Grants & Institutional Funding Manager

Institutional Funding Strategy & Management

Regularly revise and track implementation steps on a comprehensive institutional giving strategy to increase revenue from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.
Manage and calendar touchpoints for a portfolio of institutional funders and prospects, including new opportunity cultivation, program officer relationship building, grant or request submission, reporting, and renewal strategies.
Identify, research, and evaluate new institutional funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Support annual institutional fundraising goals and strategies in partnership with the Major Gifts Director and organizational leadership.
Monitor funding trends and philanthropic priorities to identify emerging opportunities.

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

Lead the preparation, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, sponsorship requests, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials.
Collaborate with program staff to gather information and develop fundable projects.
Coordinate proposal budgets and financial documentation with the Finance Department.
Develop persuasive narratives that effectively communicate organizational impact, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
Ensure all submissions comply with funder requirements and deadlines.

Stewardship & Grant Administration

Manage post-award grant administration, including grant agreements, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation.
Track grant deliverables, deadlines, and reporting schedules.
Prepare timely and accurate interim and final reports demonstrating measurable outcomes and program impact.
Maintain strong relationships with institutional funders through consistent communication and stewardship activities.
Support funder site visits, meetings, and presentations as needed.

Collaboration with Development Team

Report to the Senior Manager of Development Operations to maintain accurate records, grant tracking systems, and donor data, and coordinate annual strategy.
Partner closely with the Major Gifts Director to align institutional funding opportunities with broader fundraising objectives and capital priorities.
Work with Development and Marketing staff to ensure institutional donors receive appropriate acknowledgment, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
Contribute to integrated fundraising strategies that may require proposals or narrative support, involving major gifts, sponsorships, campaigns, special events, and anniversary initiatives.
Maintain accurate documentation and reporting within the organization’s CRM and grants management systems.
Foster strong internal relationships that support a culture of philanthropy and donor-centered engagement.
Support continuous improvement of development systems, processes, and fundraising practices.

Events & Campaign Support

Collaborate with the Development team on sponsorship and institutional fundraising opportunities related to String Fling, anniversary initiatives, special exhibitions, and future campaigns.
Prepare briefing materials and funding analyses for leadership, Board committees, and strategic planning efforts.
Represent the Center with institutional funders, community partners, and professional networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing, foundation relations, institutional giving, or nonprofit fundraising.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into compelling funding proposals.
• Experience developing grant budgets and working with financial data.
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and deadline management.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, grant tracking tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in arts, culture, education, museums, performing arts, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with outcomes measurement, evaluation frameworks, and impact reporting.
• Active Grant Professionals Association (GPA), AFP membership, CFRE credential, or related professional engagement.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65-70,000 annual
Competitive benefits package including vacation, sick, and personal days; health benefits; 403(b) retirement plan.

How To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to hr@puppet.org. Attachments over 10 MB may need to be sent in separate emails. No phone calls, please.

REACH OUT

If you have questions about this position, contact us!