Director, Foundations and Grants
$75,000–$85,000 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Oversee a portfolio of foundations to maintain $1.4M+ annual funding, writing grants that achieve an 85% success rate and identifying new prospects to increase revenue by $100,000 within 12 months. Lead strategy for the foundation revenue stream, including goal-setting, forecasting, and performance tracking, while developing tailored prospect engagement plans that build genuine connections with institutional partners. Manage donor relationships through regular outreach, appreciation, and involvement, collaborating with marketing to execute communications and event strategies that deepen partnerships. Ensure timely submission of reports and letters of intent to secure ongoing funding, leveraging Salesforce CRM for accurate tracking and reporting. Represent City Year at external functions to establish and deepen donor relationships, driving shared accountability with senior leaders and the Board.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Five or more years of relevant work experience
- Knowledge of fundraising for non-profit or educational organizations
- Experience working with foundations, identifying prospects, and writing grant proposals
- Experience using donor/relationship management software
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office platforms
- Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America
- Criminal background history clearance
- Local travel required, including to local partner schools and events, and to other City Year sites and national conferences
- Must have access to reliable transportation or the ability to navigate public transit
- Occasional lifting or carrying of materials (e.g., event supplies, training materials) up to ~20 lbs
- Works a hybrid schedule, including typical 3-4 days in-person, with occasional periods of longer in-person commitments
- Must have reliable internet access when participating in any required virtual meetings or trainings
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree preferred
- Five or more years of relevant work experience including knowledge of fundraising for non-profit or educational organizations preferred
- Experience using donor/relationship management software to track donors, establish goals, and generate reports (experience with Salesforce preferred)
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and think critically
- Passion for and understanding of City Year's work within the national service movement and education sphere
- City Year and AmeriCorps alumni
- Demonstrated project management competency
- Highly ethical standards of professionalism and integrity
- Ability to execute a strategic plan and motivate staff
- Ability to work as both an independent leader and a team member
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