Manager, Institutional Partnerships

Greater Cincinnati Foundation • Cincinnati, OH

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Institutional Partnerships plays a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s community initiatives by driving and managing strategic relationships with partners, including foundations and corporate entities. Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, this position is responsible for implementing initiatives that secure financial support and enhance partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s mission. As part of GCF’s bold vision to invest $1B in the Greater Cincinnati community, the Strategic Partnerships team was created to attract and drive national investment to the region. The ideal candidate will identify and manage a portfolio of funding partners. Collaborating closely with the Community Strategies and Strategic Partnerships teams, and community partners, the Manager will drive the research pipeline and proposal development, and overseeing award management. The Manager ensures a consistent understand, clarity and alignment across the organization of the various fundraising efforts and philanthropic partnerships being led by GCF. This position demands a high level of collaboration in a matrixed environment to develop engagement strategies for prospective partnerships, set revenue goals, and secure new funds from foundations and entities outside the region.

Requirements

• Proven track record of securing and managing large-scale grants and partnerships with foundations and government entities.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to cultivate and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing proposals and reports.
• Proficiency in budget development, grant compliance, and award management.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong collaborative and strategic thinking abilities, with experience working across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Excellent sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in institutional fundraising, grant writing, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with community-focused initiatives and/or experience working in a mission-driven organization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, qualify and manage potential and current foundation and institutional partners.
• Develop, manage and implement a pipeline of institutional funding, including engagement and solicitation strategies.
• In collaboration with the Director, Government Partnerships, lead the preparation and submission of high-quality grant proposals – including management, writing, budgeting, and compliance – ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and community priorities, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners as needed.
• Oversee and execute the timely and accurate submission, management and reporting of grants and awards, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Serve as operations lead for the team, managing systems and processes that support Strategic Partnerships work.
• Maintain and analyze partnership and funding data; track opportunities and generate reports to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, meeting materials and follow-up to ensure alignment and accountability, with a potential focus on coalition or task force operations.
• Collaborate across teams to align institutional partnership efforts with the Foundation’s community initiatives and strategic goals.
• Contribute to the development of multi-faceted strategies that support long-term community impact, partnership growth and strategic goals.
• Work closely with senior leadership and other key organizational leaders to advance institutional relationship strategies.
• Support and manage leadership in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities with institutional partner.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships team to advance community priorities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager