Grants & Special Projects Coordinator

The Opportunity

Position Title: Grants & Special Projects Coordinator

Department: Operations

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full-Time, temporary for up to one year from start date, occasional evenings and weekends required.

Requirements: Driver's license and the ability to travel throughout San Francisco Bay Area.

Compensation: $30.98–$38.73/hourly

Join the team behind the mission

Every day, people across California turn to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) when they face discrimination, threats to their civil rights, or challenges to their freedom to practice their faith. As the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in California, we protect constitutional rights, advance justice, and empower communities through legal advocacy, public policy, civic engagement, and education.

Since 1994, that work has been made possible by a dedicated team committed to serving individuals, families, and communities across California. Behind every case, campaign, and initiative are people working together to create meaningful change.

Whether you serve clients directly or support our mission behind the scenes, your work helps build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

Why CAIR-CA

Meaningful Work: Your work directly contributes to protecting civil rights, advancing justice, and strengthening communities throughout California.

Collaborative Culture: Team members value respect, teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.

Professional Growth: We support your development through mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and impact.

Purpose-Driven Environment: Colleagues create meaningful change and serve communities with dedication and integrity.

Statewide Impact: No matter your role, your contributions advance CAIR-CA's mission and create lasting impact throughout California.

How You'll Make an Impact

The Grant & Special Projects Coordinator is primarily responsible for assisting the Executive Director with the management, organization, and administration of various grants to ensure compliance with grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting deadlines. In addition to supporting grant-related activities, this position coordinates and assists with special events and projects, including research, project planning, implementation, tracking, documentation, and administrative support as needed. An ideal candidate for this position will possess experience in grant management, grant writing, grant financial management, and grant reporting, along with strong organizational, project coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Your Impact

In this role, you will do the following:

Grant Compliance, Oversight, and Coordination

• Support compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations; monitor grant progress to ensure adherence to established timelines and deliverables.
• Maintain systems to track grant deliverables, deadlines, reporting obligations, and overall grant progress.
• Coordinate with Finance teams on all grants, including internal tracking of grant expenditures and appropriate spending of grant funds.
• Assist with maintaining accurate and consistent data collection to support the quality and accuracy of reports and evaluations.
• Maintain internal reporting tools and dashboards to provide leadership with visibility in progress toward grant goals.
• Maintain accurate, organized records related to grant activities and subgrantees.
• Assist and coordinate with the Development Department to update and communicate grant progress.

Funder, Subgrantee, and Community Partner Coordination

• Coordinate meetings and events with subgrantees, government agencies, foundations, grantors, and community partners, and assist with providing technical assistance and general correspondence to subgrantees.
• Represent the team in funder meetings, site visits, and compliance reviews.
• Represent CAIR-SFBA at relevant organizations' events, activities, and meetings, including those held at college campuses, nonprofits, mosques, and other community organizations.

Special Projects and Program Coordination

• Coordinate CAIR's special events and projects, including but not limited to donor appreciation events, civic initiatives, and new innovations in CAIR's work.
• Present CAIR's work to different communities through both in-person and virtual formats.
• Contribute to organizational fundraising efforts and other organizational activities, including participation in fundraising initiatives.

All CAIR-CA staff are required to help with fundraising efforts as required. Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social sciences, finance, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two years of experience in grant management, compliance, or program administration.
• Demonstrated success in working with government (federal, state, or local) and foundation grants.
• Understanding grant compliance requirements, reporting standards, and budget oversight.
• Familiarity with grant programs and case management systems.
• Experience with data entry and preparing grant reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of SharePoint
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of professional integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible, and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to interface with organization partners, community members, clients, and potential clients with a high degree of professionalism, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and receptiveness to direction and feedback.
• A strong commitment to CAIR's mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social sciences, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong aptitude for technology and ability to quickly learn new tools and systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

What You'll Gain

At CAIR-CA, we believe our employees are essential to advancing our mission. We strive to provide a workplace where employees can grow professionally while doing meaningful work.

Depending on eligibility, our benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Generous Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, 10 Sick Days, and 12 Vacation Days
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees and dependents
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Perks:
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sabbatical Leave

How to Apply

We encourage interested candidates to apply early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you are a strong fit for the role.
• A current resume.
• The names and contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Empowering American Muslims. Protecting Civil Rights. Promoting Justice.