Gifts and Grants Manager
About The Position
Walker West Music Academy is hiring a Gifts and Grants Manager to lead grant oversight, institutional donor relationships, and individual giving strategies. The role reviews proposals prepared by a contracted Grant Writer, maintains relationships with foundations, program officers, and corporate sponsors, and oversees funder reports and internal reporting. It also manages grant deadlines and compliance, plans individual giving campaigns and donor events, cultivates mid-level and major donors in collaboration with the Executive Director, and coordinates donor records and event data with the Development Associate. The position manages employee and team performance, including training, coaching, professional development support, and disciplinary action in consultation with the VP of Human Resource Services. Walker West Music Academy is a community music school offering accessible instruction to students of all ages, with an emphasis on jazz, gospel, and improvisational music. Its education is rooted in the African American cultural experience, and it seeks to foster an inclusive and equitable working environment.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant oversight, or donor relations.
- Strong editorial skills and demonstrated experience reviewing, editing, and strengthening grant proposals.
- A proven track record of planning and executing successful individual giving campaigns and donor stewardship events.
- Experience managing funder relationships and compliance reporting.
- Strong project management, time management, and collaborative communication abilities.
- Familiarity with nonprofit organizations.
- Familiarity with nonprofit CRMs, such as Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or HubSpot, for list generation and pipeline reporting.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse, mission-driven agency committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and ability to meet Walker West’s driving record requirements. If the license was not issued in Minnesota, the employee must apply for a Minnesota driver’s license or permit within 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident.
Responsibilities
- Review, edit, and provide critical feedback on grant proposals drafted by the contracted Grant Writer before submission to ensure strategic alignment and adherence to funder guidelines.
- Serve as a primary administrative contact for foundations, program officers, and corporate sponsors, building and sustaining external relationships.
- Oversee and assemble qualitative outcomes, narrative updates, and financial tracking for external funder progress and final reports, as well as internal dashboard reporting for leadership and the Board.
- Manage the master grant calendar and ensure grant milestones, report deadlines, and compliance requirements are met on time.
- Strategize, plan, and execute major individual giving campaigns, including Year-End Giving and regional giving days such as Give to the Max Day.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify, track, and cultivate mid-level and major individual donors.
- Direct the strategy and execution of donor gatherings, cultivation events, and annual supporter celebrations.
- Work with the contracted Grant Writer to refine institutional funding targets and narrative quality.
- Coordinate with the Development Associate to ensure accurate tracking of donor records, campaign lists, and event registration data.
- Manage employee and team performance, provide training, communicate expectations, coach employees, support professional development, investigate complaints and performance concerns, and implement disciplinary action as needed in consultation with the VP of Human Resource Services.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 10 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays per year
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs at St. Mary’s University for employees and their spouses
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to advancement opportunities, including internships, job placement, and field practice
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
