Manager of Institutional Giving & Strategic Projects

Position Summary

The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) seeks a highly organized, strategic, and collaborative Manager of Institutional Giving & Strategic Projects to support institutional fundraising efforts and strengthen cross-functional planning and execution. This role is responsible for developing compelling grant proposals and reports, supporting foundation relationships and grant compliance, coordinating strategic projects across departments, and helping build scalable systems that support institutional fundraising and organizational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, proactive project manager, and confident collaborator who can navigate complex organizational initiatives with professionalism and diplomacy. This individual must be comfortable holding stakeholders accountable, facilitating cross-departmental coordination, and driving projects forward while maintaining strong working relationships.

FEE is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into its fundraising, planning, and operational workflows. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about leveraging AI tools to improve writing quality, accelerate proposal development, streamline project management, enhance research, and create more efficient organizational systems.

This role reports to the Chief Development Officer and can be executed virtually within the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Institutional Giving & Strategic Communications (30%)

• Lead development of grant proposals, LOIs, concept papers, and institutional fundraising materials.
• Develop compelling, audience-specific funding narratives.
• Collaborate with leadership, programs, finance, and communications teams.
• Create scalable proposal frameworks and reusable content.

Cross-Functional Project Management (25%)

• Coordinate proposal and reporting workflows across departments.
• Establish timelines, milestones, and accountability checkpoints.
• Facilitate communication and resolve workflow bottlenecks.
• Monitor funded initiatives and reporting obligations.

Grants Management & Reporting (20%)

• Manage proposal, reporting, and compliance calendars.
• Coordinate narrative and financial reports.
• Maintain grant records and tracking systems.

Foundation Relations & Donor Support (15%)

• Support stewardship activities and foundation communications.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor-facing documentation.
• Assist development staff and leadership with institutional funder engagement.

Systems, Research & AI-Enabled Operational Improvement (10%)

• Conduct prospect research and maintain grants pipeline systems.
• Refine proposal development, document management, and workflow processes.
• Champion adoption of AI-assisted tools and workflows.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational efficiency through automation and AI.

Desired Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Assertive and confident communicator who can respectfully hold others accountable.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across departments.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive projects to completion.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Comfortable experimenting with and implementing AI tools in professional settings.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• 2-5+ years of experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, project management, nonprofit development, or related field
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience writing, editing, or reviewing persuasive proposals, reports, or donor communications
• Strong proficiency with CRM systems, productivity software, and AI-assisted work tools
• Ability to travel less than 5%; additionally, virtual candidates will be expected to come into the office ~2 times/year
• Preferred: experience securing five- and six-figure grants and familiarity with nonprofit budgeting and financial reporting

Success in This Role

• High-quality proposals and reports are consistently delivered on time.
• Institutional fundraising processes become more proactive, scalable, and efficient.
• Cross-functional initiatives are seamlessly integrated into proposal planning.
• AI tools are effectively integrated into writing, research, and project management workflows.
• Foundation partners receive excellent stewardship and support.
• Organizational stakeholders are aligned on all funding opportunities, project progress, and reporting obligations.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

• Cover letter including:
  • An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the FEE mission and how you came to those beliefs
  • Compensation requirements and travel availability
• Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.