Philanthropic Grant Manager (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools • El Paso, TX

2d

About The Position

The Philanthropic Grants Manager will play a pivotal role on IDEA Public Schools’ Advancement team by managing both pre-award and post-award activities for philanthropic grants. Reporting to the Director of Philanthropic Grants, this position is responsible for sourcing, applying for, and stewarding grants from national foundations that advance IDEA’s mission and strategic priorities. The Philanthropic Grants Manager will own relationships with small- to mid-sized national foundations and support relationship management for six- and seven-figure national foundations by tracking engagement, assisting executive-level fundraisers, and ensuring high-quality stewardship. This role will also lead the intake and pursuit of new national philanthropic opportunities, support Regional Directors of Philanthropy (RDPs) on regional grants, and contribute to prospect research using tools such as iWave, LexisNexis, and RelSci. The position additionally supports special projects for the Philanthropic Grants team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in development or philanthropic grant management
• Strong writing and project management skills with experience drafting compelling grant proposals.
• Proven ability to manage and steward foundation relationships, including direct responsibility for a portfolio of small- to mid-sized funders.
• Familiarity with philanthropic grantmaking processes, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in prospect research tools (iWave, LexisNexis, RelSci) and CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with colleagues across functions and geographies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience cultivating and managing foundation relationships strongly preferred.
• Experience in education or nonprofit fundraising strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of small- to mid-sized national philanthropic grants, including cultivation, proposal development, and stewardship.
• Support executive-level fundraisers in managing six- and seven-figure national foundation relationships through tracking, research, and stewardship activities.
• Lead intake, tracking, and prioritization of new national grant opportunities to align with IDEA’s strategic funding goals.
• Provide pre-award support for regional grants in collaboration with Regional Directors of Philanthropy, including reviewing proposals and ensuring alignment with IDEA’s mission and standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required grant reports in partnership with Finance, Compliance, and program teams.
• Conduct prospect research using tools such as iWave, LexisNexis, and RelSci to identify and qualify new foundation funding opportunities.
• Maintain accurate grant records and reporting in Salesforce and contribute to process improvements that strengthen IDEA’s philanthropic grants program.
• Support Regional Directors of Philanthropy with regional grant opportunities, including reviewing narratives and ensuring alignment with IDEA’s goals.
• Assist with special projects for the Philanthropic Grants team, including developing templates, case materials, and process documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure grant compliance, funder recognition, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Monitor grant deliverables and track progress toward key milestones for national and regional grants.
• Provide recommendations for improving grant management processes and systems to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to Advancement-wide initiatives, including prospect pipeline reviews and stewardship events.
• Participate in periodic site visits, donor meetings, and internal presentations to support foundation relationships.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan

What This Job Offers

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