Manager of Foundations & Corporate Relations

Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI is currently seeking a full-time, benefit eligible Manager of Foundations and Corporate Relations provides support of the philanthropic efforts of LSS by securing program restricted, campaign, endowment, and general operating contributions. Reporting to the Director of Advancement and in partnership with colleagues, this role establishes clear action plans, goals, priorities and accountabilities to expand the base of supporters.

The key responsibility of this role is to assume a strategic approach in securing grants primarily from foundations and corporations. The Manager of Foundations and Corporate Relations will be responsible for identifying and analyzing available sources of funding, cultivating strong relationships with program officers, corporate representatives, and other key stakeholders, writing successful grant proposals, delivering effective grant reports and actively stewarding relationships with grantors.

As a member of the advancement team supporting the LSS operations and LSS Foundation functions, this position creates meaningful proposals and reports and develops relationships that demonstrates the impact of giving to LSS and instills confidence that gifts are used according to donor wishes. This strategic and creative role works closely with all areas within the advancement team, as well other departments across LSS. The Manager plans and manages cultivation strategies to engage and build new funding partnerships and maintain existing ones. The Manager of Foundations and Corporate Relations will operate in a team-oriented department with colleagues based throughout our two-state reach. A high degree of judgement, initiative, and integrity are core characteristics of the successful individual along with the ability to adhere to policies and guidelines.

Position hours are generally Monday through Friday, 1st shift, but will require flexibility for occasional evening hours based on agency need.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Under guidance of the Director of Advancement with strategic advising from the Chief Advancement Officer, develops and implements plans and workflows for increasingly and strategically raising grant funds from local, regional, and national sources of support with an emphasis on private and corporate foundations 
• Continuously seeks out and identifies grant opportunities, monitoring closely to determine best fit with strategic priorities and advising on the feasibility of different approaches 
• Researches and keeps track of relevant grant opportunities and other sources of support through various specialized databases and search tools 
• Manages a detailed grants calendar with all deadlines and key milestones—letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, follow-ups, etc. 
• Meets and builds close relationships with program officers, corporate representatives, and other key points of contact in order to fully understand eligibility criteria and application deadlines for upcoming grant opportunities 
• Plans, writes and prepares grant proposals and reports in accordance with deadlines, guidelines and specific criteria for funding 
• Works with LSS colleagues to create project budgets and final budget reports as required by funders 
• Develops excellent working relationships with colleagues to ensure timely collaboration for preparing grant applications and reports 
• Arranges and leads program site visits as required by funders and ensures all colleagues 
• Identifies and coordinates inspiring and educational program visits/tours for Advancement team members at least quarterly 
• Works with LSS colleagues across departments to ensure compliance with the conditions of grant agreements and on time reporting 
• Reviews and analyzes the success of grant seeking strategy, proposing changes as required 
• Actively contributes to building a strong culture of philanthropy at LSS

ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations. 
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity. 
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management or related degree required. A minimum of 5 years’ grant development experience required.

• A passion for human services is required.
• Demonstrated writing prowess with a strong emphasis on emotional appeal and storytelling.
• Hands-on experience with a fundraising system; Raiser’s Edge/NXT preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and organizational skills. Ability to relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people and build networks inside and outside of the organization.

Ability to secure project and organization information and create and write effective offers, proposals and asks.

Ability to manage schedule, process, and deadlines while adhering to the policies and procedures of LSS.

Able to work independently, exercising sound judgement with integrity and maintain confidentiality of information.

Willingness to take on new challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm, while also able to rebound quickly from setbacks and adversity.

Able to persuade others and use compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.