Institutional Giving and Grants Manager

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT CANDLELIGHTERS

Founded in 1978 by two families facing childhood cancer, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the state’s first and oldest nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. The organization provides emotional support, quality of life programs, and financial assistance to children and their families, serving approximately 400 families and more than 1,800 children each year. All services are offered at no cost, with a mission to help families focus on their child’s journey and well-being, and a vision to ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Candlelighters is looking for an Institutional Giving and Grants Manager to lead our corporate giving and institutional grant fundraising efforts. This role builds relationships with funders, researches funding opportunities, writes and submits proposals, solicits corporate support, and prepares final reports for annual and special project funding campaigns.

Working closely with the Family Services team and other staff, the Institutional Giving and Grants Manager aligns funding opportunities with organizational needs and is responsible for achieving our annual grant and institutional funding goals.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including foundation officers, corporate partners, and government agencies.
• Research and identify potential corporate and institutional funders.
• Implement effective outreach strategies to convey Candlelighters' goals, values, and achievements to external stakeholders.
• Write compelling grant and corporate proposals to secure funding for annual and special project campaigns that meet or exceed annual funding goals.
• Gather information from internal departments for inclusion in proposals/reports.
• Liaise with corporate/foundation/government staff for information gathering; proposal/report compilation and submission; and solicitation of funding.
• Expand the base of institutional and corporate funders, resulting in financial growth in grants and corporate giving support.
• Plan, organize, and execute funder cultivation and stewardship events.
• Develop and update schedule of grant applications and reporting deadlines for current and potential funders.
• Manage grant tracking and required reporting.
• Record up-to-date funding records in the donor management system.
• Ensure receipt and recognition of grants and financial support from institutional and corporate funders.
• Participate in and assist at Development events to interface with donors/funders and provide support to the Development Team.
• Act as an ambassador for the organization by attending community events, networking functions, and fundraising forums. Engage with the public at tabling events effectively promoting and raising awareness about Candlelighters' missions.
• Effectively leverages AI tools to increase efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness in completing job responsibilities.
• Regularly conduct tours of office and programs.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact comfortably and effectively with the community.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to support the preparation and implementation of grant proposals and corporate contributions.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Ability to manage and meet multiple, and at times competing, deadlines.
• Proficient in computer software including but not limited to word processing, email, spreadsheets, and databases. Experience with CRM software Bloomerang, a plus. Experience with design programs like Canva or Adobe a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in fields such as nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five years of fundraising or sales experience with at least three years of grant-writing experience.
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector, including trends, best practices, and legal and ethical considerations related to fund raising and donor relations.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and executing donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Knowledge of local corporation and foundation giving trends and success in securing gifts $10,000-$300,000.

 

TRAVEL

The position may require occasional overnight or extended travel.

SCHEDULE

Monday through Thursday, on-site, occasional evenings and weekends.

LICENSE AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Position requires proof of authorization to work in the U.S., fingerprinting, and background check.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Frequent use of a computer, phone, and office equipment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Thrive in a fast-paced do-it-yourself environment with occasional periods of intense workloads.
• Ability to work well within a cross-function team environment and diverse communities.
• Enthusiasm for working in a small organization where flexibility, teamwork, and a good sense of humor are absolute necessities.

JOB BENEFITS

• Healthcare Insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous paid time off
• 9 Paid holidays

 

Candlelighters is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.