Development Manager of Institutional Giving

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Manager of Institutional Giving is a strategic and skilled fundraising professional responsible for driving SJLIs institutional fundraising efforts to secure grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Working under the direction of the Director of Development, this role leads the full grant lifecycle: from prospect research and proposal development to funder stewardship, compliance, invoicing and reporting.

The Manager ensures the effective implementation of SJLIs institutional fundraising strategy by identifying aligned funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals rooted in SJLIs mission, and managing data-informed reporting processes. With a strong background in grant writing, project management, and relationship-building, the Manager plays a critical role in sustaining and expanding the philanthropic partnerships that fuel SJLIs impact.

As SJLI deepens its national footprint and programmatic reach, this position also helps guide internal alignment across programs, communications, and finance, ensuring the organization meets its deliverables, tells its story with integrity, and maximizes funding opportunities. The Development Manager of Institutional Giving brings both analytical rigor and storytelling skill to the role, ensuring that SJLIs voice resonates with funders committed to racial equity, educational justice, and thriving communities of color. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of education equity, youth development, food justice, and the social determinants of community health, all to help secure the resources needed to advance meaningful impact of SJLIs work.

This is a hybrid position, primarily remote with one day per week required in SJLIs Inglewood office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy & Grant Management

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of SJLIs mission, programs, history, and strategic goals to inform institutional fundraising efforts.
• Build and manage a robust portfolio of institutional donorsincluding foundations, corporations, and government agencieswith an emphasis on California-based programs and unrestricted/general operating support.
• Research, identify, and evaluate new institutional funding opportunities to maintain a consistent pipeline of prospects.
• Lead the full grant lifecycle: develop, write, and submit compelling proposals, concept notes, and letters of inquiry (LOIs); coordinate internal review processes; and ensure timely submission of all required materials.
• Partner with finance and program teams to develop grant budgets and track deliverables, outcomes, and expenditures for all institutional grants.
• Ensure compliance with all active grant agreements, including crediting language, reporting requirements, and programmatic deliverables.
• Write and submit timely, data-informed grant reports that reflect program impact, challenges, and lessons learned.
  Track and manage grant deadlines, tasks, and internal workflows using project management tools (e.g., Asana) and CRM systems (e.g., eTapestry).
• Contribute to the annual institutional fundraising plan, including revenue targets and progress tracking.

Funder Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Steward funder relationships in coordination with the Director of Development and Executive Leadership, including email updates, engagement opportunities, and calls or meetings.
• Support institutional donor acknowledgment processes, including thank-you letters, grant agreement follow-up, and ongoing communications.
• Prepare briefing materials and internal teams for funder meetings, site visits, and corporate engagement opportunities.
• Respond to donor inquiries and member service requests with professionalism, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Represent SJLIs mission and impact in a compelling, equity-driven voice when engaging with institutional funders and community partners.

Internal Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Work closely with program, communications, and evaluation staff to source compelling narratives, participant stories, and data to strengthen proposals and reports.
  
  
• Contribute to the development of clear, accessible language that communicates SJLIs community-rooted impact across grant and marketing materials.
  
  
• Provide tools, guidance, and technical support to program staff to ensure timely data collection, outcomes tracking, and compliance with funder requirements.
  
  
• Help foster a culture of shared responsibility for fundraising across teams by maintaining transparency and clarity around grant timelines and expectations.

Systems, Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate institutional donor records, agreements, and grant history across CRM and shared documentation systems.
• Generate reports and dashboards to monitor institutional fundraising performance, upcoming deadlines, and revenue projections.
• Assist in preparing materials for annual audits and 990 filings related to institutional giving and contributed revenue.
• Contribute to the Development teams master calendar, shared documents, and knowledge management systems.

Cross-Functional Support & Learning

• Collaborate with the Development & Communications team to support fundraising campaigns and organizational events (e.g., Equity Summit, Urban Scholars Culmination).
• Stay informed about philanthropic trends, equity-centered fundraising practices, and local/national funding shifts.
• Share insights, analysis, and opportunities to strengthen SJLIs institutional giving strategy.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and advancement of SJLI.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate is mission-driven, detail-oriented, and exceptionally organized, with strong analytical thinking, written communication, and project management skills. They bring a collaborative, proactive approach, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines, adapt to shifting demands, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Success in this role requires a team-oriented mindset, excellent interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. The candidate must be a persuasive writer, a strategic thinker, and a systems-minded project manager who thrives in cross-functional collaboration.

Required:

• 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, or institutional development
• Bachelors degree required; higher degree preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in grant writing (writing samples required)
• Proven track record of researching, developing, and securing grants from institutional funders
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple grants and competing deadlines
• CRM and grant management software proficiency (e.g., eTapestry, Salesforce, Asana, etc.)
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with funder reporting requirements, budgeting, and compliance protocols
• Equity-centered writing and communication skills, including use of asset-based language and community voice
• Experience collaborating with program teams to align narratives, track outcomes, and meet deliverables
• Strategic mindset; experience contributing to development plans or revenue forecasting preferred
• Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge of philanthropic trends, especially in equity-focused giving
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation
• Availability for occasional evening/weekend events and local travel within LA County

Equal Opportunity Employer:

SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from underrepresented communities and those with lived experiences relevant to our work with youth of color. SJLI is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the youth we serve.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. However, this role requires regular travel within Los Angeles County and beyond for meetings, school visits, youth events, college visits/tours, retreats and community engagements. The position may require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 pounds, and navigating various community settings. Evening and weekend work is often necessary to accommodate youth and their familys schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

The Educational Equity Programs Director must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to anti-discrimination laws, labor laws, and laws governing non-profit organizations. They must also adhere to SJLI's policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. Given the focus on youth, familiarity with and strict adherence to laws and best practices related to working with minors is essential, including mandatory reporting requirements, youth safety protocols, and data privacy regulations.

Background Check and Clearances:

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and any required clearances or certifications, as applicable to the position. This includes, but is not limited to, criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, TB testing, and verification of eligibility to work with youth. The Senior Manager must also maintain any relevant certifications or clearances throughout their employment.

At-Will Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an at-will basis, meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement. However, SJLI is committed to fair employment practices and open communication to ensure a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

COVID Workplace Safety Requirements:

This position is currently hybrid with remote and in office activities, 4-5 days a month. Occasional requirements include interacting with employees, donors, vendors and others who may or may not be vaccinated or recently tested. You can wear personal protection equipment (PPE) at your discretion. SJLI adheres to the directives provided by the LA County Department of Public Health protocols. Currently, weekly COVID testing is offered to all SJLI team members, as part of our COVID-19 Prevention Plan.