Although this role is scoped as a part-time contract position, we are interested in developing a long-term working relationship with the right candidate. If there’s mutual interest, there may be opportunities to take on additional writing projects over time, including non-fundraising work.

Responsibilities

Writing & Editing

• Draft and revise high-quality LOIs, proposals, and grant reports. (approximately 25-30 per calendar year)

• Tailor tone and style to different funders and contexts.

• Translate complex or sensitive program information into clear, compelling narrative.

• Review and strengthen budget narratives for clarity and alignment with proposal content.

• As needed, contribute to additional written materials such as donor updates, impact reports, or similar materials.

Synthesis & Collaboration

• Consolidate inputs from CDI staff into coherent and compelling drafts.

• Work from templates, style guides, outlines, and past examples with minimal oversight.

• With support from CDI staff, ensure all materials reflect accurate and up-to-date program information.

About You

• Exceptional narrative writer and editor; able to synthesize diverse inputs, produce clear, compelling content, and adapt tone and style across funders and contexts.

• Experience writing about nuanced, politically complex issue areas, such as civic education, higher education, social science, pluralism, or related fields.

• Strong judgment, highly reliable, and able to follow written guidance and templates independently.

• Self-directed and organized, skilled at managing multiple tasks and deadlines without letting anything slip through the cracks.

• Meticulous attention to detail and committed to consistently high-quality work.

• Preference for grant writing experience, and track record of writing proposals that have resulted in major (six- or seven-figure) awards.

Details

• Contract Type: Part-time, independent contractor

• Reports to: Executive Director

• Schedule: Part-time and flexible within U.S. time zones. 

• Highly seasonal workload, with long stretches of minimal work and occasional concentrated periods of 10-15 hours per week. Peak periods typically occur during July–August and November–December.

• Location: Remote

• Compensation: Hourly, commensurate with experience