Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN)•Saint Paul, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager is responsible for managing the strategic corporate and private foundation giving program. With the support of the Director of Development, this position oversees all funding solicitations, works with Services and Programs on proposal development, and manages the Senior Development Officer, Corporate and Foundation Relations. The Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager maintains a portfolio of institutional donors, conducts prospect research, oversees grant reporting, provides strategic leadership and direction for grant projects and serves as a leader on the Philanthropy team. In a typical day, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager provides leadership and oversight for grant strategy, funder engagement, portfolio stewardship, compliance, and reporting activities to advance organizational priorities, strengthen institutional partnerships, and achieve fundraising objectives. This role also cultivates and strengthens relationships with corporate partners to increase philanthropic investment, volunteer engagement, sponsorship support, and long-term partnership opportunities. Additionally, the position provides leadership and direction to employees by fostering a culture of accountability, growth, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Knowledge of corporate philanthropy, foundation giving, sponsorships, and donor stewardship practices.
Experience securing and managing corporate and foundation funding, including six figure and multi-year grant and sponsorship commitments.
Ability to cultivate relationships, conduct donor solicitations, and secure philanthropic investments.
Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to support staff performance, development, and accountability.
Ability to build collaborative partnerships and work effectively with donors, volunteers, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve goals.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including proposal and report writing.
Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in grant submissions, reporting, and donor records.
Ability to balance day-to-day responsibilities while maintaining focus on long-term fundraising objectives.
Proficiency with donor management systems and fundraising software.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, grant management, corporate and foundation relations, donor stewardship, partnership development, or related revenue-generating functions.
Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the strategic corporate and private foundation giving program.
Oversees all funding solicitations.
Works with Services and Programs on proposal development.
Manages the Senior Development Officer, Corporate and Foundation Relations.
Maintains a portfolio of institutional donors.
Conducts prospect research.
Oversees grant reporting.
Provides strategic leadership and direction for grant projects.
Serves as a leader on the Philanthropy team.
Provides leadership and oversight for grant strategy, funder engagement, portfolio stewardship, compliance, and reporting activities.
Cultivates and strengthens relationships with corporate partners to increase philanthropic investment, volunteer engagement, sponsorship support, and long-term partnership opportunities.
Provides leadership and direction to employees by fostering a culture of accountability, growth, inclusion, and continuous improvement.