Senior Manager of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships

Reading Is Fundamental • Washington, DC

280d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Remote

About The Position

Reading Is Fundamental is committed to a literate America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children, providing quality content to make an impact and engaging communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals for success. As the nation's largest children's literacy non-profit, Reading Is Fundamental maximizes every contribution to ensure all children have the ability to read and succeed. The Senior Manager/Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships will play a critical role in expanding Reading Is Fundamental's corporate and institutional philanthropy efforts, contributing to the organization's ambitious $75M Comprehensive Campaign. This position focuses on cultivating and securing significant corporate partnerships by identifying new opportunities and re-engaging previous supporters. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and collaborating closely with the Senior Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships, the Senior Manager/Director will manage a portfolio of 75-150 prospects, overseeing all stages of the giving cycle. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to craft compelling proposals that align donor interests with RIF's mission. With responsibilities that include managing high-level stakeholder relationships and engaging with volunteer leadership, this position is integral to advancing RIF's goals. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with a proven track record in securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts, skilled in both in-person and virtual solicitation, and experienced in corporate fundraising strategies. This position requires frequent travel, cross-departmental collaboration, and an ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; advanced education or equivalent experience in fundraising or a related field is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising or corporate partnerships, with a track record of securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and institutional donors, including converting prospects into long-term partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders such as board members, volunteers, and corporate executives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and manage data effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), with a solid understanding of donor databases and tracking systems.
• Self-motivated and innovative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising; experience with capital campaigns is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Achieve an annual fundraising goal of $1M-$2M, as determined in collaboration with the Senior Vice President.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-150 corporate and institutional prospects, guiding them through all stages of the giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective corporate partners through frequent in-person meetings, phone calls, and email communication.
• Collaborate with the programs and finance teams to develop customized proposals, budgets, and reports that align with partner interests and organizational goals.
• Coordinate with the Campaign Director and account management team on corporate and foundation gift requests to support RIF's $75M Comprehensive Campaign.
• Ensure seamless handoff of new partnerships to the programs team for effective implementation and stewardship of funded initiatives.
• Engage and support volunteer leadership, including members of the Strategic Initiatives and Campaign Committees, to maximize their contributions to fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, proposals, and gifts in the CRM system to track progress and inform strategy.
• Stay informed of corporate philanthropy trends and best practices, proactively identifying new opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships.
• Represent RIF at relevant events and meetings to enhance organizational visibility and cultivate relationships with potential partners.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision plans
• Generous annual leave, including company paid family leave
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) plan with company contribution
• Company-paid life and disability insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree