Position Summary
The Grant Manager is responsible for strengthening GSGCNWI’s institutional funding portfolio through high-quality grant proposals, reports, and stewardship activities. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Giving, this role manages corporate, foundation, government, and United Way partners; identifies new prospects; and ensures the delivery of compelling, data-driven narratives and impact stories that align with the council’s strategic priorities. This position requires strong writing expertise, the ability to synthesize complex information, and skill in building relationships that deepen philanthropic investment in GSGCNWI’s mission. The Grant Manager collaborates closely with program, finance, and fund development colleagues and plays a key role in supporting institutional revenue generation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop compelling, mission-aligned grant proposals, reports, inquiries, and supplemental materials according to funder guidelines
- Coordinate all necessary attachments, financial documentation, and outcome data for timely, accurate submission
- Manage an assigned portfolio of foundation, corporate, government, and United Way partners, including cultivation, stewardship, and renewal pipelines
- Collaborate with program staff to translate program plans into clear, measurable outcomes for funder communication
- Identify new grant opportunities, research alignment, and prepare prospect summaries and cultivation recommendations
- Prepare briefing materials and talking points for leadership and program staff participating in funder meetings
- Ensure donor benefit fulfillment, including recognition listings, newsletter features, and acknowledgment requirements
- Track deadlines, commitments, outcomes, and communications within Raiser’s Edge and department work plans
- Conduct research using databases, directories, and professional sources to identify aligned institutional prospects
- Maintain accurate documentation of all grant activity and pipeline movement
- Draft donor-facing communications including newsletters, impact stories, appeal language, and annual report content
- Support institutional fundraising events with written materials, data, and narrative components as assigned
Competency
Strategic & Organizational Competencies
- Mission & Values Alignment
- Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
- Collaboration & Relationship Building
- Project Management & Execution
- Communication & Influence
- Equity & Community Mindset
- Judgment, Confidentiality & Responsible Use of Technology
Job-Specific Competencies
- Grant Writing Expertise
- Institutional Fundraising Knowledge
- Outcome Measurement & Data Synthesis
- Prospect Research & Analysis
- Donor Stewardship & Engagement
- Budget & Financial Understanding
- Writing for Multiple Formats
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 3–5 years of grant writing or institutional fundraising experience
- Demonstrated ability to secure and manage grants
- Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally and cultivate collaborative relationships
- Preferred: Experience with Raiser’s Edge, youth development, or social impact organizations
- Ability to travel across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin as needed
Compensation: $60-70K
Home office is in downtown Chicago for bi-weekly meetings with fund development team. A hybrid work environment (remote 2 days and 3 days in-person).
Equal Opportunity Employer
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status
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