Employment

Virginia Legal Aid Society helps thousands of low-income families in south-central Virginia every year by providing high-quality legal assistance in problems involving housing, personal safety, access to health care, family stability, education, and consumer lending. Founded in 1977, VLAS is a sophisticated and tech-forward nonprofit law firm with five offices, three program-wide practice groups, an intake/advice unit, and a staff of 53; all operate together as one firm.

Current Openings!

Grant Writer

VLAS seeks a Grant Writer responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Under the supervision of the Director of Development and working with other positions in the Development team, this employee performs a variety of tasks related to development and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

• Write clear, compelling, and persuasive grant proposals.

• Assist with grant reporting and renewal applications.

• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness of all grant applications.

• Maintain records of submitted proposals and awards.

• Collaborate with program managers to gather data, outcomes, and budget information.

• Help others on the Development team research and identify grant opportunities aligned with organizational programs and mission.

• Support the Development team’s outreach and social media efforts.

• Track funding trends and recommend new funding strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience in grant writing and successful grant awards preferred.

• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.

• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management software.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of nonprofit compliance and reporting requirements.

• Experience with government and foundation grants.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as needed.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Compensation

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $44,380 + DOE

• Location Flexible: On-site / Remote / Hybrid

• Employment Type: Full-time

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample or grant portfolio, and 3 professional references to applicationsadmin@vlas.org.

INTAKE PARALEGAL:

• VLAS seeks a paralegal to screen, input, and provide telephone intake, legal advice, and referral under supervision of attorney.  Requires bachelor’s degree or equivalent skill in analysis and writing, data entry speed and accuracy, and excellent people skills. Most work can be remote but extended in-person training and some meetings require travel within the VLAS south-central Virginia service area.  Spanish fluency a plus. Salary $40k + DOE.  Excellent benefits, EOE.  Send cover letter & resume to applicationsLL@vlas.org.

STAFF ATTORNEY, DANVILLE, VA:  

• VLAS seeks an energetic, creative attorney for our office in Danville, a small and vibrant city on the Dan River in the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont with a variety of recreation and cultural opportunities. The attorney(s) will help implement VLAS advocacy and community engagement for the city and nearby jurisdictions. Please review River District Association Danville VA regarding the city in which the office is located. 

• Applicants should be admitted; eligible for admission as an out of state attorney (attorneys with 2 years practice in other states can practice for legal aid in VA without exam), or eligible for the next examination. Spanish-speaking ability is a plus. The salary is $67K + DOE for full-time and an equivalent hourly rate for part-time, and VLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a state-wide LRAP for full-time work.  EOE. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to applicationsdan@vlas.org.   Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

VLAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, or any other consideration prohibited by law.