Grants & Data Specialist in Chicago, Illinois at Night Ministry

At The Night Ministry, our work centers on meeting people with compassion, dignity, and respect during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Across Chicago, our teams provide human connection, housing support, and health care to individuals and families experiencing housing instability and poverty. We believe lasting impact is built through consistency, trust, and showing up for our community every day.

The people who work here are deeply committed to that mission. Our staff bring empathy, professionalism, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose to their work, whether they are serving clients directly in the community or supporting operations behind the scenes. Every department and every role contributes to the strength of our programs and the quality of care we provide.

We value collaboration, accountability, curiosity, and a commitment to equity in both our work and our workplace culture. We are looking for people who are thoughtful, adaptable, and motivated by meaningful work that creates real impact in the lives of others.

Working at The Night Ministry means being part of a mission-driven organization where your contributions matter, your work supports a larger purpose, and your colleagues care deeply about the community and one another.

Position Summary:

The Grants & Data Specialist plays a key role in advancing The Night Ministry’s ability to measure and communicate its impact. This position works collaboratively across all departments to support the collection, management, and analysis of program data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organizational goals and funder requirements.

The Grants & Data Specialist is responsible for maintaining data systems, supporting reporting processes, and equipping staff with the tools and training needed to effectively collect and utilize data in their work.

General Purpose:

The Grants & Data Specialist supports the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of data systems that monitor, measure, and evaluate The Night Ministry’s programs and services. This role ensures high-quality data collection, accurate reporting to funders, and the development of meaningful insights that inform decision-making and strengthen outcomes for the individuals we serve.

Role Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, preferably within a social service environment
• Experience working with databases, CRMs, or case management systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies and systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HMIS systems
• Familiarity with data management, reporting, or program evaluation practices

Position Responsibilities:

Data Systems & Training

• Design and deliver staff training on data systems, data entry standards, and reporting best practices
• Provide ongoing support to staff to ensure accurate and consistent data collection across programs
• Troubleshoot system issues and serve as a resource for data-related questions

HMIS Administration

• Serve as the agency’s primary Agency Technical Administrator (ATA) for HMIS upon completion of training
• Manage user access, monitor data entry compliance, and resolve system issues
• Train new staff on HMIS requirements and responsibilities
• Serve as the primary liaison to All Chicago

Grant & Funder Reporting

• Ensure program outcomes data is reported to government and external funders in an accurate and timely manner
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure required data is collected and documented appropriately
• Partner with Philanthropic Engagement staff to track grant deliverables and support reporting needs
• Assist in providing data for grant applications and proposals

Data Quality & Evaluation

• Partner with the Manager of Impact Data to strengthen data quality practices across the organization
• Develop and implement processes that improve data accuracy, consistency, and reliability
• Support a culture of data-informed decision-making

Database Management & Reporting

• Assist in managing internal databases, including report creation, user management, and system optimization
• Develop dashboards and reports that translate data into actionable insights
• Identify opportunities to improve data workflows and reporting efficiency

Client-Facing Data Collection

• Collaborate with leadership to design and administer client surveys
• Facilitate client focus groups and analyze findings to inform program improvements
• Support efforts to elevate client voice through ethical and thoughtful data practices

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to departmental and cross-functional projects as assigned
• Support evolving data and reporting needs as organizational priorities shift

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list, and duties may change as business needs evolve.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data reporting tools
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and technologies
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Night Ministry

Reporting to this position:

No Direct Reports.

Benefits:

At The Night Ministry, we recognize that meaningful work is best supported by a workplace that values wellbeing, growth, and balance. We are committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees both personally and professionally.

Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings with employer match, paid time off, paid holidays, and opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning. We also strive to foster a collaborative and supportive culture where employees feel valued, respected, and connected to the mission and impact of their work.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, & Reasonable Accommodation:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The Night Ministry is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to participate in the application or hiring process, please contact the People & Culture team.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; climb stairs; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally drive an automobile; and lift and/or move 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job. This role may require additional hours, sometimes weekends, during certain busy seasons.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Night Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an employment contract. Employment with The Night Ministry is at will and may be terminated by the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice.