About the Role Terian Services is seeking a seasoned grant writer and early-stage funding strategist on a fractional basis to identify, pursue, and win non-dilutive capital for Terianix.ai — our AI SaaS sub-brand offering the Award Nomination System and Integrity Sentinel (AI-powered fraud detection). This is a results-oriented, part-time engagement. You will own the funding pipeline end-to-end: opportunity identification, application strategy, narrative development, and submission — working closely with the founding team to position Terianix's technology and mission for each program. Skills Required Ideal candidates will bring a strong combination of the following: • Proven track record securing SBIR/STTR, NSF, or equivalent federal grants for AI, ML, or cybersecurity technology companies. • Experience with impact-aligned and mission-driven funding programs (e.g., philanthropic tech funds, economic-justice grant pools). • Strong technical writing skills — able to translate complex ML/AI concepts (Random Forest, LightGBM, LLM-based pipelines) into clear, compelling narratives for non-technical reviewers. • Familiarity with SaaS business models and the ability to articulate ARR potential, TAM, and scalability in grant applications. • Existing relationships or prior success with programs focused on fraud detection, public-sector integrity, or enterprise AI. • Working knowledge of federal cost-allowability rules (FAR 31.205, 2 CFR 200) as they apply to consultant compensation on federal awards. • Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple submissions simultaneously and meet hard deadlines without hand-holding. Compensation Structure This engagement is structured in two phases, with the fee model tailored to each funding source's rules: • Phase 0 (scoping, 2–4 weeks): Flat research fee to identify and prioritize the top 5–10 fundable opportunities across both federal and philanthropic/mission-aligned sources. Paid regardless of outcome. • Phase 1 — Federal programs (SBIR/STTR, NSF, and similar): Fixed hourly or per-proposal rate, paid by Terian Services directly (not from any awarded federal funds). This reflects federal cost-allowability rules (FAR 31.205-33(f), 2 CFR §200.209), which prohibit contingent or success-based fees on federal grant awards. • Phase 1 — Philanthropic and mission-aligned programs: Success-fee model — a percentage of awarded funds, rate negotiated based on grant size and program complexity, where the funder's own rules permit it. • Bonus: Accelerated success-fee rate on any philanthropic/private award exceeding $500K, reflecting the added complexity of large or multi-year programs. Recommended Next Step Rather than a traditional cover letter, we ask that interested candidates submit a one-page concept brief outlining: 1. One to three specific grant programs or funding sources you believe are a strong fit for Terianix.ai and why. 2. Your proposed approach and timeline for Phase 0. 3. Your preferred fixed rate for federal-program work and preferred success-fee range for philanthropic/private-program work.