Senior Manager, Corporate and Foundation Relations (2835)

YOUTH GUIDANCE•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations is a senior‑level fundraising professional responsible for driving growth and sustainability of Youth Guidance’s corporate and foundation revenue through proactive business development, relationship management, strategic grantmaking, and team leadership. This role serves as the organization’s growth engine for institutional fundraising, owning new funder acquisition, early‑stage cultivation, and high‑quality proposal development, while also providing strategic direction, forecasting, and performance oversight for the corporate and foundation portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Senior Manager partners closely with organizational leadership ensure strong execution, cross‑functional collaboration, and consistent stewardship of institutional partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum three (3) years of experience and demonstrated track record in human services
Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Publisher)
Minimum five (5) years of experience and demonstrated track record in corporate, foundation, government and United Way fundraising
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to present a positive image and communicate effectively via telephone and in person
Highly organized, strategic thinker, with proven ability to handle multiple tasks, handle pressure and meet deadlines
The ability to work well both independently, and within a team
Commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect for differences
Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or social work preferred

Responsibilities

Lead proactive outreach to identify, qualify, and cultivate new corporate and foundation partners through multiple channels (email, calls, LinkedIn, referrals, and organization’s networks).
Build and manage a robust, diversified pipeline of institutional funders to support long-term revenue growth.
Guide prospects from discovery through readiness for solicitation.
Track pipeline activity, prospect movement, and engagement in Salesforce.
Develop and execute strategies to meet annual corporate and foundation fundraising goals.
Forecast and manage proposal pipeline (monthly, quarterly, annual) and projected revenue.
Monitor and report on key performance metrics (acquisition, renewal, growth, revenue trends).
Partner with Development leadership to align institutional fundraising with organizational priorities.
Lead development of compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, and reports.
Ensure all submissions are high-quality, data-informed, and aligned with funder priorities and organizational strategy.
Coordinate cross-functional input (program, finance, evaluation) to produce strong narratives, budgets, and outcomes.
Manage proposal timelines, quality control, and submission processes.
Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation partners, ensuring consistent communication, stewardship, and follow-up.
Develop and implement strategies for partner renewal, growth, and long-term engagement.
Support integrated corporate partnerships (i.e. gala sponsorship and employee engagement).
Coordinate donor engagement opportunities (e.g., site visits, briefings) and prepare materials for funder interactions.
Ensure fulfillment of all reporting, recognition, and compliance requirements.
Coach Corporate & Foundation Relations staff, providing direction, prioritization, and accountability.
Collaborate cross-functionally to align fundraising with program strategy and impact.
Maintain accurate records and reporting in Salesforce; use data to inform strategy and decision-making.
Contribute to continuous improvement of systems, workflows, and institutional fundraising practices.