Grants Director

AARP • Washington, DC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.
As the Grants Director on AARP Foundation’s Development team, you will lead efforts to secure and grow the funding that powers programs improving the lives of vulnerable older adults. You’ll take ownership of a fundraising portfolio worth multiple millions annually, ensuring renewal and expansion through institutional and government grants. You’ll navigate the government funding landscape with confidence—building relationships with key stakeholders, identifying new opportunities, and positioning AARP Foundation as a trusted partner within the federal and state funding space. Every day, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, from program leaders, the grants team, to other development team colleagues, to align strategies and deliver results. You’ll proactively seek out RFPs, prepare funding assessment tools, develop winning proposals, and drive innovation in donor engagement and stewardship. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact and see the results of your work in communities nationwide, this is your opportunity to lead.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8+ years of progressive fundraising experience with emphasis on securing government funding and managing large-scale grant portfolios.
• Proven success in federal and state grant acquisition and stewardship, including navigating complex RFP processes and compliance requirements.
• Deep understanding of the federal funding landscape with the ability to identify opportunities and position the organization as a relevant partner.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies and key stakeholders; proactive in outreach and engagement.
• Solid project management skills, including leading cross-functional teams and aligning funding strategies with organizational priorities.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and board policies related to gift acceptance, grants, and charitable contributions, ensuring full compliance.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to craft compelling proposals and represent the organization effectively in high-level discussions.
• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

Responsibilities

• Manages specific aspects of the fundraising process (e.g., systems, relationship management, channel strategy) that generates contributions or grant support to the organization, AARP Foundation, and all other organization affiliates in meeting fundraising goals.
• Participates and establishes an effective case for support (value proposition) and provides feedback on how it resonates with their respective assigned prospective donor pool.
• Oversees specific aspects and business processes of the pipeline (e.g., identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, systems/processing, stewardship) of potential donors to the organization, AARP Foundation, and all other organization affiliates within their respective assigned prospective donor pool to ensure future growth.
• Provides the team with resources, training, guidance, and support to ensure personal and departmental success in meeting organizational and personal objectives and goals.
• Sets goals and expectations for respective team and contributes personally as an example to the team and a member of the team in reaching goals.
• Ensures members of the team are in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and board policies (e.g., gift acceptance) pertaining to gifts, contributions, grants and other charitable support raised.
• Holds the team accountable for adhering to ethical standards established by Association of Fundraising Professionals and National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.

Benefits

• AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees