Grants & Institutional Funding Manager         

RESPONSIBILITIES

Institutional Funding Strategy & Management

• Regularly revise and track implementation steps on a comprehensive institutional giving strategy to increase revenue from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.
• Manage and calendar touchpoints for a portfolio of institutional funders and prospects, including new opportunity cultivation, program officer relationship building, grant or request submission, reporting, and renewal strategies.
• Identify, research, and evaluate new institutional funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support annual institutional fundraising goals and strategies in partnership with the Major Gifts Director and organizational leadership.
• Monitor funding trends and philanthropic priorities to identify emerging opportunities.

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

• Lead the preparation, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, sponsorship requests, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather information and develop fundable projects.
• Coordinate proposal budgets and financial documentation with the Finance Department.
• Develop persuasive narratives that effectively communicate organizational impact, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure all submissions comply with funder requirements and deadlines.

Stewardship & Grant Administration

• Manage post-award grant administration, including grant agreements, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation.
• Track grant deliverables, deadlines, and reporting schedules.
• Prepare timely and accurate interim and final reports demonstrating measurable outcomes and program impact.
• Maintain strong relationships with institutional funders through consistent communication and stewardship activities.
• Support funder site visits, meetings, and presentations as needed.

Collaboration with Development Team

• Report to the Senior Manager of Development Operations to maintain accurate records, grant tracking systems, and donor data, and coordinate annual strategy.
• Partner closely with the Major Gifts Director to align institutional funding opportunities with broader fundraising objectives and capital priorities.
• Work with Development and Marketing staff to ensure institutional donors receive appropriate acknowledgment, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
• Contribute to integrated fundraising strategies that may require proposals or narrative support, involving major gifts, sponsorships, campaigns, special events, and anniversary initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting within the organization’s CRM and grants management systems.
• Foster strong internal relationships that support a culture of philanthropy and donor-centered engagement.
• Support continuous improvement of development systems, processes, and fundraising practices.

Events & Campaign Support

• Collaborate with the Development team on sponsorship and institutional fundraising opportunities related to String Fling, anniversary initiatives, special exhibitions, and future campaigns.
• Prepare briefing materials and funding analyses for leadership, Board committees, and strategic planning efforts.
• Represent the Center with institutional funders, community partners, and professional networks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing, foundation relations, institutional giving, or nonprofit fundraising.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into compelling funding proposals.
• Experience developing grant budgets and working with financial data.
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and deadline management.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, grant tracking tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in arts, culture, education, museums, performing arts, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with outcomes measurement, evaluation frameworks, and impact reporting.
• Active Grant Professionals Association (GPA), AFP membership, CFRE credential, or related professional engagement..