Foundations And Grants Manager - 13-001 - SC/ San Diego Regional - Development & Communications

The Salvation Army Southern CA Division; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California Division is seeking a Foundations and Grants Manager in San Diego County to lead foundation fundraising efforts and manage a portfolio of private, corporate, and family foundation grants. Reporting to the Divisional Foundations & Grants Director, the role will coordinate proposals, reporting, and program alignment to funder interests across San Diego County.

The position focuses on strengthening foundation relationships, identifying new funding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or proven related experience.
• 5 years’ experience in foundation relations, grant development, fundraising, nonprofit development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation funding and managing foundation relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent writing and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, analytical with strong communications and commitment to The Salvation Army mission.

Responsibilities

• Identify program needs and prospective funders; write strong grant proposals, applications and reports.
• Cultivate and steward foundation relationships; develop new relationships with prospective funders.
• Advise Corps Officers and staff by aligning program needs with funders and assisting with grant planning.
• Oversee execution of Foundations Department strategic plan with Divisional Headquarters.
• Attend conferences and grantmaker meetings and workshops.
• Oversee and report on Foundation revenue and opportunities to the Divisional Foundations & Grants Director.
• Increase grant writing capacity by providing training and guidance.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent writing

Ability to work independently

Team player

Attention to detail

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Bachelor’s degree or better

Job description

Foundations And Grants Manager - 13-001 - SC/ San Diego Regional - Development & Communications

Job Category: Community Relations & Development

Requisition Number: MANAG025111

• Posted : August 7, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Foundations and Grants Manager will report under the Divisional Foundations & Grants Director. The position will oversee a grants program that seeks annual and long-term foundation support from private, corporate and family foundations.

The Foundations and Grants Manager will manage all non-government grant proposals, applications, and reports, and will determine appropriate funding opportunities and alignment of prospects and programs for San Diego County. The position will serve as an advisor to Corps Officers, and Program Directors and staff throughout San Diego County to align current program and concepts to the interest of Foundations funders, and to address implementation of programs, needs, and guidelines, outcomes, and reporting requirements to the grantor.

The position will represent the company through relationships with Foundation representatives through cultivation and stewardship with current, lapsed, and prospective funders.

The position will also collaborate closely with DHQ & San Diego Development Department fundraisers and other departments to help leverage funding opportunities.

Pay Range

$80k/yr. - $85k/yr.

Essential Functions

• Identify program needs and prospective foundation funders; and write strong and competitive grant proposals, applications and reports, providing discretionary judgment in timing of applications and appropriate programs to apply.
• Cultivation and stewardship of Foundation Relationships. Establish contact with foundation representatives to communicate TSA’s priority funding areas as they match foundation interests. Develop new relationships with prospective funders and apply for funding as appropriate.
• Provide advice, guidance, and support for Corps Officers, Program Directors and staff by maintaining regular contact, aligning program needs with funders, and assisting with strategic grant planning. Primary liaison for Corps or Program’s independent grant-writing activities; review final proposals.
• In collaboration with Divisional Headquarters oversee execution of Foundations Department strategic plan.
• Attend relevant conferences, training and Grantmaker meetings and workshops.
• Oversee and manage Foundations revenue; provide regular reporting on revenue, and successes, challenges and opportunities to the Divisional Foundations & Grants Director.
• Increase grant writing capacity and capability for Corps and programs in San Diego by providing grants training and guidance.
• Responsible for articulating the complex macro & micro vision/mission of The Salvation Army (program, business, history, religion, legal issues & philosophy) to donors and prospects alike in a simple and clear manner with the goal of demystifying the organization’s processes and clearly establishing linkages with donors’ philanthropic interests.
• Work collaboratively with Social Services Managers, Government Contract Managers, other Development Fundraisers (i.e.: Corporate Relations Directors, Capital Campaign Director, Events Director, Donor Relations Directors) to leverage large donations and grants.
• In collaborations with the Divisional Grants and Contracts Director, research, write and track government grants for San Diego County
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or proven experience in a related field.
• 5 years’ experience in foundation relations, grant development, fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation funding and managing foundation relationships.
• Strong organizational skills, and excellent writing and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail.
• The Foundations and Grants Manager is a detail-oriented, highly motivated professional with keen analytical abilities, strong communications skills and an evident commitment to the mission and principles of The Salvation Army.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check (if applicable).
• A criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Abide by Salvation Army Policies and Procedures and have an acceptance of Salvation Army philosophy and mission.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ability to relate with others and be a team player on all levels.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better.

Experience

Required

Demonstrated Success Securing Foundation Funding And Managing Foundation Relationships.

5 years:

Minimum Experience In Foundation Relations, Grant Development, Fundraising, Nonprofit Development, Or A Related Field.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Motor Vehicle Check

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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