Grants Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Grants ManagerWashington, DC, USA | $85,000–$100,000 per year | Full TimeReports To: Director of Grants and Special ProjectsCandidates must be able to work Eastern Time hours. Position SummaryThe Grants Manager plays a critical role in strengthening and streamlining FDD's foundation fundraising efforts. Working in close partnership with the Director of Grants and Special Projects, this position manages grant operations, improves internal systems, and ensures timely, high-quality submissions and reporting. By owning coordination, research, tracking, and process management, the Grants Manager enables the Director of Grants to focus on strategy, relationship-building, and revenue growth.Key ResponsibilitiesGrant Operations & Lifecycle ManagementManage the full lifecycle of assigned foundation grants, including proposal preparation, submission, reporting, and renewal tracking, in close coordination with the Director of Grants and Special Projects.Maintain and update grant calendars, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure compliance and on-time submissions.Coordinate with program, finance, and impact staff to gather required data, budgets, and narratives for grant applications and reports.Prospect Research & Pipeline DevelopmentConduct ongoing research on new and existing foundation funders to identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with FDD's priorities.Maintain an active pipeline of prospective funders and contribute to long-term revenue growth planning for the grants program.Serve as the development team's lead on wealth screening tools and platforms, including DonorSearch and Candid.Database & Data IntegrityMaintain accurate, up-to-date records in the grants database and CRM, ensuring data integrity across the full grant portfolio.Support development team-wide data practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of grants management systems and workflows.Scheduling, Logistics & Donor Engagement SupportManage complex scheduling for virtual and in-person meetings with foundation representatives and internal subject-matter experts, coordinating across time zones as needed.Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and logistical support for donor-facing meetings and internal grant strategy sessions.Set up meeting rooms with necessary materials and equipment; greet and escort guests as needed.Team Collaboration & Organizational AlignmentCollaborate across the development, policy, research, and finance teams to support cohesive stewardship and reporting.Contribute to team-wide best practices, process improvements, and the continuous refinement of grants operations.QualificationsBachelor 's degree required.2–4 years of experience in grants management, fundraising, nonprofit development, or related programming.Proficiency in Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, DonorSearch, and Candid a plus.Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail with an understanding of financial reporting basics.Demonstrated ability to support senior leadership with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Highly organized and systems-oriented; comfortable managing operational complexity with minimal oversight.Discreet and dependable with sensitive information.Application RequirementsResumeCover letter FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at View email address on ziprecruiter.com or View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.