Foundation Program Manager

Kishwaukee College; Malta Township (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution seeks a Foundation Program Manager to enhance donor engagement and manage scholarships. This role involves coordinating events, overseeing donor databases, and ensuring compliance with scholarship awards. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, with strong skills in fundraising principles and effective communication. The position may require some evening and weekend work. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting student success and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in a foundation, development, or related business function.
• Community college or higher education experience preferred.
• Ability to handle diverse responsibilities and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage donor and scholarship databases ensuring accuracy.
• Support fundraising campaign planning and implementation.
• Oversee scholarship processes and maintain communication with applicants.

Skills

Fundraising principles

Donor cultivation and stewardship

Database management

Strong communication skills

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Fundraising software

Scholarship management systems

Job description

Position Title: Foundation Program Manager

This role supports the Kishwaukee College Foundation by assisting with donor engagement and event coordination, managing scholarships, and overseeing data operations in partnership with the Executive Director of the Foundation. The Program Manager helps drive fundraising efforts and advances the College’s mission through strategic philanthropy, ensuring accurate scholarship awards and maintaining communication with donors and recipients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain donor and scholarship databases, ensuring accuracy of donor, gift, and award records, acknowledgments, and reports.
• Support the planning, development, and implementation of fundraising campaigns (annual giving, planned giving, grant support).
• Oversee the Foundation’s scholarship process, including coordination with Financial Aid and academic departments to:
  • Maintain scholarship guidelines and criteria.
  • Manage application and selection timelines.
  • Communicate with scholarship applicants and recipients.
  • Ensure donor intent is honored and funds are awarded and disbursed accurately.
  • Track fund balances, spending rates, and recipient outcomes.
• Develop and manage employee giving program.
• Manage information for donor databases.
• Provide confidential assistance to donors and College departments regarding contributions.
• Exercise independent judgment and action, making frequent decisions within delegated responsibilities.
• Serve as backup to the Director of Development.
• Assist Director of Development with other projects and tasks as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the community college and its diverse student population.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, stewardship, scholarship management, and nonprofit operations.
• Familiarity with scholarship management systems, donor software, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to interpret and apply donor criteria for accurate scholarship awards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including donor correspondence and report preparation.
• Skilled in database management, financial tracking, and use of standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite, fundraising and scholarship software).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, use discretion, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities with capacity to handle multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues, donors, students, and community partners.
• Self‑motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three (3) years of experience in a foundation, development, or related business function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Community college or higher education experience.
• Experience with scholarship management systems, donor databases, and nonprofit fundraising operations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 pounds with proper equipment.
• Light physical activity required; must be able to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in various formats.
• Primarily daytime hours with some evening and weekend work to support College events and initiatives.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kishwaukee College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act upon documented request.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation