The second phase in exploring and understanding careers in grant writing led me to Ann Ussery-Hall with the Center for Disease Control.  Once a grant writer, Ms. Ussery-Hall now reviews grant applications submitted to the CDC.  Below is the transcript from the interview:

 

What is the title of your position?

Public Health Analyst

What are the day-to-day responsibilities involved with grant writing?

In my current position I do not write grants, but I review grant applications that others have written and submitted. This often involves reviewing and grading dozens of applications for a single grant, and making funding decisions based on that review. In previous positions I searched funding opportunities and wrote grant applications.

What are the required or preferred qualifications for a grant writer, in terms of education, experience, and aptitude?

While studying grant writing isn’t a requirement for being a successful writer, it is helpful. Beyond being good writers, grant writers must also be well-organized, persistent, and resilient.

What are the pros (salary, travel, quality of life, etc.) and cons (salary, travel, quality of life, etc.) of being a grant writer?

Pros: Grant writers often work for themselves, so they can set their own hours and work as needed. They also become subject matter experts at whatever topic required for the application (healthcare, education, etc.).

Cons: It can be discouraging to write excellent applications that, for whatever reason, are not funded. It is also extremely busy and time consuming when applications are due.

What are the long-term opportunities available to someone pursuing a career in grant writing?

Being an experienced, successful grant writer is an excellent reputation to have. Someone with knowledge of the grant process will have numerous opportunities to work in a part- or full-time capacity for a wide range of organizations.

How might someone go about entering getting a position as a grant writer?

Become very familiar with the grant writing process, participate in grant writing teams to experience it firsthand, and make connections within organizations that often submit grant applications.

Where are jobs advertised?

In any job boards (monster, etc.), as well as organization websites.

How does one network within the profession?

Attending professional organization meetings and communicating with possible clients (nonprofit, healthcare, or educational organizations, etc.).

How might one best craft a resume to catch the attention of recruiters or hiring committees?

Highlight the amount of funds garnered, any experience related to the focus area (healthcare, education, etc.), and experience with grant applications either as funder or recipient.

What special considerations should be taken into account when pursuing or occupying a position as a grant writer?

Not all grant applications are written by professional grant writers. Often people in other positions (administrative, managerial, etc.) are responsible for compiling grant applications.

Is this a career historically dominated by men?

No

Is this a career that is rapidly changing, in ways that will present challenges to new workers entering the field in the next five-ten years?

Not really. While it is a constantly changing field (different organizations and types of organizations are always getting involved in the grant process), the purpose and end result (funding) remain the same.

Is this an emerging career where applicants often have to define the role for recruiters and supervisors, in addition to explaining why they’re qualified and doing good work, in order to be successful?

I don’t think so. It is a relatively straight forward career that most people (recruiters and supervisors) understand.