Manager Corporate and Foundation Support

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION•Unincorporated Rolling Hills Estates, CA

About The Position

The Manager of Corporate and Foundation Support is responsible for expanding and deepening support from corporate, foundation and government partners. This role is ideal for an emerging professional eager to grow their development skillset, while making a meaningful impact at a dynamic cultural institution. The Manager will play a central role in researching, identifying and cultivating new prospects across the local and national landscape. With curiosity, tenacity and an entrepreneurial spirit, this individual will initiate thoughtful outreach to potential funders and help build strong, long-lasting relationships rooted in shared values and mission alignment. A major focus of this position will be supporting the ideation, development and writing of grant and sponsor proposals—from early concepting and prospect research through drafting, packaging and submission. The Manager will gain hands-on experience in the full lifecycle of grants and sponsorships, including the opportunity to develop key skills in soliciting gifts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. This position will also support budget building and revenue tracking to meet goals in this area. In addition to securing new support, the Manager will maintain relationships with current partners by ensuring timely and accurate benefit fulfillment, reporting and stewardship, all of which require excellent communication, deadline management and strong attention to detail. Success in this role will be fueled by: A passion for mission-driven nonprofit work Interest in public gardens, nature, cultural attractions or community-based programming Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills Eagerly working collaboratively across departments Ability to manage multiple deadlines while building thoughtful, values-based relationships This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to grow within the development field, contribute to a flourishing cultural institution, and help shape the next chapter of the Foundation’s impact in the community.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Adaptability/flexibility
Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work with little supervision
Ability to multi-task simultaneous projects effectively
Excellent interpersonal skills
Professional and helpful demeanor
Ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality
High level of knowledge with technology and the ability to learn new software that are specific to South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation. This includes using tools like Google Sheets and Google Docs to create visual presentations and decks.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Suite and Blackbaud Altru database
Ability to design decks and proposals in Google Suite or MS Office Suite
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
2 years of experience where writing was a key aspect of a job (i.e. writing for grants, marketing, etc.)
2 years of experience in a non-profit /mission-based environment and/or experience with fundraising or a revenue-focused position

Responsibilities

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT Identify, cultivate and steward a portfolio of current and prospective funders with a goal of increasing institutional giving based on clearly defined revenue objectives and forecasts
Strategize with the Senior Director of Development to develop sponsor decks, outreach and grant applications
Make cold calls to potential funders and leverage connections to open doors for portfolio growth
FUNDRAISING Manage the writing, preparation and timely submission of grant applications, letters of inquiry, sponsorship proposals and reports to maximize the organization’s funding potential and remain in compliance with funder requirements
Maintain close oversight of the grant schedule and budget forecast, leaving ample time for cross-departmental collaboration for information seeking, resource gathering and the review processes
Support relationships with institutions and involve the Senior Leadership Team in key contact interactions to move relationships along, including the creation of opportunities for interaction
Develop strong cross-functional working relationships with colleagues to ensure that grants and partnerships align with internal needs and expectations
Communicate clear grant objectives, benchmarks and expectations with each department, scheduling routine check-ins to gauge progress and identify challenges that impact outcomes
Coordinate planning and logistics for all Foundation and sponsorship site visits, providing participating staff with key talking points and funder insights
Work thoughtfully with each department to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of program and operational plans and needs, objectives, metrics/benchmarks and outcomes to prepare compelling funding requests and reports
Work with senior staff and legal counsel on complicated grant issues
Develop compelling, funder-specific storytelling through the Foundation’s programs and efforts
STEWARDSHIP AND REPORTING Systematize regular contact points and interactions with prospects and donors to keep the Foundation front of mind
Work with Development colleagues and Marketing colleagues to properly acknowledge institutional gifts and ensure proper gift recognition and name display
Comply with all grant reporting as required by donor institutions
Provide regular updates, reviews and reports on grant submittals to colleagues
STEWARDSHIP AND REPORTING Systematize regular contact points and interactions with prospects and donors to keep the Foundation front of mind
Work with Development colleagues and Marketing colleagues to properly acknowledge institutional gifts and ensure proper gift recognition and name display
Comply with all grant reporting as required by donor institutions
Provide regular updates, reviews and reports on grant submittals to colleagues