Divisional Grants & Corporate Relations Manager

The Salvation Army's Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division is the administrative unit providing services to people in need in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our organization includes 26 Worship and Community Centers (Corps), 67 service extension units, a camp, multiple homeless shelters, thrift stores, and food pantries. We work to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people and meet the physical needs of those less fortunate.

About the role

This is a professional fundraising position. The Divisional Grants & Corporate Relations Manager will secure institutional funding to support life-changing programs that meet human needs in Jesus' name without discrimination. They will combine strategic grant writing with proactive corporate relationship building and sponsorship cultivation to generate sustainable revenue for essential services.

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and prioritize funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other institutional sources that align with The Salvation Army's programs in Milwaukee County.
• Write compelling Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), full grant proposals, budgets, and supporting materials that highlight program outcomes and community impact in Milwaukee County.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including preparation, submission, tracking, compliance, and timely reporting.
• Partner with program teams to collect statistics, success stories, client outcomes, and financial data for proposals and stewardship reports.
• Maintain an accurate grants calendar, prospect pipeline, and records in the donor database.
• Aid and consult with Officers and development staff throughout the division with grant opportunities and submissions.
• Ensure all submissions reflect The Salvation Army's values of compassion, integrity, and care.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate donors and prospects in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Assist Officers and development staff with corporate partnerships throughout the division.
• Develop and pitch corporate sponsorship opportunities, cause-related marketing partnerships, employee volunteer and giving programs, matching gift campaigns, and in-kind donation requests.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with corporate leaders through meetings, site visits to Milwaukee County Salvation Army programs, events, and personalized stewardship.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements and partnership terms that create mutual value while advancing The Salvation Army's mission.
• Identify opportunities to engage local businesses in supporting key initiatives such as the Red Kettle Campaign, toy and coat distributions, and emergency assistance.
• Track revenue, pipeline activity, and progress toward targets; prepare regular reports for leadership.
• Work with the communications team to develop impact reports, case statements, and materials that demonstrate how funds transform lives in Milwaukee County.
• Stay informed on local funding trends, corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities in Wisconsin, and best practices in faith-based nonprofit fundraising.
• Participate in donor cultivation events, community outreach, and occasional evening or weekend activities (including Red Kettle or holiday events) as needed.
• Accurately record all donor interactions and gifts in the CRM system.

Requirements

• A minimum of five (5) years of direct fundraising experience, including significant responsibility for grant writing, grant management, corporate fundraising, sponsorship solicitation, donor cultivation, and revenue generation.
• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field.
• A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License with clearance to drive from TSA insurance.

Qualifications

• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) or equivalent professional credential preferred.

Skills

• Strategic grant writing
• Corporate relationship building
• Sponsorship cultivation
• Donor cultivation
• Revenue generation

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule
• Competitive compensation package
• Health and wellness benefits

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate fundraising events and community outreach.