Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader with a mission to provide pathways to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement. Predominately operating in low-income, Black and Brown communities, STRIVE celebrates 90,000 graduates since its founding in 1984. STRIVE's purpose is to ensure that everyone can achieve upward mobility and financial empowerment for themselves and their families and offers free programs to adults of various ages, genders, and with justice-impacted backgrounds. See why STRIVE Works in this 2-minute video or learn more at strive.org.

STRIVE is active in 14 U.S. locations: in four directly operated sites and through licensed partners in cities across the country. STRIVE is embarking on a growth plan to serve 10,000 individuals a year by 2033. To achieve this ambitious goal, STRIVE is expanding its capacity in locations we are currently in and to new communities that are in need of our services.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Foundation Manager will manage a growing portfolio for two cities with the potential for $3 million in institutional and public support. Focused on our funders for our expansion cities, the Manager is responsible for the project management and grant writing for the existing portfolio of STRIVE New Orleans and for a new city (City X). This is an ideal opportunity to help build and retain the supporters in New Orleans as they prepare for a 2024 pilot and be on the ground floor of the expansion plans for City X’s selection in 2024. 

The Manager will contribute to and execute funding strategies in partnership with an energetic Development team, including a team of four in Institutional Giving, while reporting to the Director of Institutional Giving. The Manager will work closely with local STRIVE Executive Directors, Executive team members, the Growth & Strategy team, and savvy staff to secure and grow the funding base. The position is hybrid with 6 days a month expected on site or with donors and an expectation of 10% travel to City X for as-needed support of relevant funding meetings. Candidates must live in Louisiana. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the portfolios for STRIVE New Orleans and City X, including all moves management from initial engagement to proposals and reports

• Identify, cultivate, and engage corporate and local foundation funders supporting the relationship building of local Executive Directors and Executive leadership

• Project manage and write city and state grants, as applicable

• Proposal development and writing; copy-editing; proofreading; and assisting in submissions.

• Maintain a master project management of proposal deadlines, progress reports, and final grant reports, ensuring timely submissions and adherence to deadlines for New Orleans and City X.

• Work with STRIVE leadership and program staff to identify strategies for institutional partners on an annual basis

• Work with Development Associate and Finance team to ensure proper grant kick-off processes and grant management

• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required 

• Four to seven years of work experience, with a minimum of two years of relevant Development experience with a successful track record in securing grants of $50,000-$100,000, of both private and public funding

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team

• The intelligence, maturity and sound judgment necessary for interacting with donor prospects, board members, and executive staff

• Excellent writing and analytical skills 

• Experience conducting stewardship activities to cultivate and maintain positive donor and foundation relationships.

• Familiarity with fundraising software (Foundation Center, Blackbaud products) and project management software (Asana) are encouraged but not required. 

• Knowledge of New Orleans funding community is a benefit

• Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft office

Location: The position is hybrid with 6 days a month expected on site or with donors and an expectation of 10% travel to City X for as-needed support of relevant funding meetings. Candidates must live in Louisiana.

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.

Compensation is based on relevant work experience and education level.